Commercial Transport Mask Mandate Struck Down by US Judge by Editor - Daniel Brindley | April 19, 2022

Florida, US District Judge Kathryn Kimball Micelle overturned the CDC Mask Mandate. Judge Kimball said the CDC had failed to adequately explain its reasons for the mandate and did not allow public comment in violation of federal procedures for issuing new rules. Airlines and other public transport authorities are falling into line. United and Alaska and Amtrak all stated that masks are now optional. The justice department has not said whether they will appeal or not.

The mask reversal came about after an Idaho-based NGO called Health Freedom Defense Fund filed a lawsuit against the mask mandate last year, arguing it was unlawful and violated the Administrative Procedures Act (APA).

United Airlines said in a statement that, effective immediately, masks would no longer be required on domestic flights or certain international flights.

“While this means that our employees are no longer required to wear a mask – and no longer have to enforce a mask requirement for most of the flying public – they will be able to wear masks if they choose to do so, as the CDC continues to strongly recommend wearing a mask on public transit,” United said. Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines also made similar announcements.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki, in a press conference Monday, said the administration is reviewing the court’s ruling, and the Justice Department will determine whether it will appeal.