As of 15 June 2020 it will be mandatory for public transport passengers to wear face coverings in England, with operators and police able to issue fines and refuse service to those not complying.
Speaking at the Downing Street coronavirus briefing, the Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, has confirmed that the British government is asking operators to introduce face coverings as a requirement for travel from 15 June 2020.
It was stressed that, wherever possible, people should continue to avoid public transport, but the introduction of the obligation has been designed to protect those who are using public transport for essential reasons.
The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) has set out that using face coverings in the setting of public transport can provide some small additional protection to fellow passengers and can help people to avoid unknowingly spreading the virus if they are suffering from coronavirus, but not showing symptoms.
The changes will be made under legislation such as the National Rail Conditions of Travel and Public Service Vehicle Regulations for buses. While the government expects the vast majority of people to comply with the changes, operators and police will be able to refuse travel or issue penalty fines for those who fail to wear a face covering.
Shapps said: “While respecting social distancing and maintaining good hand hygiene remain the most important steps we can all take to stay safe, wearing a face covering can play a role in helping us to protect each other.
“This is about the small changes we can take to help control the virus, which is why I urge everyone using transport to wear a face covering, to help keep us all safer.”
Miami Airport updates operations as part of Covid-19 response
In order to ensure that the health of all passengers and employees at the airport is protected, Miami International Airport has updated its operations in the face of Covid-19.
The Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) – in coordination with its federal partners, airlines, concessionaires and Miami-Dade County government – has announced that it is continuing to closely monitor the latest developments related to the Covid-19 pandemic in order to maintain safe, healthy and efficient operations for passengers and employees at Miami International Airport (MIA) and Miami-Dade County’s general aviation airports.
While the U.S. government has restricted entry to the U.S. from some countries, domestic air travel and some international travel is still permitted. As part of the federal aviation system, Miami International Airport and airports across the nation remain open for essential travel and trade, such as the transport of medical personnel, equipment and supplies; farming and agriculture cargo; and industrial machinery and parts.
Director and CEO of Miami International Airport, Lester Sola, said: “The MIA community has worked tirelessly to support essential travel and trade during the Covid-19 pandemic, and we are prepared to welcome back the rest of our customers, as the desire and demand for air travel begins to grow. We are making every effort possible to help our passengers and employees feel safe and comfortable during their time at our airport.”