CDC extends federal mandate to transport masks for another 15 | News | Times

CDC extends federal mandate to transport masks for another 15 days

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention plans to extend the federal mandate for transporting masks for an additional 15 days through early May. The mandate now expires May 3.

An administration spokesman said the purpose of the extension was to gather more information and understanding of the BA.2 coronavirus variant.

"Since early April, the 7-day moving average number of cases in the U.S. has increased. To assess the potential impact of the increase in cases on serious illness, including hospitalizations and deaths, as well as health care system capacity, CDC recommends that TSA extend the safety directive to ensure the use of masks on public transportation and transportation hubs, for 15 days, through May 3, 2022," the official said.