Msp Airport Mask Mandate: What You Need To Know

As of April 18, 2022, masks are no longer required at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and its six general aviation airports. The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) announced that masks will be optional at the airport after a federal judge in Florida invalidated the federal mask mandate on public transportation. The CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings.

Masks are not required at MSP airport

As of April 18, 2022, masks are not required at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and its six general aviation airports. The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which manages the airport, announced that masks will be optional following a ruling by a federal judge in Florida, who invalidated the federal mask mandate on public transportation. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle, a Trump appointee, led to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issuing new guidance that it will no longer enforce mask-related regulations.

The MAC spokesman, Jeff Lea, stated that "wearing masks will be optional at the airport," and that the TSA is "withdrawing security directives that required face masks at airports, on aircraft, and other forms of public transportation." This change in policy means that passengers travelling through MSP airport are no longer required to wear masks while inside terminals and other facilities.

The decision by the TSA to no longer enforce mask mandates on public transportation was influenced by the ruling of Judge Mizelle, who struck down the federal mask mandate for airplanes, trains, buses, and other modes of transport. This ruling was met with disappointment by the White House, with Press Secretary Jen Psaki stating that the CDC continues to recommend wearing masks in such settings.

While masks are no longer mandatory at MSP airport, it is important to note that the CDC still recommends that individuals wear masks in indoor public transportation settings. This includes airports, even though the TSA and MAC have made masks optional. Passengers at MSP airport are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them.

The CDC still recommends masks in indoor public transportation settings

As of April 18, 2022, masks are no longer required at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and on Metro Transit trains and buses. This change came after a federal judge in Florida struck down the federal mask mandate for airplanes, trains, buses, and other public transportation. The ruling invalidated the mandate on public transportation, making masks optional at MSP.

However, it is important to note that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) still recommends that individuals wear masks in indoor public transportation settings. The CDC's recommendation is based on the ongoing risk assessment of the BA.2 omicron subvariant of the coronavirus, which was responsible for most new cases in the United States at the time.

Following the ruling, the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which manages MSP, announced that masks would be optional at the airport and its six general aviation airports. The MAC's statement on April 18, 2022, noted that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) would no longer enforce mask-related regulations and would withdraw security directives that previously required face masks at airports and on aircraft and other forms of public transportation.

While masks are no longer mandatory at MSP, some organizations continue to encourage their use. Metro Transit, for example, posted on its website that while masks are no longer required, riders are encouraged to wear them and avoid using trains and buses if they are ill.

In summary, while the federal mandate for masks on public transportation has been lifted, the CDC still recommends mask-wearing in indoor public transportation settings. This recommendation is in place to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, especially given the emergence of new variants. Individuals passing through MSP and using public transportation are encouraged to follow the CDC's recommendations and take necessary precautions to protect their health and the health of those around them.

The Transportation Security Administration will no longer enforce mask-related regulations

On April 18, 2022, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that it would no longer enforce mask-related regulations. This came after a federal judge in Florida struck down the federal mask mandate for public transportation, deeming it “unlawful". The ruling was made by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle, a Trump appointee, in response to a lawsuit filed in 2021 by the Health Freedom Defense Fund, which has a history of challenging mandates during the pandemic.

Following the ruling, the TSA issued a statement saying that it would not enforce its Security Directives and Emergency Amendment requiring mask use on public transportation and at transportation hubs. The TSA's decision was based on the judge's interpretation that the CDC only has the authority to issue regulations related to "sanitation", which she interpreted as "measures that clean something". The judge argued that wearing a mask does not sanitise the person wearing it or the conveyance.

The TSA's decision means that masks are now optional on airplanes, trains, buses, and other forms of public transportation. The Metropolitan Airports Commission, which manages the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, also announced that masks would be optional at the airport. However, the CDC still recommends that people continue to wear masks in indoor public transportation settings, especially if they are unvaccinated.

The ruling by Judge Mizelle is not a judgment on the effectiveness of masking but rather a challenge to the CDC's authority to implement a health mandate. Public health experts disagree with the judge's interpretation and argue that the CDC does have the authority to implement a mask mandate on public transportation. Some believe that the move is political and worry about the precedent it sets. The Biden administration called the ruling "disappointing" and has said that they are reviewing the decision and assessing potential next steps.

The Metropolitan Airports Commission announced masks will be optional at MSP airport

The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) is a 650-person organisation that owns and operates the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (also known as MSP Airport) and six reliever airports in the Twin Cities area. On April 18, 2022, the MAC announced that masks will be optional at MSP Airport and its six general aviation airports. This decision followed a ruling by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle, a Trump appointee, which invalidated the federal mask mandate on public transportation.

The MAC's decision means that passengers travelling through MSP Airport will no longer be required to wear face masks while at the airport. This change is effective immediately and applies to all areas of the airport, including terminals, gates, and baggage claim areas. However, it is important to note that individual airlines may still have their own mask policies in place, so passengers should review the requirements of their specific airline before travelling.

Additionally, the MAC has stated that they will continue to follow other COVID-19 safety protocols to ensure the health and safety of their customers and staff. These measures may include enhanced cleaning and sanitation procedures, physical distancing guidelines, and the availability of hand sanitising stations throughout the airport. Passengers are also encouraged to follow local health guidelines and take any necessary precautions to protect themselves and others.

The MAC's decision to make masks optional at MSP Airport is in line with the rulings of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and other relevant authorities. The TSA had previously issued guidance that it will no longer enforce mask-related regulations and will be withdrawing security directives that required face masks at airports and on aircraft. As a result, many major airlines also announced that masks will no longer be enforced onboard their flights.

It is important to stay informed about the latest guidelines and recommendations regarding mask-wearing and COVID-19 safety protocols. While masks may no longer be required at MSP Airport, it is still a good idea to carry a mask with you while travelling and to follow any additional instructions provided by airport staff or your airline. Staying informed and taking appropriate precautions will help ensure a safe and smooth travel experience for all.

The ruling was made by a federal judge in Florida

On April 18, 2022, U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle, a Trump appointee, struck down the federal mask mandate for airplanes and other modes of public transportation. In her 59-page ruling, she stated that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had exceeded its authority and failed to follow proper rulemaking procedures. This decision led to U.S. airlines and other transportation hubs, including the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, promptly dropping their mask mandates.

Judge Mizelle, who sits on the District Court for the Middle District of Florida, was nominated by former President Donald Trump in September 2020 and confirmed by a 49-41 Senate vote later that year. At the time of her nomination, she faced criticism from the American Bar Association (ABA), which argued that she lacked sufficient legal experience, having only been practicing law for eight years after passing the bar. Despite this, she garnered support from Republican lawmakers who highlighted her impressive resume and intellect.

In her ruling, Judge Mizelle asserted that the CDC had overstepped its authority in requiring masks on public transportation. This decision sparked mixed responses from travelers and concern from experts. While some welcomed the end of mask mandates, critics pointed out the legal and factual errors in the judge's decision. The White House also expressed disappointment with the ruling, with Press Secretary Jen Psaki stating that the CDC continues to recommend wearing masks on public transit.

The ruling by Judge Mizelle had significant implications, as it allowed litigants seeking to block federal policies to approach ideologically friendly judges, potentially undermining the will of elected officials. However, critics arguing against the nature of the ruling itself were careful to distinguish their disagreement from claims of unconstitutionality, acknowledging the importance of maintaining a system of judicial review. This incident highlights the complex dynamics between different branches of government and the ongoing debate surrounding COVID-19 mitigation measures.

Frequently asked questions