The mandate for passengers to wear masks on airplanes, in airports and on public transportion was lifted Monday as a result of a ruling by a federal judge in Florida that the Centers for Disease Control overstepped its authority in instituting a mask mandate.
The Transportation Security Administration said in a brief statement Monday night that effective immediately, it will no longer enforce its emergency amendment requiring people to wear a mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs.
The mask mandates have been in effect for about two years.
Regarding the ruling, a White House administration official on Monday said, “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.”