Federal judge tosses CDC mask mandate for transportation

A federal judge in Florida appointed by former President Donald Trump throws out the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) nationwide mask mandate for public transportation.

US District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle ruled Monday that the CDC was outside of its authority when it instated the mandate on public transportation to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The ruling took effect immediately, however, mask mandates remain in some places. The CDC advises people to wear masks on public transportation as COVID-19 cases rise across the country. Here’s what you need to know:

Planes and Airports

The TSA is no longer enforcing travelers to wear masks at U.S. airports and on airplanes, however, in New York, mask remain required at JFK and LaGuardia Airports. Masks are not optional at Newark Liberty Airport. Several airlines, including American, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, Jet Blue, Southwest, Spirit and United, announced Monday that passengers are no longer required to wear masks on flights.

NY/NJ Public Transit

In New York City, mask are still required on all subways and public buses along with Metro-North and the Long Island Rail Road. Masks remain required at Port Authority Midtown Bus Terminal, the George Washington Bridge Bus Station and the World Trade Center Oculus Transportation Hub. In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Tuesday that mask will no longer be required on NJ Transit and South Jersey Transportation Authority. Masks are required on PATH trains.

Amtrak

Amtrak announced that passengers and employees are no longer required to wear masks on trains.

Uber/Lyft

Rideshare company Uber announced that masks are no longer required for drivers and passengers, however, Lyft said their mask mandate will remain in place, however in New York City, the Taxi and Limousine Commission is requiring that passengers and drivers in all for-hire vehicles, including Uber, Lyft and taxis, conitnue wearing masks.