TSA, Amtrak, Most Airlines End Mask Enforcement After Mandate Nixed
After a federal judge struck down the CDC mask mandate on most public transit, the Transportation Security Administration, Amtrak and some companies have already halted requirements that passengers cover up. More are expected to follow suit.
The Washington Post:
TSA Stops Mask Enforcement After Federal Judge Voids Mandate
Federal officials stopped enforcement of a federal mask mandate Monday in transportation settings after a federal judge struck down the requirement, raising public health concerns and prompting several airlines to announce that face coverings are optional on domestic flights. U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle of the Middle District of Florida said the mandate exceeds the statutory authority of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Federal officials last week had extended the mask mandate for commercial flights and in other settings, including on buses, ferries and subways, until at least May 3. (Laris and George, 4/18)
The Hill:
Multiple Airlines, Amtrak To Drop Mask Requirements
United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines and JetBlue Airways all announced that masks would be optional for both passengers and employees as well as in airports. Amtrak also announced that it would make masks optional for its guests and train employees. ... In a statement to The Hill, a spokesperson for Amtrak said that it would make masks optional for employees and customers on board trains and in stations but added that “masks are welcome and remain an important preventive measure against COVID-19.” (Beals, 4/18)
The New York Times:
How U.S. Airlines Are Changing Their Mask Rules
Generally, the airlines said they would no longer require masks at airports and on flights within the United States, though several said they would still require them when flying into cities and countries where requirements were still in place. Some airports may continue to require masks, too. Here’s what each of the major national airlines had to say. (Chokshi, 4/18)
And Uber says it no longer requires masks —
Fox Business:
Uber Will No Longer Require Masks After Florida Judge Strikes Down CDC Travel Mask Mandate
Uber will no longer require riders and drivers to wear masks effective immediately, the company announced Tuesday. "As of April 19, 2022, riders and drivers are not required to wear masks when using Uber," the ride-share company said on its website. "However, the CDC still recommends wearing a mask if you have certain personal risk factors and/or high transmission levels in your area." (Taylor, 4/19)
In related news from California, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania —
Los Angeles Times:
Some California Transit Agencies Ask Riders To Still Mask
Some public transit agencies in California are asking riders to continue wearing masks on buses and trains, despite a federal court ruling in Florida on Monday that struck down the masking mandate on public transportation. The Biden administration said Monday’s court decision means that the federal order issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requiring mask use on public transit — including planes, airports, buses and trains — is not in effect at this time. The CDC still recommends the public wear masks when using public transportation. (Lin II and Money, 4/18)
KCRA:
Northern California Transportation Hubs No Longer Require Masks After Federal Ruling
After a federal judge in Florida on Monday voided the national mask mandate for airlines and other forms of public transportation, multiple agencies in Northern California said they will stop requiring face coverings. Because of that court ruling, the TSA told KCRA 3 it would “no longer enforce its Security Directives and Emergency Amendment requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs.” (Ayestas, 4/18)
ABC7 New York:
MTA, NJ Transit, Amtrak To Still Require Masks After Judge's Decision To Void Mandate On Airplanes, Public Transportation
In New York, Metropolitan Transportation Authority communications director Tim Minton said the system was "continuing to follow CDC guidelines and will review the Florida court order." The MTA operates New York City buses and subway trains as well as two commuter rail lines. Face coverings have been mandatory on all trains and buses since early in the pandemic. (4/19)
CBS Philly:
SEPTA, Amtrak No Longer Requiring Masks After Federal Judge Struck Down US Mandate For Public Transportation
Face masks will no longer be required on SEPTA buses, trains and trolleys and in stations and concourses, the transportation authority said Monday night. This comes after a federal judge in Florida struck down the national mask mandate covering airlines and public transportation, ruling the mandate exceeded the authority of U.S. health officials. SEPTA said masks are still recommended. ... SEPTA said employees who work inside its offices, districts and shops in Philadelphia must continue to wear a mask to comply with the city’s mandate. (4/18)
