A federal judge in Florida on Monday overturned the Centers for Disease Control's mask mandate on travel, ruling the agency had exceeded its statutory authority.
According to U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle from Tampa, Florida, the mandate “violates the procedures necessary for agency rulemaking.”
This means the government travel mask mandate will not be enforced as the White House looks at the ruling.
“The companies are reviewing the decision and assessing potential next steps. In the meantime, today’s court decision means CDC’s public transportation masking order isn't essentially at this time,” based on a White House official.
The CDC has repeatedly extended the travel mask requirement, most recently until May 3.
Major airlines has progressed to an “optional” policy, with a few loudspeaker announcements prompting cheers from travelers.
On Monday night, United Airlines announced it might no longer enforce the mask requirement of domestic flights.
Flight attendants, however, “will be able to wear masks if they choose to do so, as the CDC continues to highly recommend wearing a mask on public transit.”
Also on Monday, Alaska Airlines issued a statement stating that wearing a mask is not required.
Following the TSA announcement, Houston and Dallas airports lifted their mask mandates almost immediately.
Los Angeles Airport terminal, the sixth busiest airport on the planet, has additionally abandoned the mandate.
The CDC is constantly on the encourage masks on public transit and “I think that’s helpful advice,” said Heath Montgomery, a spokeswoman for LAX.
Even although the ruling continues to be under review, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Monday that the Biden administration continues to urge passengers to put on goggles.
“We would say to anyone sitting available – we recommend you wear masks on the airplane,” she said, adding, “When we can offer an update came from here, hopefully soon, we’ll provide that to all of you.”