On Friday, January 29th, President Joe Biden issued Executive Order 13998, Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel. To align with the Executive Order, the Centers for Disease Control issued an Order effective on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2021, requiring that all passengers on public conveyances, including airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis, and ride-share services, must wear a mask when boarding, disembarking, and for the duration of travel while utilizing said transportation services.
The following are attributes of masks needed to fulfill the requirements of the Order.
- A properly worn mask completely covers the nose and mouth.
- Cloth masks should be made with two layers of a breathable fabric that is tightly woven (i.e., fabrics that do not let light pass through when held up to a light source.)
- Masks should be secured to the head with ties, ear loops, or elastic bands that go behind the head. If gaiters are worn, they should have two layers of fabric or be folded to make two layers.
- Mask should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face.
- Mask should be a solid piece of material without slits, exhalation valves, or punctures.
The following do not fulfill the requirements of the Order.
- Masks worn in a way that does not cover both the mouth and nose
- Face shields or goggles (face shields or goggles may be worn to supplement a mask that meets above required attributes)
- Scarves, ski masks, balaclavas, or bandannas
- Shirt or sweater collars (e.g., turtleneck collars) pulled up over the mouth and nose.
- Masks made from loosely woven fabric or that are knitted, i.e., fabrics that let light pass through
- Masks made from materials that are hard to breathe through (such as vinyl, plastic, or leather)
- Masks containing slits, exhalation valves, or punctures
- Masks that do not fit properly (large gaps, too loose or too tight)
The City of DeKalb and Transdev appreciate your support and attention to this important matter.