US airport screeners now must wear masks, public may be next

All US airport security screeners must start wearing masks and passengers should as well, the TSA said Thursday. The move comes as a government and industry working group begins considering a possible requirement that face coverings be worn by everyone entering an airport, two people familiar with the discussions said. More than 500 TSA screeners have tested positive for Covid-19, including six who died, according to the agency's website. The agency for months had left mask use voluntary. "TSA is making this change to protect our employees and travelers as social distancing cannot always be maintained in the screening process." TSA administrator David Pekoske said. The agency said it was "considering further changes to our screening system to further minimise the risk and to limit physical interactions in the security checkpoint." The new requirement will be phased in "over the coming days," the agency said. It is also asking passengers to wear facial protection.<br/>