Amtrak to begin requiring facial coverings on May 11 – WHSV

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR/WHSV) Folks using Amtrak will soon have to wear face masks on trains and at stations.

Amtrak announced Thursday, May 7, that the new rule is part of its effort to protect customers and front-line employees in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The policy begins on May 11, and will require customers to wear a facial covering over their nose and mouth while in stations, on trains and thruway buses. Amtrak says facial coverings can be removed while eating in designated areas, in private rooms, or seated alone or with a travel companion in their own pair of seats. Small children who are not able to maintain a facial covering are exempt from this requirement. Small children who are not able to maintain a facial covering are exempt from this requirement, according to Amtrak.

"The safety of Amtrak's customers and employees is our top priority and requiring a facial covering is one more way we can protect everyone," Amtrak President and CEO Bill Flynn said. "Amtrak continues to operate as an essential service for those who must travel during this public health crisis. Our services will be even more critical as our nation recovers."

Customers must supply their own facial covering.

In a statement, Amtrak announced it plans to take extra steps to santitize its stations and trains including:

- Limiting bookings: To help maintain CDC recommendations for physical distancing onboard trains, we have temporarily reduced Coach and Business class sales to 50% capacity.- Going cashless: As an added measure to ensure the health and safety of our customers and employees, we are temporarily accepting only cashless payments in stations and on trains.- Promoting physical distancing: Signage has been displayed at several of our busiest staffed stations to indicate safe distances in high customer traffic areas such as waiting rooms, in front ticket offices, at the base/top of escalators, lounge entrances, etc. In addition, clear protective barriers have been retrofitted at staffed stations where there are no current glass barriers.- Updating food and beverage service: We are temporarily offering Flexible Dining service in the dining or lounge car on all long distance routes (except Auto Train) and encouraging all Sleeping Car customers to select optional room service for their meals. In addition, we are limiting seating in dining and caf areas.

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Amtrak to begin requiring facial coverings on May 11 - WHSV