Federal agency addresses COVID-19 lockdown rumors.

The TSA Responds to Claims of Mask Mandates and Lockdowns

The Transportation Security ‍Administration (TSA) has addressed recent claims circulating on social media regarding the re-imposition ⁣of mask mandates, vaccine mandates,‍ and lockdowns. ⁢These claims were initially made by InfoWars host Alex Jones, who stated that a TSA manager informed him about the return of COVID-19 restrictions. According to Jones, TSA managers were allegedly told that mask mandates would be reinstated at airports by mid-September, followed by⁢ lockdown measures in December.

“BREAKING: Alex Jones says a TSA whistleblower ⁤has told him TSA employees were instructed on Tue that masks are coming back by October for travelers & full Covid restrictions/lockdowns by⁢ December due to a new ‘dangerous variant’ out of ‌Canada,” said a post on X, with the video⁣ of Mr. Jones earlier this week.

The TSA has categorically denied these claims, stating that there are no new requirements and no meetings have taken place regarding this matter. The agency emphasized that the U.S. Centers for ​Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is responsible for making public health determinations, including decisions on masking requirements.

While the TSA has the ⁢authority to implement ‌mask-related requirements based on ‌CDC orders, it is not currently imposing any such requirements. The agency referred to CDC recommendations, which advise individuals to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations and consider wearing masks in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor​ areas, including on public transportation and in transportation ​hubs.

Benjamin Haynes, a spokesperson for the CDC, has dismissed reports of upcoming lockdowns as “utterly false.” The Epoch Times has reached out to the CDC‌ for further comment.

Alex Jones has not responded ⁢to​ requests for comment.

COVID-19 Hospitalizations and the Current Situation

Recent data⁤ from the CDC shows a rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations across the country. However, it is important to note that this increase is still relatively ⁤low compared to previous levels seen during the pandemic.

Dr. Shira Doron, ⁢the chief infection control officer for Tufts Medicine, explained that the current situation ⁣does not constitute a surge or wave. Instead, it represents a‍ gradual and small upward trajectory of cases and ⁤hospitalizations, with a positive trend of fewer deaths.

On ‍Jan. 29, 2021, the CDC issued ‍an order mandating masks ‍on public ⁣transportation and in transportation hubs. This order was enforced by the TSA but was later struck‍ down ⁢by a federal judge ‌in Florida on ⁢April 18, 2022.

Mandates Returning Elsewhere?

Senator Ron Johnson has raised concerns about⁣ the reinstatement of mask mandates in certain offices, hospitals, and schools. Some institutions, including a college in Atlanta, Lionsgate’s office in⁢ Santa ⁣Monica, and several ‍hospitals in San Francisco and New York, have chosen to reimpose⁤ mandates.

Senator Johnson finds these mandates concerning and believes‌ they are ineffective, vowing to continue fighting ⁤against them. He expressed his skepticism about the effectiveness ⁣of masks,⁤ particularly for children.

Lionsgate, a Hollywood film studio, has implemented a mask mandate for employees on certain floors without providing an explanation for the absence of the mandate on ​other floors.

“Employees must wear a medical-grade​ face covering (surgical mask, KN95, or N95) when indoors except ⁤when alone in an office with the door closed, actively eating, actively drinking at their desk or workstation, or if they are the ‌only individual present in a large open ​workspace,” the memo stated.