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The Biden administration said on Friday it is extending face mask requirements across all U.S. transportation networks through September 13 to address the spread of COVID-19, Reuters reports.

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requirements that took effect on Feb. 1 were to set to expire on May 11. They cover workers and travelers at airports, on board commercial aircraft, on over-the-road buses, and on commuter bus and rail systems through Sept. 13.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued the federal mask mandate in nearly all transportation modes in late January, including on ride-share vehicles. The order does not apply to private cars or commercial trucks being driven by a sole operator.

The decision was praised by airlines and airline unions.

The CDC said Wednesday it relaxed its guidelines to say fully vaccinated people could safely engage in outdoor activities such as walking and hiking without wearing masks. It said they should continue to use face-coverings in public spaces where they are required.

The TSA federal mandate requires masks in transit even in states where officials have relaxed requirements in other public places such as restaurants.

The TSA told Reuters that since the transit mask requirements took effect on Feb. 1 its agents have "largely experienced voluntary compliance."

It said "transportation system operators have reported almost 2,000 passengers for refusing to wear a face mask. TSA will assess a civil penalty if necessary."

In March, the head of the Federal Aviation Administration indefinitely extended a "zero tolerance policy" on unruly air passengers first imposed in January, after hundreds of reported incidents.