What CDC’s Latest Mask Announcement Means to Me

Last week, the CDC stated fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. We have received a number of queries about the CDC announcement, particularly the guidance that states vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks when indoors.

So what does this mean for your tours and your passengers?

The loosened guidelines do not apply to airports, airplanes, trains and fixed route and scheduled service buses, where federal rules still require all travelers to wear masks. This directive comes from the TSA mandate, which also states that travelers are required to wear masks in bus and rail stations as well as airports. This rule is in place until Sept. 14, 2021, unless or until the federal government modifies it.

Note, the mask wearing mandate for charter and tour buses came from the CDC, whose authority to the enforce the mandate was less clear. The DOT and TSA have stated previously they will not be enforcing the CDC’s mandate on charter buses.

It is a good practice to refer back to the CDC's FAQs on public transportation as new questions and answers are added frequently.