US DOT to Distribute Almost 100 Million Masks
Most will go to airports, the rest to rail and transit agencies to supplement personal masks travelers provide
The US Department of Transportation has announced plans to distribute nearly 100 million cloth face coverings to airports, passenger rail services and transit agencies. About 86.8 million of the face coverings will be sent to airports, with 9.6 million going to 458 transit agencies and Amtrak for passenger use.
Having the face coverings available will help boost public confidence “as we begin to resume our normal lives,” according to Elain Chao, secretary of transportation. Previously more than 15 million face coverings were distributed to the transportation sector to protect critical infrastructure workers.
According to an announcement, passengers are still responsible for providing their own facial covering in keeping with existing guidance from airlines and other parties. The face coverings provided by DOT are intended to be supplemental and availability in any location is not guaranteed.
