Kuwait- US to extend wearing masks mandate in public

(MENAFN - Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) WASHINGTON, April 30 (KUNA) - The US Transportation Security Administration announced Friday that it will extend a federal mandate that requires people to wear masks in transportation settings, including at airports, on commercial aircraft and on commuter bus and rail systems, through September 13th.The initial requirement went into effect Feb. 1 and was set to expire May 11th."The federal mask requirement throughout the transportation system seeks to minimize the spread of COVID-19 on public transportation," Darby LaJoye, the senior official performing the duties of the TSA administrator, said in a statement."About half of all adults have at least one vaccination shot and masks remain an important tool in defeating this pandemic." TSA officials said the extension of the face mask requirement is consistent with updated policies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Children under two and those with certain disabilities are exempt from the mask requirement, but others could face penalties if they refuse to comply. Under current TSA rules, penalties for noncompliance start at USD 250 and increase to USD 1,500 for repeat offenders. (end) asj.mb MENAFN30042021000071011013ID1102008985