Face Masks Are Now Optional

A Rapid Silver Line Bus when the Mask Mandate was In effect

April 19, 2022

The following is a press release for the Rapid, Grand Rapids public transportation provider.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced yesterday that it will no longer enforce the federal mask mandate on public transportation. Due to this decision, The Rapid will no longer require masks on Rapid buses or at Rapid Central Station.

While COVID-19 cases and positivity rates are relatively low in Kent County, masks are still an important preventive measure against COVID-19. Any Rapid customers that choose to or need to wear a mask are encouraged to do so. We ask that all customers to continue to exercise caution and be considerate of fellow riders and Rapid Bus Operators. Thank you for your patience and please respect your fellow passengers and Bus Operators as we all continue to navigate changing pandemic conditions.

Given the unexpected nature of this announcement, please be aware that Rapid customers and Bus Operators may be receiving this information at different times. You may experience inconsistent enforcement during the next 24 hours as this news is more broadly communicated. Please remember to show understanding and patience with others who may not be aware enforcement is no longer required. Communications will be updated to share that masking is now optional–this may take a short period of time.

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Author: johnrothwellblog

John Rothwell currently resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he is a freelance photojournalist and reporter. In December of 2017, he finished his Communications Degree at Grand Valley State University and is currently working on adding a second degree in Multimedia Journalism. In addition to his academic work, he contributes photos, photo essays and local news coverage to The Rapidian, a hyperlocal citizen journalism platform, powered by the people of Grand Rapids. John believes that everyone has a story to tell and that story needs to be told in a medium that best suits the situation, either in photos, video, audio, word or a mixture of all. People must be informed on events happening in and around their lives and have their voices heard.

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