Mask mandate

A fter 14 months of required mask-wearing in public transportation, travelers can now decide for themselves whether to wear a face mask on a flight.

Biden administration officials found themselves straddling an uncomfortable line in their quest to end the Covid-19 pandemic Monday -- celebrating a return ...

As of Tuesday morning, Lyft's website still says riders and drivers must follow CDC guidance related to COVID-19, “including wearing a face mask that covers ...

“Remember: many people still feel safer wearing a mask because of personal or family health situations, so please be respectful of their preferences. “Due to today’s court ruling, effective immediately, TSA will no longer enforce its Security Directives and Emergency Amendment requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs,” a spokesperson for the TSA said in a statement. “However, the CDC still recommends wearing a mask if you have certain personal risk factors and/or high transmission levels in your area,” the company announced on its website.

A federal judge in Florida struck down on Monday the Biden administration's mask mandate for airplanes and other public transport methods.

A judge in Florida voided the national mask mandate covering airplanes and public transportation as exceeding the authority of U.S. health officials.

The court's ruling comes less than a week after the CDC extended the mandate for 15 days, amid a rise in Covid infections nationwide due to the more ...

A federal judge on Monday struck down the CDC's requirement that must wear masks on airplanes, buses and trains.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — A federal judge in Florida has voided the national mask mandate covering airplanes and other public transportation as exceeding ...

A federal judge in Florida has ruled that the federal mask mandate on planes, trains, buses and other modes of public transportation is "unlawful.".

WASHINGTON — A federal judge in Florida struck down the federal mask requirement on airplanes, trains, buses and other public transportation on Monday, ...

The mandate, enacted in February 2021, is unconstitutional because Congress never granted the CDC to power create such a requirement, U.S. District Judge ...

A federal judge in Florida has voided the national mask mandate covering airplanes and other public transportation as exceeding the authority of U.S. health ...

The decision Monday by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle in Tampa, an appointee of former President Donald Trump, also said the Centers for Disease ...

U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle of the Middle District of Florida said the mandate exceeds the CDC's statutory authority.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A federal judge in Florida has voided the national mask mandate covering airplanes and other public transportation as exceeding the ...

A federal judge on Monday struck down the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's rule that all travelers must wear masks on airplanes, buses, ...

A federal judge in Florida struck down the CDC's mask mandate for travel on Monday, ruling that the agency overstepped its statutory authority.

Multiple major airlines and transit systems across the US announced masks are now optional after a federal judge struck down the Biden administration's mask ...

As of 10 a.m. ET this morning, Delta has removed the reference to "ordinary seasonal virus" and replaced it with this sentence: "We are relieved to see the U.S. mask mandate lift to facilitate global travel as COVID-19 transitions to a more manageable respiratory virus – with better treatments, vaccines and other scientific measures to prevent serious illness." The original post read: "We are relieved to see the U.S. mask mandate lift to facilitate global travel and COVID-19 has transitioned to an ordinary seasonal virus.” A White House spokesperson for Covid issues, Kevin Munoz, replied "COVID is not an “ordinary seasonal virus” and linked to Biden's 100-page Covid preparedness plan.

United, Delta and American are some of the airlines that dropped mask requirements Monday, the first break from such Covid-19 restrictions in the skies in ...

San Francisco’s International Airport said they were awaiting further guidance from the TSA Monday and would continue with masks in the meantime. “Based on our reports, we will have some guests whose behavior was particularly egregious who will remain banned, even after the mask policy is rescinded," it said. "Thank you for your support in complying with the federal mask mandate and keeping each other, and our customers, safe during the pandemic." “Above all, we hope you’ll treat each other with kindness and respect throughout the travel journey and beyond." After U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle in Florida ruled the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's travel mask mandate was unlawful, the White House said the CDC’s public transportation mask order was no longer in effect. Alaska Airlines said “guests and employees have the option to wear a mask while traveling in the U.S. and at work.”

A federal judge in Florida has struck down Joe Biden's national mask mandate covering airplanes, airports and other public transportation, prompting the White ...

Southwest, Delta, American, United and other airlines rushed to lift their mask rules in the wake of a federal judge's ruling on the government's mask ...

In a statement to NPR, United Airlines says that masks are no longer required on domestic flights and select international flights. "While this means that our ...

The decision comes after a federal judge voided the nationwide mask mandate on public transportation.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — A federal judge in Florida struck down a national mask mandate on airplanes and mass transit Monday, and airlines and airports ...

