With a controversial decision.. an American judge cancels the mandatory muzzle in planes and public transport
A federal judge in Florida has rescinded the national mandate to wear masks during flights and other public transportation, saying it overrides the authority of US health officials.
Airlines and airports quickly began canceling their instructions that passengers wear face coverings.
The judge’s decision freed airlines, airports, and mass transit systems from their own decisions regarding muzzle requirements, which led to a mix of reactions, according to the American news agency “Associated Press.”
And major airlines have switched to a policy of making masks optional.
The cheers of commuters were heard as the changes were announced over loudspeakers.
Yesterday evening, the Transportation Security Administration said it would no longer apply the muzzle requirement, and almost immediately, airports in Houston and Dallas canceled their instructions after the Transportation Security Administration's announcement.
Los Angeles International Airport, the world's fifth-largest airport by number of passengers, has also abandoned policy, but the CDC continued to recommend wearing masks while using public transportation, saying, "I think that's good advice," a LAX spokesperson said. Heath Montgomery.
While some cabin crew looked happy, people who wanted to keep their masks were encouraged to do so.
New York City's public transportation system plans to maintain mask recommendations, and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority has said it will make masks optional for passengers on its buses and trains.
The Air Hostesses Association, the largest union of cabin crew in the country, recently took a neutral stance on the masks because its members are divided on the issue.
The head of the union appealed Monday to remain calm on board planes and at airports.
The requirement to wear a muzzle included airlines, airports, mass transportation, and taxis.
US District Judge Catherine Kimball-Maisel in Tampa, an appointee of former President Donald Trump, said the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention failed to justify its decision and did not follow appropriate rule-making procedures, leaving it flawed.
In her 59-page ruling, Meiselle said the only remedy was to end the rule entirely across the country because it would be impossible to end it for only the limited group of people who objected to the lawsuit.
"Limited treatment will not be a cure at all," the judge said.
The courts have full power to make such a decision.
The Justice Department declined to comment when asked if it would seek an emergency stay of the judge's order.
The CDC also declined to comment.
The White House said that the court's ruling means that the order to wear a mask at the present time "is not in effect at this time."
"This is clearly a disappointing decision," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said, adding, "The CDC recommends wearing a mask on public transportation."
Repealing the requirement to wear a muzzle for travelers has been the goal of months of pressure from airlines, and companies have argued that effective air filters on modern planes make transmission of the virus during flight highly unlikely.