Why Are We Still Requiring Masks?
July 22, 2021
ICYMI Masks must [still] be worn on SEPTA vehicles, indoor terminals, stations, and transit hubs and all indoor administrative facilities (shops, districts, offices etc.).
This requirement is NOT a SEPTA decision.
It is a federal mandate from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
Some Mask Milestones:
On January 21, 2021 the President of the United States issued a Presidential Executive Order requiring all Americans, including the millions of people employed in the transportation industry, to implement the health and safety measures identified by the CDC to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. This Executive Order included the requirement for all Americans to wear masks.
On January 29, 2021 the CDC issued an order specifically regarding mask wearing while traveling on transit conveyances and at transportation hubs.
On June 10, 2021 the CDC updated their mask order guidance as it related to mask wearing in outdoor environments by no longer requiring that a mask be worn in the following situations:
- while outdoors on conveyances (if such outdoor areas exist on the conveyances)
- while outdoors at transportation hubs
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) both issued orders supporting the CDC Order that masks must be worn in transportation environments.
While many States, Municipalities, and Cities have relaxed their COVID-19 mitigation requirements, including mask wearing, these changes do not supersede the Federal requirements listed above. As such, per Federal requirements, masks must be worn on SEPTA vehicles, indoor terminals, stations, and transit hubs and all indoor administrative facilities (shops, districts, offices etc.).
Currently, these federal mandates do not expire until September 13, 2021. If the CDC, TSA, and FRA changes their mask requirements for transportation conveyances, SEPTA will update our requirements accordingly.
