Mask requirements on public transportation have changed, primarily for airplanes. Some are rejoicing as others still have concerns.
CDC Update April 19, 2022
“The decision Monday by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle in Tampa also said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention improperly failed to justify its decision and did not follow proper rule-making,” the Associated Press reported.
“The CDC recently extended the mask mandate, which was set to expire on April 18, until May 3 to allow more time to study the BA.2 omicron subvariant of the coronavirus that is now responsible for the vast majority of cases in the U.S.”
Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle was appointed by President Trump.
As of now, Delta, American, United, Southwest and Alaska Airlines have all announced they will no longer force passengers to wear masks.
Nevertheless, other transit options have not changed in certain areas. For instance, New York still requires mask worn on trains and buses.
Chicago transit also responded saying it too will continue requiring face masks on trains and buses.
“If that requirement changes, we will notify customers,” the CTA said.
Other states have sided with no mask policy.
Kentucky, TARC has dropped its mask requirement for all drivers and passengers on its buses.
The Transit Authority of River City made the announcement on social media Tuesday morning, citing recent developments.
“Due to a federal judge ruling in Florida, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is no longer enforcing the mask mandate on public transportation or in transportation hubs,” TARC tweeted. “At this time, masks are no longer required for TARC employees, customers, or visitors.”
According to FTA, the MTA mask requirements will stay in place until May 3rd.
TSA posted details on their site.
At CDC’s recommendation, TSA will extend the Security Directives and Emergency Amendment requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs for 15 days through May 3, 2022.
CDC continues to monitor the spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant. They are monitoring the BA.2 subvariant that now makes up more than 85% of U.S. cases.
Since early April 2022, there have been increases in the 7-day moving average of COVID-19 cases in the United States.
During the 15-day extension period, CDC will assess the potential impact the recent rise of COVID-19 cases has on severe disease, including hospitalizations, deaths, and healthcare system capacity. TSA will continue to coordinate closely with CDC and communicate any changes to this requirement with the public.
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