Mask rules for air-travel and trains to be decided soon

As the mask mandates are being lifted from multiple states, there are questions coming up for masking when commuting

The federal requirement to wear a mask on aeroplanes and trains is to expire next week. The Republican lawmakers are requesting the Biden administration not to extend the mandate. However, multiple aspects are being considered to create a safe framework to control the spread of COVID-19.

As previously discussed (in this post), the asylum limitations had been removed, and stringent COVID protocols had been prepared for the refugee shelters. Therefore, the Republicans believe that similar ideologies could be followed to ensure a safe travel environment. However, there are many concerns regarding this as the sheer number of people travelling is exponentially greater than the number of people seeking asylum in the United States.

Therefore, the extension of the mask mandate is still on the table. However, the lawmakers are not sure on whether they will be able to lift the whole mandate effectively.

Moreover, the mask mandate is the most "visible" restriction that the government has placed against COVID. Removal of the policy would also have effects that are not objective; henceforth, it will prove to be an issue in the long run. Taking the mask off creates a symbolic image of "victory" against COVID - which tends to ease people's minds. However, as COVID is a persistent disease, we cannot afford the entire country to behave like COVID does not exist. This is one of the most significant long-run concerns, succumbing to which can be detrimental.

Therefore, multiple aspects are being evaluated to understand whether or not the Biden Administration will extend the mandate next Monday. I will keep you informed about the latest developments on the mandates and break down what it means for us.