Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Fines Could Reach $3,000 For Travelers Who Refuse To Mask
CNBC: TSA To Double Minimum Fines For Travelers Who Refuse To Wear Masks To $500
Travelers who refuse to wear masks could soon face fines of up to $3,000. The Transportation Security Administration on Thursday said it is doubling fines for travelers who won’t follow a federal mask mandate for air, bus and other forms of transportation. Minimum fines will double, starting at $500, and go up to $3,000 for repeat offenders. (Joseph and Mendez, 9/9)
CNN: 'Show Some Respect:' Biden Blasts Travelers Who Harass Flight Attendants Over Face Masks
President Joe Biden on Thursday blasted travelers who harass flight attendants because they don't want to wear a face mask and announced fines would double for those who don't comply with the US federal transportation mask mandate. "If you break the rules, be prepared to pay," Biden said, speaking from the White House. "And by the way, show some respect. The anger you see on television toward flight attendants and others doing their job is wrong. It's ugly." (Sullivan and Wallace, 9/9)
The Washington Post: Rep. Don Beyer Introduces Bill To Require Vaccines Or Negative Coronavirus Test For Domestic Travel
Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) introduced a bill on Thursday to require all domestic travelers to show proof of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test at airports or for Amtrak trips, seeking to revive largely stagnant discussions among federal officials about more restrictive pandemic travel requirements. The bill, the Safe Travel Act, would also require all Amtrak, airport and air carrier employees or contractors to be vaccinated or submit to weekly testing. Unvaccinated travelers would have to present a negative test within 72 hours before travel. (Flynn and Aratani, 9/9)
In related news about air travel —
USA Today: Miami Airports Tests Out COVID-19 Detecting Dogs In Airport First
The power of a dog's nose could be the latest COVID-19 detection tool for travelers. Miami International Airport is two weeks into a pilot program using two COVID-19 detecting canines to screen American Airline employees for the virus at a security checkpoint, according to airport officials in a news release Thursday. In an airport first, Miami has partnered with the Global Forensic and Justice Center at Florida International University and American Airlines to screen employees. If successful, it may move to busier parts of the airport. (Gilbert, 9/9)
