The travel mask regulations have been lifted. Where do we go from here?

Last month, I boarded a plane in New York to visit my mother and stepmother in Florida. We celebrated his 86th birthday as best we could; both have limitations in common for people of their age. I planned my visit carefully, traveling while Covid prices were falling. I tested at home before departure. I am very happy to wear an N95 mask for the flight. (I happily wore a neon hazmat suit and ski goggles to keep my family safe.)

We spent a beautiful couple of days outside in the sun, each with their own signature drink: a soft drink for me, a Diet Coke for my stepfather and for my mother, “a coffee.” decaf iced coffee with a lotta ice cream and two Splendas. ”

Every moment is like borrowed time.

I don’t know when I’ll be able to safely see them again without having to drive for a day straight. On Monday, a federal judge in Florida struck down Masks are required by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on public transport such as planes, trains, and buses. The Biden administration is consider decision to evaluate legal options. Meanwhile, airlines were quick to announce that they were no longer requiring face masks; Delta even describes Covid as “a common seasonal virus. The travelers described hearing the policy change announcement when they were boarding or mid-flight.

But this isn’t just about planes or my ability to visit elderly parents. Millions of people use public transport, such as subways, buses and trains, to get to work every day. They have no other way to get to work, and they need to put food on the table and a roof over their family’s head. Many children use public transport to get to school; Patients need medical appointments. In some regions, basically everyone uses public transport; elsewhere, it is disproportionately used by the poor and people of color.

Fortunately, the transportation authorities in New York City, Boston and San Francisco Bay Area have said they will continue to ask for masks. But other agencies, like New Jersey Transitdoing optional masking.

There’s a lot to be said about Monday’s decision. It was released by a very inexperienced person judgment deemed unqualified by the American Bar Association. Research shows that just masking yourself isn’t enough, and that universal mask provides the most protection. Monday’s decision will accelerate the spread of Covid, prolong the pandemic and cause long-term illness and disability. With Covid rates rising, thousands could die as a result.

This situation is the product of a system that breaks down in too many ways to list; The solution would require everything from court reform to ending Senate squabbles to fully funding public education.

However, I will leave eloquent expressions of anger to others. I’m Gen X. Basically, I can’t afford to linger too long to find out what the world should be like. I quickly moved on to alternatives and next best options. It’s a defect or a superpower, depending on your point of view.

So where do we go from here?

Cities and states should maintain mandatory mask requirements for public transport they control, relaxing the mandate only when all Covid measures show it’s safe. The federal judge’s decision is about the authority of the CDC, not about the powers of state or local transit agencies. Cities should continue to require masks to be worn during transit and at airports, train stations and bus stops under their control. Such measures would protect travelers, as well as transport, restaurants, retailers, cleaners and other workers.

In areas where such action is highly unlikely, instead of giving only mask option service, transportation companies can refuse an all or nothing model by offering some All trips on each route are required to wear a mask. That way, they can continue to make travel accessible to all, including those with high levels of vulnerability to Covid and unwanted family members. endanger them.

Providing some mandatory masking options seems logistically insurmountable. Airlines may designate certain flights – for example, the first flight of the day – to be required to wear a mask. Long-distance buses can do the same. This will allow those prioritizing trips that need masks to be able to choose that option.

Amtrak has long had a smooth ride. Lord, help anyone who can hear the sigh clearly in that car. (Want to talk about cancellation culture? Try answering your phone in a quiet car.) Amtrak, commuter trains, and the universal mask-free subway system can designate carriages. easy to identify on every train – like the first and last car – where a mask is required.

Providing several options where masks are required will make travel accessible to everyone. People with health conditions and disabilities should in fact not be prohibited from traveling or forced to risk their health to carry out their daily lives.

There may also be legal concerns. The Americans with Disabilities Act protect people with disabilities in transportation and require their access. Making only unacceptable choices could be a pending lawsuit.

There is a business argument for providing mandatory masking options, as there could be strong demand for this service. A lot of people are medically vulnerable for one reason or another; They also have families that care about them. Generally cautious and health-conscious people who simply want to avoid a disease that can cause disability and death. More people will seek to book safer travel. Recent polls show that more than half of the respondents would like to have the duty to wear a mask when they travel. Meeting these needs would be a wise strategic decision.

To be sure, people can still wear N95 masks even on trips without masks. But that is not the same as the common mask. If the propagation of invisible particles in the air is too difficult to imagine, check cartoon illustration of “The Urine Test.” If a guy looks at someone else, the best outcome for everyone is if they’re both wearing pants.

Unfortunately, providing one or several trips per day with required masks will not eliminate the Covid risk for transport workers. As a result of Monday’s decision, the workplace accessibility of flight attendants, train workers, bus drivers, etc. has skyrocketed. Our country’s treatment of consumables has been a horrifying constant throughout this entire pandemic. Supreme Court ensure vaccine or vaccine testing duties of the Occupational Safety and Health Administrationbut perhaps OSHA can take action here regarding masking requirements.

(This is where I also note the colossal stupidity of creating a situation in which a transport worker falls ill if the goal is to resume the regular functioning of the transport network. The UK found out. that it’s fast enough like travel fall into chaos because too many workers are sick.)

In the meantime, at the very least, companies should get the average score and create an option for passengers who want to travel who need to wear a mask. It’s the smart and right thing to do.

If that happens, I will be planning my next trip south. At least one more time, I want to enjoy our seltzer, Diet Coke and decaf iced coffee. With lotta ice cream and two Splendas.

at Blogtuan.info – Source: nbcnews.com – Read the original article here