U.S. agency fines over 900 air, transit COVID-19 mask violators

U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has proposed a fine of 644,398 dollars for 922 COVID-19 mask violators since February 2021 on commercial flights, in airports, train stations or on public transit services.

According to the government report, all but 44 of the TSA fines were for failing to wear masks as required on airplanes or, less often, in airports. The rest covered unmasked passengers in surface transportation like transit, rail and bus.

The agency said it had also issued warnings to more than 2,700 travellers after more than 7,000 reported incidents since the transit mask requirements took effect.

In October 2021, TSA said it had proposed 85,990 dollars in fines for 190 mask violators and issued warnings to more than 2,200.

Earlier, TSA said it was extending mask requirements at airports and on airplanes through April 18.

Since the start of 2021, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has investigated reports of 6,800 unruly airplane passengers including about 4,800 for not wearing masks.

It has opened 450 investigations and proposed more than 5 million dollars in fines.