A federal judge on Monday voided the mask mandate for airplanes and other public transportation.
The decision by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle in Tampa stated “the mandate exceeded the CDC’s statutory authority.”
The judge who just overturned the mask mandate on airplanes is Kathryn Kimball Mizelle. 35-years-old, former Clarence Thomas clerked, appointed by Trump and confirmed by the Senate right before the lame duck session ended in 2020. pic.twitter.com/lu6ck1FIvT
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) April 18, 2022
“The agencies are reviewing the decision and assessing potential next steps. In the meantime, today’s court decision means CDC’s public transportation masking order is not in effect at this time. Therefore, TSA will not enforce its Security Directives and Emergency Amendment requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs at this time. CDC recommends that people continue to wear masks in indoor public transportation settings.” – the Biden Admin said in a statement.
United Airlines on Monday immediately dropped all mask requirements shortly after the ruling.
“Masks are no longer required on domestic flights, select international flights (dependent upon the arrival country’s requirements) or at U.S. airports. More comfortable keeping yours on? Go right ahead… the choice is yours (you look dino-mite either way)!” United said on Monday.
Masks are no longer required on domestic flights, select international flights (dependent upon the arrival country's requirements) or at U.S. airports. More comfortable keeping yours on? Go right ahead… the choice is yours (you look dino-mite either way)! pic.twitter.com/hwq678v55d
— United Airlines (@united) April 18, 2022
And it appears other airlines followed United's lead:
BREAKING: Delta, Alaska, and United Airlines will no longer require masks on flights.
— Election Wizard (@ElectionWiz) April 18, 2022
Delta, Alaska, and United have junked the mandate.
Tick tock, @SouthwestAir. https://t.co/POWElSJC66
— Election Wizard (@ElectionWiz) April 18, 2022
UPDATE: American Airlines says the mask mandate is over. https://t.co/NlOHNrdWo7 pic.twitter.com/5bE70zJ473
— Election Wizard (@ElectionWiz) April 19, 2022
WATCH: Passengers applaud as Delta flight crew announces masks are optional, effective immediately
— Election Wizard (@ElectionWiz) April 19, 2022
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