A federal judge in Florida on Monday struck down the U.S. federal government’s mask-wearing requirement for airplanes and other methods of public transportation. An official with Joe Biden’s administration said the order is no longer in virgo while the court’s decision is reviewed.
Magistrate Kathryn Kimball Mizelle said the requirement was illegal because it exceeded the statutory authority of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and because its implementation violated administrative law.
“Agencies are reviewing the decision and evaluating possible next steps,” government official Biden said late on Monday.
“Meanwhile, today’s court ruling means the CDC order is not currently in effect. Therefore, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will not be enforcing its Emergency Safety and Amendment Guidelines requiring the use of a mask on public transportation and transportation hubs at this time. The CDC recommends that people continue to wear masks indoors on public transportation,” he concluded.
The developments have created confusion over guidelines across the country, with several airlines and travel authorities quickly announcing Monday night that masks are now optional. It is unclear whether the Justice Department will ask to suspend the decision and file an appeal.
Last week, the CDC extended this order, which applies to planes, trains and other forms of public transportation, until May 3.
White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki called the ruling “disappointing” and said the Justice Department would decide on a legal response. Psaki says the government maintains the mask-wearing recommendation for airline passengers.
Source: CNN Brasil
I’m James Harper, a highly experienced and accomplished news writer for World Stock Market. I have been writing in the Politics section of the website for over five years, providing readers with up-to-date and insightful information about current events in politics. My work is widely read and respected by many industry professionals as well as laymen.
