“If you break the rules, be prepared to pay,” President Biden said.
The Department of Homeland Security announced that those who refuse or fail to wear a mask at airports, on planes, or certain other public transportation modes, will be subject to higher fines.
Though fines previously started at $250 and nudged upward, the new fines, which are now effective, will begin at $500 for a first offense and could go to between $500 and $1,000. Second-time offenders could be fined between $1,000 and $3,000.
The department said the mask mandate would remain effective until January 18, as part of President Biden’s larger COVID-19 action plan which he announced Thursday. During his remarks Thursday, the president said, “If you break the rules, be prepared to pay.” He also urged people to be more respectful of flight attendants and other workers.
A number of instances have been reported by the Federal Aviation Administration where passengers have disregarded mask mandates, often becoming unruly, sometimes at the detriment of crew, staff, and other passengers.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For TSA agents and airline personnel as the mandates become more stringent.
- For FAA officials as they work to ensure air travel is safe.
- For government healthcare professionals seeking to mitigate the spread of COVID through the continued mandate for mask-wearing.
Sources: The Hill, USA Today
