Florida judge voids mask mandate for U.S. mass transit
(Source: Associated Press and various news outlets, April 19, 2022)
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A federal judge in Florida struck down a national mask mandate on airplanes and mass transit Monday, and airlines and airports swiftly began repealing their requirements that passengers wear face coverings. The judge’s decision freed airlines, airports and mass transit systems to make their own decisions about mask requirements, resulting in a mix of responses. New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) said the system was “continuing to follow CDC guidelines.” Washington D.C.’s Metropolitan Area Transit Authority said it would make masks optional for riders on its buses and trains. Gov. Phil Murphy has ended the rule requiring face coverings on NJ Transit. SEPTA will no longer require riders or employees to wear masks and face coverings will be optional in stations and concourses. Chicago’s Metra said in a statement that it does not currently plan on changing its requirement. Officials with Boston’s MBTA said it will continue to follow CDC guidelines while it reviews the Florida judge’s ruling.
Full story: Associated Press