Travel Tips Tuesday: To Mask or Not to Mask?

Although mask requirements and recommendations in the U.S. have eased over the last few weeks, as of June 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still states that masks should be worn any time you are traveling on a plane, bus, train, or other form of public transportation. That includes traveling into, within, or out of the U.S. and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations.

Even though masks may not be necessary in the future, today they are just as important as ever to stop the spread of germs and disease. So this Tuesday, we’re bringing you quick tips, and the latest recommendations on when you should wear a mask in order to keep you and your family safe. For more information, always visit the CDC’s website directly at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

The Highlights:

• When you wear a mask, you protect others as well as yourself. Masks work best when everyone wears one.

• A mask is NOT a substitute for social distancing.

• Masks should completely cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly against the sides of face without gaps.

• Masks should be worn any time you are traveling on a plane, bus, train, or other form of public transportation, including airports.

• People aged 2 and older should wear masks in public settings.

• Masks may not be necessary when outside by yourself away from others.

If You Are Fully Vaccinated

You are considered fully vaccinated:

• 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or

• 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine

If you don’t meet these requirements, regardless of your age, you are NOT fully vaccinated. Keep taking all precautions until you are fully vaccinated.

• You can resume activities without wearing a mask or staying 6 feet apart, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.