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Congressman Cohen Urges Aviation and Health Officials to Require Masks on Flights

April 27, 2020

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure's Aviation Subcommittee, today wrote to Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield and Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Stephen Dickson urging them to require the use of face masks to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus in air travel.

The letter was prompted by the Congressman's recent travel to Washington during which he observed both passengers and crew interacting unmasked.

The letter reads in part:

"Unfortunately, no matter how you configure seating, social distancing at six feet on an airplane is difficult. But we know that masks are one of the most effective tools to mitigate people's risk of exposure when those around them are also wearing masks. As air travel continues to increase while the country slowly starts to reopen, it's imperative that the flying public feel safe and comfortable in doing so. This should include the requirement of masks, which will accomplish this goal and protect both crew members and passengers."

See the entire letter here.

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