State Drops Transit Mask Requirement After Federal Mandate Struck Down
SACRAMENTO (CBS SF) -- California will no longer require masks on public transit and at transit hubs like bus stops and airports following the federal mask mandate for transit being struck down this week.
California Department of Public Health Director and state Public Health Officer Dr. Tomas Aragon said in a statement Wednesday that the state has modified its masking guidance to align with that of federal health officials.
"Going forward, California will strongly recommend masks on all public transportation and in transit hubs, including bus and train stations, ferry terminals and airports," Aragon said. "These crowded settings should be considered high risk and may often not have adequate ventilation, an additional layer of protection against the virus."
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Transit agencies across the state have scrambled this week to determine their immediate masking policies after a U.S. district court judge on Monday struck down the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's mask requirement for public transit and airplanes.
The CDC had previously announced an extension of the mandate through May 3 to allow more time to study the omicron subvariant BA.2, which now comprises more than 85 percent of COVID-19 cases in the U.S.
Federal officials have said they are considering appealing the district court judge's ruling, but have yet to announce a formal decision.
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority dropped its mask mandate Wednesday for riders and employees, as did the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District.
VTA officials said masks will still be strongly recommended on buses, light rail and paratransit vehicles, but that they will not be required by the agency.
SFMTA also announced on Wednesday that effective midnight, masks would be recommended but no longer required on Muni buses and streetcars as well as taxis and paratransit.
Following guidance from @CAPublicHealth, @SF_DPH, and the @FTA_DOT, effective at midnight, tonight, masks are recommended but no longer required in any SFMTA facilities or #SFMuni vehicles. This also includes paratransit and taxis. 1/5
— SFMTA (@sfmta_muni) April 20, 2022
Caltrain announced it would follow the state's recommendations late Wednesday afternoon.
Following Federal and State direction Caltrain recommends but no longer requires the use of masks. We will continue to monitor any future federal, state or local directives.
— Caltrain (@Caltrain) April 20, 2022
While masks are no longer required, guests can and are strongly encouraged to continue wearing them. https://t.co/T8XHtjbSly
BART also announced that masks are now optional but strongly encouraged. The BART Twitter post additionally noted that the BART Board would consider a proposal requiring masks on the system next week.
There are no longer any federal, state, or local directives enabling a mask mandate at BART. The state just terminated their order.
— BART (@SFBART) April 20, 2022
Masks are now optional/strongly encouraged on BART.
However, our Board will consider a proposal to REQUIRE MASKS on BART at their 4/28 meeting.
Other Bay Area transit agencies, including Solano County Transit have also said they will either keep their own mask mandates for the time being or wait for more guidance from state and federal health officials.
Aragon noted in his statement that high-quality masks continue to be an effective method of preventing the spread and contraction of COVID.
"We continue to monitor federal action on this issue and will announce any additional changes to state policies as needed," he said.