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Mask Up! Protect The PATCO Community

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a mandate requiring anyone traveling on public transportation systems, including trains, to wear a facial covering to combat the spread of COVID-19.

The CDC facial covering mandate went into effect on February 1, 2021 and applies to all those traveling on PATCO. All PATCO riders are required to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth while in stations, on platforms and trains.

When the pandemic initially began, PATCO encouraged riders to wear a facial covering while traveling. Then in July of last year, enabled by executive orders from the Governors of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, PATCO made facial coverings a requirement.

Wearing a facial covering is a proven measure of slowing the spread of COVID-19. Free face masks are available to PATCO riders in our New Jersey stations during weekday mornings.

Children under the age of two years and individuals who cannot wear a face covering due to a medical condition or disability will not be required to wear a mask.

In addition to the face coverings, physical distancing should still continue to be practiced when traveling PATCO.

Persons who fail to comply may be denied entry to or asked to leave PATCO premises, and are subject to fines and other penalties available under the law.

Free face masks are available weekday mornings in New Jersey PATCO stations.

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