As a result of ongoing discussions between NATA, industry groups, and federal agencies,CDC announced it will be revising its Face Masks Order to not require people to wear masks in outdoor areas of conveyances or while outdoors on the premises of transportation hubs. Until the Order can be amended, the CDC will exercise its enforcement discretion to not require wearing a mask in those outdoor areas.
Please note:
- The change will align the Order with current guidance for fully vaccinated people. CDC continues to recommend the wearing of masks by those who are not fully vaccinated.
- Existing exemptions or exclusions of the Order are not affected by the announcement.
- The CDC is requesting that Federal partners and any cooperating state and local entities exercise similar enforcement discretion. Subject to how other federal partners and state and local entities define “outdoors,” CDC understands “outdoors” to refer to any open-air area.
- Conveyance operators must continue to require all people onboard to wear masks when boarding and disembarking, and for the duration of travel. Operators of transportation hubs must require all persons to wear a mask when entering or while located in the indoor premises of a transportation hub.
CDC has indicated that it will further evaluate the requirements of its Order and determine whether additional changes may be warranted. To assist in these evaluations, NATA will continue to participate in discussions with the agencies to highlight the unique operating environments and needs of its members. As the CDC revises its Face Masks Order, the Association will also review the Safety 1st Clean Standard and make appropriate changes to align with updated guidance.
If you have any questions, please contact NATA at covid@nata.aero.
For general press inquiries, contact Shannon Chambers at 703-298-1347 or schambers@nata.aero.
The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has been the voice of aviation business for more than 80 years. Representing nearly 3,700 aviation businesses, NATA’s member companies provide a broad range of services to general aviation, the airlines and the military and NATA serves as the public policy group representing the interests of aviation businesses before Congress and the federal agencies.