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Masks are now optional on public transportation. But is it safe for you to go maskless?


Published on 2025-04-19 06:21:34 - wjla
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  • Reaction to the lifting of the federal transportation mask mandate ranged from celebration to concern to confusion - and 7News is on your side trying to help clear up the confusion part. Although the mandate has been lifted, wearing masks is still recommended by the CDC and Metro when riding transportation and using transit stations and hubs. "Metro moving towards optional mask wearing is in no way a statement against wearing a mask," said Theresa Impastato, chief safety officer for Metro.

The article discusses the recent change in mask mandates on public transportation in the U.S., following a court ruling that struck down the federal mask mandate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had recommended masks on public transit to curb the spread of COVID-19, but with the mandate lifted, masks are now optional on systems like the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro). Dr. Theresa Impastato from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine commented on the safety of going maskless, noting that while the risk of transmission on public transit remains, it is relatively low if individuals are vaccinated and boosted. She emphasized personal responsibility and awareness of one's health status and the community's vulnerability, suggesting that masks should still be worn by those who are immunocompromised or in areas with high transmission rates.

Read the Full wjla Article at:
[ https://wjla.com/news/coronavirus/masks-optional-public-transportation-safe-to-go-maskless-cdc-metro-johns-hopkins-university-school-of-medicine-theresa-impastato ]