In an effort to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the federal government has announced that it will be distributing almost 100 million face coverings to airports, train stations and public transit services across the country. The masks will be available for passengers to use.
"This Administration is committed to protecting our people and reopening the economy," said Elaine L. Chao, the U.S. Transportation Secretary, in an official statement last week. "Distributing these facial coverings will help boost public confidence as we begin to resume our normal lives."
The effort is a collaboration between the Department of Transportation, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Homeland Security.
Although all passengers are being asked to bring their own face coverings while traveling, the government intends to give out approximately 86.8 million masks to airports, 9.6 million ones to Amtrak and 458 other transit agencies, all in addition to the previously sent out 15 million face coverings for critical employees within the transportation sector.
The initiative follows a slew of implemented changes on airlines and train companies made public throughout the past few weeks. However, although the transit industry is urging travelers to wear masks while on trips, face covering demands have yet to become federal requirements.
If you happen not to be able to get your hands on one of these government-sponsored face coverings, worry not: face mask vending machines are popping up in airports across the country as well.
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