"Experts urge continued mask wearing on public transportation"
Teen Vogue interviewed Dr. Shira Shafir about the risks of dropping the national mask mandate for transportation in the U.S.
In a statement, the CDC said that “at this time an order requiring masking in the indoor transportation corridor remains necessary for the public health. CDC will continue to monitor public health conditions to determine whether such an order remains necessary. CDC believes this is a lawful order, well within CDC’s legal authority to protect public health.”
Just last week, U.S. health officials extended the public transportation mask mandate to May 3, citing that they needed time to assess the recent increase in COVID-19 cases. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said in response to the repeal of masks on public transport, “This is obviously a disappointing decision” — and it’s one that has the power to affect the health and wellbeing of children, as well as immunocompromised people, the elderly, and other at-risk groups first.
“I absolutely advise continuing to wear a mask while in public spaces, which includes all forms of public transportation,” Dr. Shira Shafir, Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Community Health Sciences at UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, tells Teen Vogue. “A high quality mask, such as an N95, KN95, KF94 or surgical mask helps to protect you from getting infected and it protects those around you. That's why the CDC continues to recommend it as well.”
Faculty Referenced by this Article
Dr. Joseph Davey is an infectious disease epidemiologist with over 20 years' experience leading research on HIV/STI services for women and children.
Robert J. Kim-Farley, MD, MPH, is a Professor-in-Residence with joint appointments in the Departments of Epidemiology and Community Health Sciences
Assistant Dean for Research & Adjunct Associate Professor of Community Health Sciences
Professor of Community Health Sciences & Health Policy and Management, and Associate Dean for Research
Director of Field Studies and Applied Professional Training
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