The TSA will stop enforcing a requirement to wear masks on airplanes after a federal judge in Florida ruled that Biden's mandate covering planes, trains, taxis, ride-share vehicles and transit hubs was unlawful
U.S. public transit mask mandate not in force after court decision-official
A mask mandate on public transportation and airplanes will not be enforced at present, an official in U.S. President Joe Biden's administration said on Monday after a federal judge in Florida ruled that the order was unlawful.
" TSA (Transportation Security Administration) will not enforce its Security Directives and Emergency Amendment requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs at this time," the official said.
A mask mandate on public transportation and airplanes will not be enforced at present, an official in President Joe Biden's administration said on Monday after a federal judge in Florida ruled that the order was unlawful.
"TSA ( Transportation Security Administration) will not enforce its Security Directives and Emergency Amendment requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs at this time," the official said.
Health officials extended by 15 days
Last week, health officials extended by 15 days the mandate requiring travelers to wear masks on airplanes, trains, and in taxis, ride-share vehicles or transit hubs, saying they needed time to assess the impact of a recent rise in COVID-19 cases.
The ruling by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle, an appointee of President Donald Trump, came in a lawsuit filed last year in Tampa, Florida, by a group called the Health Freedom Defense Fund.
It comes as COVID-19 infections are again rising in the United States, with 36,251 new infections reported on average each day.
Judge Mizelle said the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had exceeded its authority with the mandate, had not sought public comment and did not adequately explain its decisions.
The White House called the ruling "disappointing," and said it is reviewing information related to the order.
The ruling could create confusion on airplanes, where the mask mandate has caused a surge in incidents and altercations between airline officials enforcing the mandate and unruly passengers rejecting the demand they cover their faces.
Since January 2021, there have been a record 7,060 unruly passenger incidents reported, 70% involving masking rules, according to the FAA.
After the ruling, Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants, urged "calm and consistency in the airports and on planes. The last thing we need for workers on the frontlines or passengers traveling today is confusion and chaos."
which represents major U.S. passenger airlines, had last week urged the Biden administration "to lean into science and research," saying that supports the l ifting of the mask mandate. "It makes no sense to require masks on a plane when masks are not recommended in places like restaurants, bars or crowded sports facilities," it said.
The group did not have an immediate comment on Monday's ruling.
The U.S. Senate voted 57-40 last month to overturn the public health order requiring masks on airplanes and other forms of public transportation, drawing a veto threat from President Joe Biden.
