USDOT’s ‘Mask Up’ campaign launches
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) launched the “Mask Up” campaign late last week to promote safety of transportation workers. The campaign is a joint effort with the Federal Aviation, Motor Carrier Safety, Railroad and Transit Administrations across all forms of transportation. The centerpiece of the campaign is a digital toolkit including posters, social media, FAQs and other resources.
“Throughout the pandemic, transportation workers have played a vital role connecting Americans to their jobs, keeping goods moving and ensuring that vaccines get to where they’re needed,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “With this campaign, we’ll send a clear message to people who travel: When you wear a mask, you’re protecting the safety of our essential transportation workers, your fellow passengers and yourself.”
In January, President Joe Biden signed an Executive Order requiring proper face coverings be used on transportation modes.
Specifically, the order states: “…COVID-19 Response Coordinator, in coordination with the Secretary of Transportation and the heads of any other relevant agencies, shall promptly identify and inform agencies of options to incentivize, support and encourage widespread mask-wearing and physical distancing on public modes of transportation, consistent with CDC guidelines and applicable law.”
USDOT notes the campaign is aimed at educating travelers and transportation providers on their responsibility to comply with wearing a mask when traveling. Wearing a mask on all public transportation, including buses, trains, airplanes and ferries, and while at all transportation hubs, helps protect essential workers. There is a national requirement to wear a mask while traveling, per the order issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the current Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Directive and failure to comply with the requirement can result in civil penalties.
All transportation operators are required to make sure their passengers are complying with the new masking requirements during boarding, riding and disembarking. A mask covers the mouth and nose and secures via ear loops, ties or elastic bands. Further guidance on acceptable masks can be found on the CDC webpage. Information regarding exemptions, including brief removal for eating, drinking and taking medication, can be found in more detail as well. And travelers should consult the CDC’s travel webpage for the latest guidance before traveling.
Frequently asked questions, social media messaging, graphics and more resources can be found on USDOT’s “Mask Up” webpage.
