Face Masks Required on Votran Buses and In Facilities.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

On January 29, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an order requiring travelers to wear masks on public conveyances.

The new order put out by the CDC went into effect on February 1 and applies to individuals using services provided by Votran.

A mask that covers both the nose and mouth must be worn while awaiting, boarding, traveling on, or disembarking buses. People must also wear a mask when on the premises of Votran facilities.

Per the CDC, the following are attributes of masks needed to fulfill the requirements of the order:

• A properly worn mask completely covers the nose and mouth.
• Cloth masks should be made with two or more layers of a breathable fabric that is tightly woven (i.e., fabrics that do not let light pass through when held up to a light source).
• Mask should be secured to the head with ties, ear loops, or elastic bands that go behind the head. If gaiters are worn, they should have two layers of fabric or be folded to make two layers.
• Mask should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face.
• Mask should be a solid piece of material without slits, exhalation valves, or punctures.
  
  

Per the CDC, the following do not fulfill the requirements of the order:

• Masks are worn in a way that does not cover both the mouth and nose
• Face shields or goggles (face shields or goggles may be worn to supplement a mask that meets the above-required attributes)
• Scarves, ski masks, balaclavas, or bandannas
• Shirt or sweater collars (e.g., turtleneck collars) pulled up over the mouth and nose.
• Masks made from loosely woven fabric or that are knitted, i.e., fabrics that let light pass-through
• Masks made from materials that are hard to breathe through (such as vinyl, plastic, or leather)
• Masks containing slits, exhalation valves, or punctures
• Masks that do not fit properly (large gaps, too loose or too tight)

Face masks are available on all Votran buses and facilities.

 For additional information on the order issued by the CDC, visit https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/masks/mask-travel-guidance.html.