CDC reissues recommendation for masks on public transportation as cases rise
May 5, 2022, 12:03 PM | Updated: Jun 10, 2022, 11:08 pm
SALT LAKE CITY — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is repeating its recommendation that masks be worn on places like planes, trains, buses, and other transportation hubs.
This comes after a court order struck down the federal transportation mask mandate in April.
The CDC says its recommendation is based on current data, including current trends in COVID-19 community levels throughout the U.S., as well as projected COVID-19 trends in the coming months.
Dr. Leisha Nolen, Utah’s epidemiologist, said the state is starting to see a slow uptick in more COVID-19 cases.
When riding in a train, bus, or plane, Nolen said those kinds of enclosed spaces that tend to be crowded with other people are times when considering wearing a mask is a good idea.
“It’s something I do think is a reasonable choice — to wear a mask, make sure you stay healthy, and don’t have to take some days laying at home,” she said.
Nolen said the virus keeps changing, and as it changes, people who have already gotten the virus can get it again.
The CDC also encourages operators of public transportation and transportation hubs to support everyone masking up, including employees.