World News: US to extend transit mask mandate through May 3 amid Covid surge – Gulf Digital News

World News: US to extend transit mask mandate through May 3 amid Covid surge – Gulf Digital News

President Joe Biden's administration plans to extend by 15 days a US mandate requiring travellers to wear masks on aeroplanes, trains and in transit hubs, three sources briefed on the matter told Reuters.

Industry groups and Republican lawmakers want the administration to immediately end the 14-month-old mask mandate. The latest extension would keep the requirements, which had been set to expire April 18, in place through May 3 amid an increase in Covid-19 cases. A formal announcement is expected later on Wednesday.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) first issued a public health order requiring masks in interstate transportation and at transit hubs, including aeroplanes, mass transit, taxis, ride-share vehicles and trains effective in February 2021. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued a security directive to enforce the CDC order.

Both the CDC and TSA mask requirements have been repeatedly extended.

One of the sources briefed on the matter, speaking on the condition of anonymity, noted the uptick in Covid-19 cases. The extension, the source said, will give the CDC time "to assess the potential impact, the rise of cases has on severe disease, including hospitalisations and deaths, and health care system capacity."

New White House Covid-19 response coordinator Ashish Jha said