As part of his effort to ensure the use of masks against the coronavirus pandemic, President Joe Biden issued two executive orders on Thursday that make them mandatory in federal buildings and public transportation, leaving implementation to states and cities. of its own measures within its powers.
[Coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic continues]
Within his action plan against COVID-19, Biden has prioritized the use of the mask after the
disdain shown by his predecessor, Donald Trump,
who considered the measure unnecessary, a sign of weakness or ridiculousness, thus contradicting the recommendations of scientists and healthcare personnel from around the world, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
"It's our best medical tool," Ali Mokdad, an epidemiologist at the University of Washington, told The Washington Post.
"It
can save hundreds of thousands of lives
without the need for surgery or drugs, without side effects, and readily available to everyone," he added.
Biden Says COVID-19 Death Toll May Hit 500,000 in February
Jan. 22, 202101: 39
Building on Biden's executive orders, we explain where a mask will be mandatory from now on.
Public transportation and interstate travel
One of the executive orders signed by Biden establishes the use of masks in airports, airplanes, trains, maritime transportation, buses that make interstate trips and public transport.
However, it
is
still
unknown when
the measure
will
take effect and how strict its implementation will be.
The measure is limited to interstate travel because that is where the CDC has jurisdiction.
Although most airlines already required the use of masks inside the planes, it has been their employees who have borne the responsibility of implementing the measure, despite the aggressive reactions of many passengers.
["We will be transparent and honest": Fauci promises about Biden's team against the pandemic]
According to a study by the Harvard School of Public Health, the use of the mask, mixed with the ventilation and filtration systems used in airplanes, reduces the risk of transmission to
less than 1%
.
"If everyone wears a mask, the risks of transmission are greatly reduced. And there have been many studies on it," says Leonard Marcus, director of the initiative, to the public radio station NPR.
"And that is particularly applicable on an airplane because we are very close to each other," he added.
Added to this measure is the order that all travelers arriving in the United States from abroad submit a negative COVID-19 test and quarantine.
They will require negative COVID-19 tests for travelers arriving in the United States
Jan. 13, 202100: 33
Federal buildings and land
To protect federal workers and ensure the continuity of government services, federal employees and contractors, as well as everyone in federal buildings or grounds, should keep their distance, wear face masks, and follow other preventive measures.
Heads of executive departments and federal agencies must take immediate action to ensure compliance with the CDC's recommendations on the use of masks, pursuant to an executive order.
[Fauci admits that it is "liberating" to talk "about what the science says" about COVID-19 with the endorsement of Biden]
There may be exceptions to this rule, depending on the order, in which case federal agencies must ensure that other measures are followed, such as maintaining social distance, increasing diagnostic tests, or reconfiguring workspaces.
This order, according to The Washington Post newspaper, could force the use of masks to Republican congressmen, who previously have refused to follow this measure.
With information from The Washington Post, NPR.