U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle struck down the federal mask mandate for airplanes and other modes of public transportation Monday, ...

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A federal judge in Florida, appointed by Donald Trump, says the CDC exceeded its authority.

"You can now ride without a mask and use the front seat if you need to," Uber said in a statement. Let's move forward, safely together." On Monday, the president of the Association of Flight Attendants appealed for "calm and consistency" in airports and on planes to avoid "confusion and chaos". "Because 'our system does not permit agencies to act unlawfully even in pursuit of desirable ends,'" Judge Mizelle wrote, invoking another case, "the Court declares unlawful and vacates the Mask Mandate." In her ruling, Judge Mizelle, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, found that the CDC had improperly invoked what is known as the "good cause exception", allowing the agency to skip public notice and comment on the mandate. A federal judge in Florida has struck down the Biden administration's mask mandate for airplanes and other forms of public transit, calling it unlawful.

As the University loosens up on COVID-19 restrictions, community members react to the drop of testing requirements for unvaccinated students and mask-optional ...

“We’re also committed to additional testing if a new variant comes, or something should change in our community, we would stand those back up as needed.” “I’m proud of our students’ selflessness in taking care of one another so everyone could be afforded the chance to stay safe and perform,” Kubik said. When asked about the future of the drama department’s masking policy, Kubik expressed hesitancy towards a return to normalcy. After Governor Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order in January, the University rescinded its vaccination requirement for staff and faculty Jan. 19. “I think that's stupid and absurd,” Barnes said. “I think it's great today to be in a classroom where I can see some of my students' faces for the first time ever,” Tucker said. Batten Prof. Gerald Warburg currently teaches a large public policy lecture in Nau Hall, where masks have been removed for crowds of hundreds of students this week. “I'd say with the decline of cases we've seen in the U.S. at this point, it is okay to kind of roll back some of those requirements,” Freeman said. English Prof. Herbert Tucker has taught at the University since 1986 and said he answered live questions after his first mask-optional class of the semester. While some students and professors felt that the decision was justified given the recent decline in COVID-19 cases, others feared a resurgence in cases. The University made a number of changes to its public health guidelines this spring. “But at the same time, if there is a trend of a new surge in cases or the appearance of a new variant that we should reimplement those tests or requirements immediately.”

The transportation mask mandate had remained even after most school districts and other jurisdictions allowed similar mandates to expire. Conflicts over masks ...

The Trump administration declined to put a mask mandate in place, but shortly after taking office, Biden issued an order that required mask-wearing in all transportation settings. Still, she said she planned to wear a mask for the duration of her flight. In her decision, Mizelle, who was appointed by President Donald Trump and clerked for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, said the CDC had relied on a 1944 law, the Public Health Service Act, to impose the mandate. At airports across the country, travelers offered a mix of reactions to the fallen mandate, ranging from elation to concern to confusion. It was his third flight of the pandemic, and, despite his medical history — he had a rough bout with covid and has Parkinson’s disease — he said he’s not concerned about possible health risks. The transportation mask mandate had been set to expire this week, but the Biden administration — citing an uptick in infections fueled by the BA.2 variant — extended it through May 3. On the system’s trains and buses, most riders Tuesday seemed to continue wearing masks, many saying their own health concerns superseded any requirement. For large swaths of the country, the question of where and when people must wear masks in transportation settings was largely settled a day after U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle upended the administration’s plans to extend the mask mandate through May 3. That is an important authority the Department will continue to work to preserve,” Justice Department spokesman Anthony Coley said in a statement. The patchwork mirrors an approach followed earlier in the pandemic, when the Trump administration took a largely hands-off stance to federal enforcement. The New York subway system also continued to comply with state orders that required masks on public transportation. However, citing guidance from local officials, they aren’t required at New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport. In Philadelphia, where city officials recently reinstated an indoor mask mandate, masks are still required at the airport.

The Biden administration is at a crossroads over one of the last highly visible signs of the pandemic, masks on airplanes, as officials scramble to ...

At the same time, the official said polling shows Democrats support masking and so the court decision could allow Biden to get credit from members of his own party for taking a prudent approach to public health. “If the CDC loses its power to prevent the spread of infectious diseases between states or coming into the country, we are all at great risk,” said Richard Besser, former acting director of the CDC, in an interview on the "TODAY" show. Officials at Health and Human Services were still scrambling on what their next move would be, the person said. But the Justice Department didn’t immediately make that move on Monday, allowing the mandate to be lifted and people to begin going maskless on planes. A day later, administration officials were still reviewing what additional actions they could take, people familiar with the matter said. Biden, asked by reporters Tuesday whether Americans should be wearing masks, said "that’s up to them."

