Sachin Walls
As of April 2022, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has stopped enforcing a federal mandate requiring passengers and employees to wear masks in airports and on public transportation. This change in enforcement was triggered by a federal judge voiding a nationwide mask mandate for public transportation. The CDC continues to recommend wearing masks in indoor public transportation settings. However, airlines and locales may continue to enforce their own COVID-19 mask policies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) | Mask mandate lifted |
| Canberra Airport | Mask mandate lifted |
| Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport | Mask mandate lifted |
| Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport | Mask mandate lifted |
| New Orleans Airport | Mask mandate lifted |
| Uber | Mask mandate lifted |
| Amtrak | Mask mandate lifted |
| CDC recommendation | Wearing a mask in public transit |
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What You'll Learn
Mask mandate lifted at Phoenix-area airports
On April 19, 2022, the federal mandate requiring passengers and employees to wear masks while in airports and on domestic flights was lifted. This change in enforcement applies specifically to airports and other forms of federal public transportation. However, airlines and locales may continue to enforce their own COVID-19 mask policies.
In Phoenix, masks are no longer required at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport or Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. The airport's communications and outreach administrator, Heather Shelbrack, stated that the CDC still recommends wearing masks in indoor public transportation settings. She also mentioned that masks will remain available in airport vending machines and at airport information counters free of charge.
Ryan Smith, director of communications and government relations at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, noted that the reactions of passengers and staff to the sudden lifting of the mandate have been mixed. Some are relieved, while others continue to wear masks throughout the terminal. Allegiant Air, the main passenger airline at the airport, also stated that masks are optional but recommended for customers and team members.
While the mask mandate has been lifted at Phoenix-area airports, it is important to note that specific airlines may still require masks on their flights, depending on the destination. It is recommended that travelers check with their airlines and destinations for specific details about their itineraries.
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San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport lifts mandate
As of April 2022, the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport has lifted its mask mandate. This change in enforcement applies specifically to airports and other forms of federal public transportation. However, individual airlines and locales may continue to enforce their own COVID-19 mask policies, so travellers are encouraged to check with their airline and destination contacts for specific details about mask requirements.
The lifting of the mandate at San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport follows a ruling by a Florida federal judge, who deemed the mandate unlawful, stating that the CDC had exceeded its authority and violated rulemaking procedures. As a result, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is no longer enforcing the federal mandate requiring passengers and employees to wear masks while in airports and on other forms of transportation, such as trains.
Despite the lifted mandate, the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport Authority has emphasised that it already has several health and safety policies in place, including increased cleanings, staff training, and regular technical assessments. The airport has also obtained GBAC STAR™ accreditation, demonstrating its commitment to health and safety.
While masks are no longer required in most situations at the airport, some individuals may still choose to wear them. The airport respects this choice and allows anyone who wishes to continue wearing a mask to do so. This decision reflects the airport's commitment to providing a safe and comfortable environment for all travellers, employees, and visitors.
It is important to note that the situation with mask mandates at airports is subject to change. While the mandate has been lifted as of April 2022, future developments in the COVID-19 pandemic may result in the reinstatement of mask requirements. Therefore, travellers are advised to stay updated with the latest information and guidelines provided by the airport and relevant authorities.
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Canberra Airport lifts mandate
On June 15, 2022, the Australian government announced that the mask mandate in airport terminals would be lifted from Saturday. This decision was made based on the recommendation of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), which stated that the mandate was not considered "proportionate" given the relaxed mask rules in most other environments across the country. However, it is important to note that travelers are still required to wear masks on planes to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The AHPPC strongly recommends continued mask-wearing in airport terminals and other indoor settings, especially when physical distancing is not possible.
This announcement came amidst rising COVID-19 cases in Australia, and experts have expressed differing opinions on the timing of the mandate's lifting. While the Australian government has lifted the mandate, individual airlines and locales may continue to enforce their own COVID-19 mask policies. Therefore, travelers are encouraged to contact their airlines and destinations for specific details about their itineraries.
The decision to lift the mask mandate in Canberra Airport is in line with the ACT government's approach to border restrictions, which has been described as the "gold standard" by Canberra Airport boss Stephen Byron. The ACT government has implemented restrictions only for as long as they are necessary, contributing to a recovery in passenger numbers at Canberra Airport. In the past, the ACT government has made prompt decisions to lift quarantine rules and border closures when the risk has subsided.
While the mask mandate has been lifted at Canberra Airport, it is worth noting that public health experts have criticized the removal of mandates in airports and public transportation due to the potential impact on COVID-19 cases. Proper ventilation and physical distancing can be challenging to enforce in these settings, especially on planes where large crowds are gathered in close proximity for extended periods.
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New Orleans airport lifts mandate
As of April 19, 2022, the New Orleans airport and public transit system have lifted their mask mandates. This change was implemented after a federal judge in Florida, Kathryn Kimball Mizelle, voided a nationwide mask mandate for public transportation, stating that the CDC had exceeded its authority and violated rulemaking procedures.
The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) announced that its transit operators would no longer enforce the mask mandate on buses, streetcars, ferries, paratransit vehicles, and at RTA facilities. The RTA spokesperson, Arian Randolph, stated that they continue to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings.
Similarly, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that masks would no longer be mandatory in transportation hubs, signaling to airports across the country, including the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), to drop the mandate. Face masks are now optional for employees, passengers, and guests at MSY.
While the TSA will no longer enforce the federal mandate, individual airlines and locales may still have their own COVID-19 mask policies. Travelers are encouraged to contact their airlines and destinations for specific details about mask requirements.
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Airlines may continue to have their own COVID-19 mask policies
While the mask mandate has been lifted at airports across the US, individual airlines may continue to have their own COVID-19 mask policies in place. This means that passengers may still be required to wear masks on certain flights, even if the airport they are travelling through has lifted its mandate.
The decision to lift the federal mask mandate was made by a federal judge in Florida, who ruled that the CDC had exceeded its authority and violated rulemaking procedures. This ruling has resulted in a change of enforcement by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which will no longer require passengers and employees to wear masks in airports and on other forms of public transportation.
However, it is important to note that the CDC continues to recommend mask-wearing in indoor public transportation settings. As such, travellers are encouraged to reach out to their airline and contacts at their destination for specific details about their itineraries and any applicable mask policies.
Some airlines, such as Allegiant Air, have already announced that masks are optional for customers and team members, while others may continue to enforce more stringent policies. It is therefore advisable for passengers to check the latest updates from their chosen airline before travelling.
In addition to any mask mandate, many airports have implemented several health and safety policies, including increased cleanings, staff training, and regular technical assessments. These measures aim to provide a safe and secure environment for travellers, even in the absence of a federal mask mandate.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the mask mandate has been lifted at airports across the US. This follows a federal judge's ruling that voided the nationwide mandate for public transportation.
The mandate has been lifted at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, and San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport.
The judge, Kathryn Kimball Mizelle, ruled that the CDC had exceeded its authority and violated rulemaking procedures.
While the TSA is no longer enforcing the federal mandate, individual airlines and locales may continue to have their own COVID-19 mask policies. It is recommended that you check with your airline and destination contacts for specific details about your itinerary.
Reactions have been mixed. Some people are relieved, while others continue to wear masks. Public health experts have criticized the move, noting the potential negative impact on COVID-19 cases, especially in places with poor ventilation like planes.
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