The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an Federal Public Health Order on Friday requiring all persons to wear a mask over their mouth and nose on all forms of public transportation and ride sharing services. To top it all off, refusal to wear an acceptable face covering is now considered a violation of federal law. According to the CDC website:
The following attributes are additionally acceptable as long as masks meet the requirements above.
- Masks can be either manufactured or homemade.
- Masks can be reusable or disposable.
- Masks can have inner filter pockets.
- Clear masks or cloth masks with a clear plastic panel may be used to facilitate communication with people who are hearing impaired or others who need to see a speaker’s mouth to understand speech.
- Medical masks and N-95 respirators fulfill the requirements of the Order.
The following do not fulfill the requirements of the Order.
- Masks worn in a way that does not cover both the mouth and nose
- Face shields or goggles (face shields or goggles may be worn to supplement a mask that meets above required attributes)
- Scarves, ski masks, balaclavas, or bandannas
- Shirt or sweater collars (e.g., turtleneck collars) pulled up over the mouth and nose.
- Masks made from loosely woven fabric or that are knitted, i.e., fabrics that let light pass through
- Masks made from materials that are hard to breathe through (such as vinyl, plastic or leather)
- Masks containing slits, exhalation valves, or punctures
- Masks that do not fit properly (large gaps, too loose or too tight)
Failure to follow these guidelines will result in a Federal Crime. Face shields must have a cloth mask underneath it. There is no way to tell how many of our low income citizens will become federal criminals due to this new order. We are certain it will not affect those that can afford their own car. This will apply to all ride sharing services as well, but not to personal vehicles for personal use or military services.
