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TSA to enforce mask requirements in all U.S. airports & throughout transportation network

TSA coronavirus protections
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(WXYZ) — The Transportation Security Administration will be enforcing mask requirements for all individuals over the age of 2 in all U.S. airports and throughout the transportation network.

According to a press release from the TSA, the requirement begins on Feb. 2 and will be in place until May 11, 2021.

“TSA will fully comply with the President’s Executive Orders, CDC guidance and the DHS National Emergency determination to ensure healthy and secure travel across all transportation sectors. This will help prevent further spread of COVID-19 and encourage a unified government response,” said Darby LaJoye, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the TSA Administrator, in a press release. “As we continue to experience impacts from this pandemic, we are committed to this measure as the right thing to do for the TSA workforce, for our industry stakeholders and for passengers.”

Travelers may be asked to lower their mask briefly so officers can verify their identities at various points.

The mask mandate is applied to airports, airplanes with inbound flights to U.S. ports of entry and surface transportation modes like bus systems.

The TSA said passengers who refuse to wear masks may be "denied entry, boarding, or continued transport."

TSA Cares can provide assistance to passengers with disabilities or medical conditions. Passengers are asked to call the helpline 72 hours prior to traveling: 855-787-2227.

More information about the TSA face mask requirements can be found here.

Additional Coronavirus information and resources:

View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.

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