Local News

CDC now recommends masking on public transportation

If you're planning to board a plane, bus, or train anytime soon the CDC still wants you to mask up.

Posted Updated

By
Aaron Thomas
, WRAL reporter
RALEIGH, N.C. — If you’re planning to board a plane, bus, or train anytime soon the CDC still wants you to mask up.

The agency revealed the latest recommendation today, despite a court ruling in April that struck down a national mask mandate on public transportation.

If passed by a GoRaleigh city bus, you’ll still see "mask required" signs on it, yet their website says face coverings are "recommended". Guidance that happens to be in line with a new recommendation coming from the CDC today.

Passengers told WRAL News the guidance is confusing and at this point, they’re doing what makes them feel comfortable.

Paul parker said it takes some getting used to the latest guidance from the CDC on public transportation and mask-wearing.

"I think we were happy to do it for a while," said Parker. "If we’re asked to go back and do it again that might be trickier."

Parker just arrived from the UK and saw firsthand how tricky it can be.

"On the plane: no masks whatsoever," said Parker "Then we get into JFK and suddenly you have to wear a mask."

The same can be seen on city buses. Drivers fully masked, but some passengers doing as they please.

Health officials made the recommendation in response to the current spread of the virus across the country and to brace for potential surges.

Dr. Emily Sickbert-Bennett, director of infection prevention at UNC Medical Center, supports the use of mask-wearing as more people prepare to travel more, and to stay healthy year-round.

"We’re not nearly seeing the number of cases that we were back in January, but we are also not at the lowest level either," said Sickbert-Bennett. "Beyond COVID, we’re seeing a huge resurgence of lots of other respiratory viruses as well. They might not be as dramatic as COVID."

Most travelers told WRAL News they’ll wear the mask based on their environment.

"I think you try and find the middle ground that works for you," said Parker.

The CDC had asked the Justice Department to appeal the decision to end the national mask mandate, which the department did.

We’re still waiting to find out the status of that appeal.

Related Topics

 Credits 

Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.