The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced, on Wednesday May 5, an extension of the federal mask mandate to September 13, 2021. Here is a statement from the City of Las Cruces: The mandate first went into effect on February 1, 2021 and requires public transit agencies to enforce the use of masks on buses, at bus stops, and at transportation hubs. This includes all indoor and outdoor areas of RoadRUNNER Transit’s Mesilla Valley Intermodal Transit Center at 300 W. Lohman Avenue. RoadRUNNER Transit riders and visitors to RoadRUNNER facilities are reminded that failure to properly wear a mask when using public transit may result in denial of boarding or removal from buses and transit facilities.The TSA has authority to enforce fines on individuals who refuse to comply, starting at $250 and increasing to $1500 for repeat offenders. Exceptions are allowed for removing masks briefly, with proper social distance,to eat one bite of food, to take one sip of water, or to take medications. Also,children under the age of 2 are exempted from the mandate. Because the new rule does not allow masks to be removed for the purpose of smoking, RoadRUNNER outdoor areas at facilities and bus stops will be designated as “no smoking” areas for the duration of the federal mask mandate. Indoor areas and outdoor areas within 50’ of a building entrance are already designated as no smoking areas under the City’s Clean Indoor Air Ordinance.