Masks In Florida Airports: What's The Current Requirement?

As of April 18, 2022, masks are no longer required on U.S. flights or in airports following a ruling by a federal judge in Florida. U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle stated that the CDC failed to properly justify its mask mandate and did not follow the correct federal procedures in implementing it. This ruling came after a number of states, including Florida, sued the federal government to end the mandate. As a result, major Florida airports such as Miami International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, and Tampa International Airport have lifted their mask requirements.

Face masks are no longer required at Miami and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airports

The CDC had extended the mandate by an additional 15 days, until May 3, 2022, due to rising COVID-19 cases and the spread of the BA.2 subvariant. However, as of April 18, 2022, the CDC announced it would acquiesce to Mizelle's court order, lifting the mask restrictions. The CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings.

Following the ruling, airlines including United, Delta, American, Alaska, and JetBlue announced that masks are now optional for employees, crew members, and customers aboard aircraft. However, Delta and American Airlines noted that employees and customers may continue to wear masks if they choose to do so.

While the White House called the ruling "disappointing," Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared it a victory for his anti-mandate stance. The Biden administration could still seek to appeal the order, with Justice Department spokesman Anthony Coley stating that officials believe the federal mask order was "a valid exercise of the authority Congress has given CDC to protect the public health."

The TSA will not enforce the federal mask mandate on airplanes

On April 18, 2022, a federal judge in Florida struck down the Biden administration's national COVID-19 mask mandate for planes and other forms of public transportation. The ruling stated that the CDC didn't have the authority to issue such a mandate and couldn't make a compelling case for why they should be federally mandated.

Following the ruling, the TSA will no longer enforce the mask mandate on public transportation, including airplanes and airports. However, the CDC still recommends that people continue to wear masks in these settings.

The White House called the ruling "disappointing," and spokesperson Jen Psaki said that they are "continuing to recommend people wear masks." The Biden administration could still seek to appeal the order.

The ruling could create confusion on airplanes, where the mask mandate has caused a surge in incidents and altercations between airline officials and passengers. The Association of Flight Attendants has asked for calm and consistency in the airports and on planes, and urged the government to provide clear communication to avoid subjecting flight attendants and crew to more violence.

One by one, major US airlines responded to the ruling by updating their policies. United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines all announced that masks would no longer be required on their domestic flights or in US airports. However, passengers may still need to wear masks on select international flights, depending on the arrival country's requirements.

The CDC still recommends wearing masks on public transit

As of May 3, 2022, the CDC recommends that everyone aged two and older, including passengers and workers, wear a well-fitting mask over the nose and mouth in indoor areas of public transportation and transportation hubs. The CDC's recommendation is based on currently available data, including an understanding of global epidemiology, circulating variants and their impact on disease severity, and vaccine effectiveness. The CDC states that wearing a well-fitting mask or respirator helps protect oneself and those around them, keeping travel and public transportation safer for everyone.

The CDC's recommendation comes after a federal judge in Florida overturned the national mask mandate for public transportation on April 18, 2022. U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle stated that the mandate exceeded the authority of U.S. health officials in the coronavirus pandemic, and that the CDC failed to justify its decision and did not follow proper rule-making procedures.

Following the ruling, the White House announced that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) would not enforce the federal mask requirement on airplanes, in airports, and on other forms of public transportation. Major U.S. airlines, including United, Delta, and American Airlines, also made masks optional for their customers and employees. However, some airlines, such as Delta, requested patience and understanding from their customers as they adjusted to the new policy.

While the federal mandate may no longer be enforced, the CDC continues to recommend wearing masks on public transit to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. This recommendation applies to all people, regardless of their vaccination status, while on public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the U.S. and its territories. The CDC's website provides detailed information on the mask mandate for public transportation, including exemptions for certain individuals and circumstances.

The federal mask mandate was voided by a Florida judge

On April 18, 2022, U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle of Tampa, Florida, voided the federal mask mandate for airplanes and other public transportation. In her 59-page ruling, Mizelle, a nominee of former President Donald Trump, stated that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had overstepped its authority and failed to follow proper rule-making procedures. She argued that the CDC did not provide a satisfactory justification for its decision and that it did not follow the necessary steps for implementing such a rule.

Mizelle's decision was based on the argument that the CDC's mandate exceeded the authority of U.S. health officials. The ruling stated that the only remedy was to vacate the rule entirely across the country, as limiting it to a specific group of people who objected would not be effective. The judge asserted the authority of the courts to make such a decision, even if the CDC's goals in fighting the virus were commendable. She wrote, "Because our system does not permit agencies to act unlawfully even in pursuit of desirable ends, the court declares unlawful and vacates the mask mandate."

The Justice Department declined to comment on whether the government planned to appeal the ruling. However, Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who had previously opposed many government coronavirus requirements, praised the ruling on Twitter. The CDC had recently extended the mask mandate until May 3, 2022, to allow for further study of the BA.2 omicron subvariant of the coronavirus. The ruling by Judge Mizelle prompted airlines and other transportation hubs to promptly drop their mask requirements.

The decision by Judge Mizelle has elicited mixed responses. While some travelers and critics celebrated the end of the mask mandate, experts expressed concern. The White House called the ruling "disappointing," and White House spokesperson Jen Psaki stated that they continued to recommend mask-wearing. The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) urged calm and clear communication to ensure the safety of flight attendants and crew members, who have faced air rage and violence, often related to the federal masking policy.

The CDC will continue to assess public health conditions and may appeal

The CDC's mask mandate for public transportation has been a subject of ongoing debate and legal challenges. In April 2022, a federal judge in Florida, U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle, ruled that the CDC's order exceeded its statutory authority and violated the Administrative Procedure Act. This ruling resulted in the abrupt end of the federal mask mandate for airplanes, airports, and other forms of public transportation.

Following the ruling, major airlines in the U.S., including United, Delta, American, Alaska, and JetBlue, made masks optional for employees, crew members, and customers. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) also announced that it would not be enforcing the federal mask mandate.

While the Biden administration expressed disappointment with the ruling, it stated that the CDC continues to recommend wearing masks in indoor public transportation settings. The CDC will continue to monitor public health conditions and make decisions based on its assessment of the public health needs.

The Justice Department has affirmed its support for the CDC's authority to issue public health orders and has stated that it will take legal action if necessary. The CDC's ongoing assessment of public health conditions will determine whether a mandate is deemed necessary, which could result in an appeal of the court's decision.

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