Washington (CNN) – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Sunday that Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees now have the authority to enforce President Joe Biden’s order for the use of face masks in transportation “at TSA checkpoints and in the entire public and commercial transportation system. “
Acting Secretary David Pekoske signed a national emergency resolution on Sunday, saying the TSA can “take action in accordance with the authorities” in its federal jurisdiction to enforce the mask-wearing order issued by the Centers for Control. And the US Disease Prevention (CDC)) on Friday night.
This includes supporting CDC in fulfilling orders or other requirements necessary to protect the transportation system, including passengers and employees, from COVID-19 and to limit the spread of COVID-19 through the transportation system., As appropriate and in accordance with applicable law, ”wrote Pekoske.
The CDC order issued last week requires people to wear a face mask while using any form of public transportation, including onboard planes, trains, buses, boats, subways, taxis, and carpooling, as well as at airports and other transportation hubs . The order will take effect next Monday at 11:59 PM.
The TSA said in a press release on Sunday that unmasked passengers “may be denied entry, boarding or continued transportation” and that failure to comply with the mask requirement could result in fines.
“TSA will be in full compliance with the president’s presidential decisions, CDC guidelines and DHS’s National Emergency provision to ensure healthy and safe travel in all transportation sectors,” said Darby LaJoye, the senior official who serves as administrator of the TSA, in a statement Sunday night.
This will help prevent further spread of Covid-19 and promote a unified government response. As we continue to experience the consequences of this pandemic, we are committed to making this the right move for TSA staff, our industry stakeholders and passengers.
The Pekoske Directive underscores the Biden government’s cautious approach to the virus and is another example of how it is looking for ways to limit its spread. Although it is possible to catch COVID-19 on board an aircraft, the chances are relatively small, according to experts.
The TSA said on Sunday that people without a mask “will be asked to wear or purchase one to continue” through the security screening process. “Depending on the circumstances, those who refuse to wear a mask may face a civil fine for circumventing investigative requirements, hindering investigators, or a combination of these violations,” the agency said.
The CDC order, signed by the director of the agency’s Global Migration and Quarantine division, says people should wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth while on public transit and while waiting for their transportation. The mask should have at least two or more layers of breathable fabric and should be attached to the head with cords, loops or elastic bands.
Masks must also fit properly and must not have exhalation valves or perforations. If someone chooses to wear a cover, it should be done with two layers of fabric or folded in half to have two layers. Face shields and goggles can complement a mask, according to the order, but cannot be used in place of a mask. Scarves and bandanas do not meet this new requirement, which exempts children under the age of two or people with disabilities who cannot wear a mask.
The CDC said it reserves the right to enforce the warrant through criminal penalties, but “encourages and anticipates widespread voluntary compliance” and expects support from other federal agencies to enforce it.
Shortly after taking office earlier this month, Biden signed an ordinance requiring interstate travelers to wear a mask, and on his first day in office challenged Americans to wear a mask for 100 days to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
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CNN’s Jen Christensen contributed to this report.