Department of Transportation says it will distribute nearly 100 million masks to U.S. travelers

The United States Department of Transportation announced on Friday that it will distribute nearly 100 million face masks to Americans traveling on planes and trains in an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 and help consumers feel more secure using mass transit. 

Travel by air and train collapsed virtually overnight earlier this year as Americans elected to avoid the crowded environments of airports and train stations, plane cabins and rail cars. Health officials say that the close confines of air and rail travel can contribute to the spread of the novel coronavirus. 

In a press release yesterday, the Transportation Department said that "nearly 100 million cloth facial coverings will be sent to the aviation, transit, and passenger rail transportation sectors for passenger use."

The Trump administration "is committed to protecting our people and reopening the economy," Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said. She added that "distributing these facial coverings will help boost public confidence."

The department noted that passengers "are still responsible for having their own facial covering per existing guidance from airlines, airports, transit agencies, and passenger rail authorities." The masks are meant to be supplementary, according to the press release. 

The effectiveness of masks at stopping the spread of COVID-19 is disputed by some scientists and public health officials. Numerous U.S. governors have mandated their usage under many conditions; they are also required in Amtrak railcars and on all major airlines.