A federal judge in Florida struck down the CDC's mask mandate for travel - masking is now optional in the U.S.A. !

COVID-19 has transitioned to an ordinary seasonal virus, hence U.S. has  lifted  the  mask  mandate to facilitate global travel.

On monday , a federal judge in Florida struck down the CDC's mask mandate for travel - masking is now optional in the U.S.A., while giving a ruling on Case 8:21-cv-01693-KKM-AEP !

"The   Court concludes   that   the  Mask   Mandate exceeds  the  CDC's  statutory authority   and  violates  the  procedures  required  for  agency  rulemaking under  the  APA. Accordingly,  the Court vacates the Mandate and remands  it to the CDC."

Biden Administration announced that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer enforce the federal mandate requiring masks in all U.S. airports and on board aircraft.

American Airlines said ,

American Airlines has prioritized the health and safety of its team members and customers throughout the pandemic and has supported the federal government’s measures to slow the spread of COVID-19.

In accordance with the Transportation Security Administration no longer enforcing the federal face mask mandate, face masks will no longer be required for our customers and team members at U.S. airports and on domestic flights.

Please note face masks may still be required based on local ordinances, or when traveling to/from certain international locations based on country requirements.

In keeping with our commitment to creating a welcoming environment for everyone who travels with us, customers and team members may choose to continue to wear masks at their own discretion.

Delta airlines said ,

" Effective immediately, masks are optional for all airport employees, crew members and customers inside U.S. airports and on board all aircraft domestically, as well as on most international flights."

Delta employees and customers may continue wearing masks if they so choose. Wearing a well-fitting mask protects the wearer, even if others around them are not wearing masks.

U.S. government said , it will stop enforcing the federal mask mandate for travel , for now , after the  federal judge in Florida was critical of the CDC’s mask requirement for planes and trains, ruling that the agency overstepped its statutory authority. 

TSA statement ,

Due to today’s court ruling, effective immediately, TSA will no longer enforce its Security Directives and Emergency Amendment requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs.

TSA will also rescind the new Security Directives that were scheduled to take effect tomorrow. CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings at this time.