If you plan on catching a ride on a Habersham County Transit bus, make sure you’re wearing a mask. The county announced Friday it’s implementing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mask mandate announced Jan. 29.
Anyone using public transportation must now wear a mask. That includes passengers on airplanes, buses, ferries, rideshares, subways, taxis, and trains. The order also applies in transportation hubs such as airports, railway stations, bus terminals, ports, and marinas.
According to the CDC Order, face masks should cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly against the sides without gaps. Masks can be either manufactured or homemade and should be a solid piece of material without slits, exhalation valves, or punctures, according to the CDC website. Medical masks and N-95 respirators may be used, but face shields and/or goggles may not be used without a mask.
The mandate does not affect private passenger vehicles used for personal use.
On Jan. 31, the Transportation Security Administration issued a directive to support enforcement of the CDC Order. While it’s not clear how that directive will be enforced locally, the TSA is recommending fines ranging from $250 for a first offense and up to $1,500 for repeat offenders.
“Aggravating” or “mitigating” factors could result in higher penalties, the TSA said.
