Washington – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Wednesday it will expand its offering nationwide. mask requirement for airline passengers and public transportation through May 3, citing the need to assess the impact of a new variant of coronavirus that is causing most COVID-19 infections in the U.S.
The mask’s term was due to expire on April 18, but the Biden administration will maintain the requirement for a further 15 days amid the increase in cases caused by the new BA.2 underline of the Omicron variant, which constitutes more than 85% of infections in the US.
“In order to assess the potential impact of the increase in cases on serious illness, including hospitalizations and deaths, and the capacity of the health care system, the CDC’s order will remain in effect at this time.” say the CDC in a statement.
The decision to keep the term in force in early May comes as Republican lawmakers and executives of the country’s major airlines pushed the Biden administration to lift the masking requirements due to falling cases.
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