LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A federal mandate requiring people to wear face coverings on all public transportation will take effect Monday across the United States amid surging coronavirus infections.
The move came after workers in the Regional Transportation Commission called on leaders there to increase enforcement of safety protocols on Las Vegas buses.
Union representatives for bus drivers said two employees had died of the coronavirus, and the latest funeral was held on Jan. 22.
RELATED: Bus drivers lay to rest one of their own, call on RTC to enforce COVID-19 protections
"It's very, very, very stressful because not only am I trying to stay safe, I’m trying to keep my passengers safe," said bus operator Michelle Calm.
"If people are coming on a bus and they don't have a mask on, and you beg them, 'Can you put your mask on? Can you put your mask on?' and they walk past you like you're not -- nothing," she said, "it's very concerning."
The CDC's mandate will require people to wear face coverings while waiting on or riding on public transportation including planes, trains, buses, subways, boats, and rideshare services.
The mask must cover your nose and mouth at all times.
Exemptions are in place for people with disabilities that prevent them from wearing a mask and children under the age of two.
Major rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have already implemented mask mandates, but the CDC has urged people not to come into contact with high-touch areas like door handles.
The CDC said if someone touches a high-touch area they should use sanitizer soon after.