From airlines to rideshare companies, transportation providers have quickly pivoted after a federal judge in Florida voided the federal mask mandate.

But we don't make these decisions based on politics or based on the political winds on a plane or even in a poll." “We have to move on and get to the point where we treat (the coronavirus) like any other virus. That is an important authority the Department will continue to work to preserve," the department said in a statement. "Remember: many people still feel safer wearing a mask because of personal or family health situations, so please be respectful of their preferences," Uber posted on its website. The L.A. Metro and MTA in New York City still require riders to wear a mask. "We still feel that is entirely reasonable based on the latest science, and public health decisions shouldn't be made by the courts," Psaki said. Face masks will still be required if mandated by local municipalities." "It still feels a little risky at this point. "As a result of a court order, effective immediately and as of April 18, 2022, CDC’s January 29, 2021 order requiring masks on public transportation conveyances and at transportation hubs is no longer in effect," the CDC said in a statement also posted on its website. "Anyone needing or choosing to wear one is encouraged to do so." Air Force One remained in line with CDC guidelines and required masks during President Joe Biden’s visit Tuesday to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Biden wore a black mask as he boarded. Every major U.S. airline has now made face masks optional for passengers and employees.

A federal judge in Florida has struck down the Biden administration's mask mandate on planes, trains, buses and other public transportation — saying the CDC ...

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As she was walking off the plane she noticed flight attendants chatting about it as they took off their masks. The New Jersey resident was flying back with her ...

At least for now, and maybe forever, US travelers will not be required to wear masks on airplanes thanks to a court ruling Monday that said the Biden ...

But her ruling on the CDC's authority hamstrings the administration's ability to revive the mandate in a way that goes beyond just fixing the procedural issues with the requirement. Only a higher court could overturn or narrow her ruling as it pertains to the CDC's mask mandate But because the mandate applied to all travelers -- and not just those who had been determined infected upon examination, as spelled out in that part of the law -- it stretched beyond that part of the statute as well. Notably, before Mizelle's ruling, the mandate had only been extended through May 3 and the administration was still considering whether to extend it further. she asked, before concluding that completely wiping out the policy was "necessary to remedy" the legal harm being inflicted on the plaintiffs. Even as she expressed skepticism of nationwide injunctions generally, she said in this case it would be difficult distinguishing the individual plaintiffs from the millions of other travelers.

Some travelers and flight attendants cheered the end of the mask mandate but others are worried that it will result in more infections.

She is also aware that if an infected passenger is in a seat near her, the advanced circulation system will not help. We are now pushing the burden back on them to protect themselves.” Many public health experts said removing the mask requirement would needlessly increase people’s exposure to the virus. The requirement applies to U.S. citizens and people who have been vaccinated against the virus. They are, for example, also pushing the Biden administration to lift a requirement that travelers seeking to come to the United States from another country obtain a negative coronavirus test the day before or day of their flight. For two years, covered faces in airports and on airplanes were a persistent reminder of the hold that the coronavirus had on air travel. Government and airline officials in other countries are not removing pandemic restrictions at the same pace. Across the industry, fares for domestic flights have risen 40 percent this year, to $330 from $235 for an average domestic round-trip flight, according to Hopper, an airfare-tracking app. The industry is clearly hoping that the change will benefit it by allowing it to focus more again on selling customers premium services. Passengers and flight crews greeted a federal judge’s ruling against the mandate on Monday with a mix of joy, relief and alarm. Unions representing flight attendants and pilots have called on federal agencies to do more to penalize passengers who are violent or threaten violence. Some passengers refused to comply and became belligerent; in extreme cases, they even punched, kicked and bloodied flight attendants.

After the ruling was initially released, a BART spokesperson wrote in an email to SFGATE that "unless there is specific guidance from the federal government, ...

On Monday afternoon, an official from the Biden administration announced that the TSA will no longer be enforcing the mandate on public transportation and at transit hubs. Despite a BART spokesperson stating that no such enforcement decision was made, someone from BART who was not authorized to speak publicly told the Chronicle that BART police officers were indeed informed to stop enforcing the mandate. After the ruling was initially released, a BART spokesperson wrote in an email to SFGATE that "unless there is specific guidance from the federal government, BART will continue to comply with the TSA mask mandate through May 3."

