TSA Extends Mask Requirement Until April 18 For Airports And Aircraft

TAMPA BAY, FL — The Transportation Security Administration has extended the mask directive for airports and aircraft for one more month, according to a TSA statement released Thursday.

The security directive will remain in place until April 18 as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention works with government agencies to “help inform a revised policy framework for when, and under what circumstances, masks should be required in the public transportation corridor,” the statement said.

Last month, the CDC relaxed its guidance on indoor masking requirements in response to declining COVID-19 cases across the country. According to the new guidance, nearly 70 percent of the U.S. population lives in areas considered low or medium risk.

However, the guidance did not change for those traveling on commercial aircraft or through airports, including Tampa International Airport and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, as well as other transportation hubs which are still under a federal order requiring masks indoors.

Until the federal order is lifted, masks continue to be mandatory for all employees, passengers and guests at airports. Guests requiring face masks may pick up disposable face masks free of charge at guest services.

There are exemptions to the face mask requirement for travelers under the age of 2 years old and those with certain disabilities.

Those violating the orders may face fines.

This press release was produced by the Tampa International Airport. The views expressed here are the author’s own.