CATS to comply with federal orders mandating masks on public transportation

 
Baton Rouge, LA_ The Capital Area Transit System (CATS) will comply with the recent Executive Order from President Biden on promoting COVID-19 safety in domestic and international travel by requiring customers to wear face masks when they are on CATS vehicles.

CATS will also conform to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Emergency Order requiring that individuals wear masks on CATS vehicles and at transit centers.  

“CATS is committed to ensuring we do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said CATS CEO Bill Deville. “We recognize that we must refocus our efforts as the number of positive cases continues to climb. We will continue to prioritize the safety of both our employees and customers and require that everyone on a CATS vehicle wear a mask or face covering,” Deville continued.

According to the CDC Order, face masks should cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly against the sides without gaps. Masks can be either manufactured or homemade and should be a solid piece of material without slits, exhalation valves, or punctures. While medical masks and N-95 respirators fulfill CDC requirements, face shields and/or goggles are not an acceptable substitute for the use of a mask; however, they may be used in addition to an acceptable mask.

Exemptions include travelers under the age of 2 years old, those with a disability who cannot wear a mask, or cannot safely wear a mask because of the disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Customers boarding a CATS vehicle should wear a face mask that covers both their nose and mouth for the duration of their trip. Customers who refuse to comply with the requirement will be asked not to board the vehicle; likewise, those who remove their mask during their trip will be asked to disembark as soon as it is safe to do so.

CATS is the regional transportation provider for the Capitol region and provides essential trips on 25 fixed routes seven days a week. More information about CATS can be found by visiting brcats.com, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.