DAYTON — The Greater Dayton RTA says masks are no longer required while riding on RTA buses or in RTA buildings.
Bob Ruzinsky, Greater Dayton RTA CEO, said Tuesday that he “felt it was time” to make the change. He said that the mandate was lifted at 7 p.m. on Monday, right on the heels of the ending of the federal travel mask mandate.
On Monday, a federal judge in Florida voided the national mask mandate covering airplanes and other public transportation.
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Ruzinsky said the decision to lift the mandate was an easy one with 90 percent of the staff and drivers being fully vaccinated. 35 percent of which have been boosted.
“Our vaccination rates amongst our staff have really made a difference,” Ruzinsky said.
While the mandate has been lifted, Ruzinsky said anyone who wants to continue to wear a mask can do so.
“They may be doing so to protect themselves, a compromised family member or they may just feel more comfortable doing so,” he said.
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With Omicron BA.2 cases on the rise, RTA rider Justin Brown told News Center 7′s Candace Price that he will continue to wear a mask.
“I don’t think it’s wise just yet. It’s an individual choice, but if it impacts the safety and well-being of people around you, you should have the courage and respect to cover up,” Brown said.
Ruzinsky said in the event of a large surge, RTA would follow any federal mandate regarding bringing masks back.
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