A decision by a federal judge in Florida to throw out a national mask mandate in public transportation across the U.S. has created a patchwork of rules that ...

Masks remain required on Port Authority buses and trains operating between the two states. “We know that everyone has different comfort levels, and anyone who wants to continue wearing a mask is encouraged to do so. On Monday, the union’s president appealed for calm on planes and in airports. But others, including the two main airports in Houston, did away with mask requirements soon after the Transportation Security Administration said it would no longer enforce the mandate. Southern California’s five-county Metrolink passenger rail system is also no longer requiring people to wear face coverings. But the court decision put the mandate on hold.

The state-controlled Metropolitan Transportation Authority doubled down on its mask mandate for subways, buses and commuter rail.

With cases on the rise and the possibility of more waves in the future, she said, she doesn’t want to fully let her guard down just yet. Mask mandates remain in effect on the interstate PATH system and in two of the area’s three airports, Kennedy International Airport and La Guardia, which are both in New York City. Juliet Peters, 33, who was also waiting for an uptown train at 72nd Street, said masks were required when she flew to California to visit her family over the weekend. “I feel more comfortable with it on.” “It’s unfortunate that it happened this way rather than based on health and safety indicators.” She wore her mask for the flight back anyway, and said she would continue to wear masks on the bus and subway. “Until all this is settled, we’re continuing with our policy.” But when she got on the plane Tuesday to fly back to New York City, she was told masks were now optional. Tony Utano, the president of the Transport Workers Union Local 100, which represents subway and bus workers, also said he backed the M.T.A.’s decision to “keep both riders and transit workers safe.” The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the three major airports in the New York metropolitan area as well as interstate buses and bus terminals, said it would follow the local guidance in each state. Riders are still required to wear masks while taking public transportation in New York City, despite a federal judge in Florida’s ruling on Monday to overturn the nationwide mask mandate on planes and public transit. The city’s Taxi & Limousine Commission, which oversees taxis and for-hire vehicles, including Ubers and Lyfts, said on Tuesday that drivers and riders in those vehicles would continue to be required to wear masks as well.

People wear masks as they pass through a pedestrian subway as cases of the infectious coronavirus Delta variant continue to rise in New York City, New York, ...

Hopefully, the trend here will turn around soon, more of us will feel confident taking off our own masks as well and local rules will reflect that development.” Signs denoting a mask requirement were still up during the morning rush even as overhead announcements by Amtrak declared masks optional, Gothamist reported. Almost immediately after the ruling dropped, the federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that it would no longer enforce a mask mandate at the nation’s airports and transit hubs; numerous airlines also dropped their mask mandates, with some announcing the change mid-flight.

Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle's decision hinged on a definition of the word 'sanitation' that public health experts and legal scholars say missed the mark.

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The Justice Department said Tuesday it will appeal a court ruling that struck down the federal government's mask mandate for travelers -- but only if the US ...

The fundraisers are the latest signal the White House is moving to a post-pandemic normal. And even his top aides had begun conceding that in a different phase of the pandemic, it was entirely possible he becomes infected himself. , US adults were split on the federal mandate requiring people to wear masks on airplanes, trains and other public transportation. At the same time, some officials voiced concern that a higher court could also rule against the mandate, making an appeal risky and leading to more confusion about the rules. When asked in New Hampshire if he wanted the Justice Department to appeal the new mask ruling, Biden said, "I haven't spoken to the CDC yet." People familiar with the discussions said the lawyers were considering a number of factors but have been primarily concerned the judge's ruling could undermine the CDC's authority to enforce public health rules going forward. The final outcome seemed to split the difference. The move comes after the Justice Department had spent much of the last day considering whether to fight a court decision that caught much of the administration, airline industry, local public transit departments and everyday Americans off-guard. The CDC was set to assess whether the mandate was still needed until May 3, and Coley said any appeal would come after that date. If an appeal happens, it would be risky move that could limit the government's ability to make similar mandates in the future. across the United States were stepping into plane cabins with the option to forgo a mask. That is an important authority the Department will continue to work to preserve," Coley said.

The Justice Department announced Tuesday that it will appeal the ruling that lifted the federal mask mandate on planes, trains and transit systems, ...

But if her ruling were allowed to remain by a circuit court, it could further hamper the federal government's authority to issue a mandate in the future. While Mizelle's decision brought national enforcement of the mandate to a halt, it carries little national precedent. "That is an important authority the Department will continue to work to preserve."