U.S. judge rescinds mouth mask requirement on public transportation and flights

The CDC, the national health service, has violated its powers by introducing the duty, the judge ruled. The Tampa court quashed the settlement and sent them back to the health authorities.

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki called the report “disappointing.” “The CDC continues to recommend masks on public transport,” a spokesman said, adding that officials would now review whether they would take action against the decision.

A senior government official said the mask requirement imposed by the CDC on Monday evening (local time) was not currently in place. The agency responsible for safety on public transport (TSA) will no longer carry out the duty in the first instance.

The judiciary, which may decide to appeal, has not yet responded.

President Joe Biden introduced the mask requirements on public transport shortly after taking office in January 2021. A few days later, the CDC ordered the wearing of masks on planes, boats, trains, subways, buses and taxis and at airports and train stations. And ports.

The program has been extended several times, most recently until the beginning of May. In recent months, however, opposition has increased: about 20 Republican-controlled states and several major airlines have called for the abolition of this obligation.