'Absolutely' keep wearing masks 'everywhere,' urges New York Times

A new report from the New York Times urges travelers to continue, or return to, mask-wearing, "everywhere" and "in between" on their upcoming holiday travels, including on planes, trains, buses, ferries, and even at their travel destinations.

Calling the current global health status a triple pandemic or "tripledemic," the outlet advised readers recently on how to "fly more safely" for the holidays, simply stating "Hint: Wear a Mask."

The "tripledemic" refers to those who are in fear of contracting COVID-19, the flu, or the latest respiratory syncytial virus.

The piece worries that "even though cases of the coronavirus have been ticking up, there is no suggestion that mandates will be reinstated."

The article asks a series of self-prophesizing questions citing doctors, the Centers for Disease Control, Transportation Security Administration, and other unnamed "experts."

The CDC reference possibly stems from a May 2022 mask and travel advisory in which the CDC recommends "passengers and workers – properly wear a well-fitting mask or respirator over the nose and mouth in indoor areas of public transportation (such as airplanes, trains, etc.) and transportation hubs (such as airports, stations, etc.)." The guidance is recommended for anyone over the age of two.

However, no citation is given by the New York Times.

According to Saskia Popescu, an infectious disease public health researcher from George Mason University who spoke to the Times, people should "absolutely" wear masks when traveling.

“I would highly recommend if you’re traveling in a plane, train, bus or boat, you wear a mask," she elaborated.

Popescu claims that she recently had "nonspecific symptoms, including a sore throat" that resulted in COVID-19.

"I can personally say that it’s those moments you perceive as lower risk or let your guard down that can result in exposure," she advocated.

Dr. Linsey Marr, professor of civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech, dares not stray from CDC recommendations either, stating "definitely wear a mask when you’re traveling.”

“Not just on the plane, but in the airports, on buses, transit, and everywhere else that you’re going in between," Marr continued.

On Dec. 8, 2022, Marr emoted on Twitter about her past and continued use of masks, saying, "I wore one on a crowded bus and will wear one when traveling to gather with older family members."

It's “never too late” to get an updated COVID booster, the guidance continues. "Get an early holiday present by getting the boost,” a pediatric doctor tells the Times.

A gentle reminder for added precautions closes out the grim advisory warning: Don't visit any restaurants for a week leading up to travel, and "avoid touching your face.”