Public transit riders of TheBus and TheHandi-Van will still need to wear masks from March 25 and beyond in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses, according to a news release by the City and County of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services.

The Transportation Security Administration has extended the directive for masking wearing on public transportation and around transportation hubs until April 18, 2022, at the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control. This will require public transit riders to continue wearing their masks even as Gov. David Ige’s end to the state’s Emergency Proclamation for COVID-19 — which ends indoor mask mandates — takes effect this Friday.

TheBus and TheHandi-Van are required to follow city, state and federal guidelines and mandates, which includes TSA’s regulations.

On March 8, Ige had announced that indoor mask mandates would end when the emergency proclamation expires at 11:59 p.m. March 25. He said the decision was made since case counts were falling, hospital facilities were getting better at treating people and booster shots were saving lives. “However, the state will be ready to re-institute the mask policy if COVID case numbers surge,” he added.

Information on the TSA’s extension can be found on their website.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, tourism and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii.