Federal Judge Tosses Transportation Mask Mandate

The TSA will no longer enforce mask mandates on public transportation and inside transportation hubs after a federal judge in Florida ruled against it April 18. 

In a statement, TSA officials said the CDC continues to recommend people wear masks in indoor transportation settings.

The U.S. Justice Department announced April 20 it will appeal the ruling, following a request by CDC officials.

The judge’s ruling comes days after the CDC recommended the mandate extend for another two weeks, citing the spread of the Omicron subvariant. 

In her ruling, U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle said the CDC failed to adequately justify its reasoning for the mandate, and did not follow proper rulemaking procedures.

Connecticut Impact

Airlines welcomed the decision quickly. Many had been asking the Biden Administration to remove the mandate in recent weeks.

American, United, Delta, and Southwest airlines dropped the mandate within hours.

Amtrak also said masks will no longer be required, with ridesharing services Uber and Lyft following suit. 

The Lamont administration released a statement April 20 lifting the mask mandate on CTtransit, Hartford Line, and Shore Line East services and facilities in Connecticut.

New Haven Line rail services in Connecticut are operated by Metro-North, which continues to require commuters wear masks in accordance with New York State requirements.

New York public transit officials said this week that masks will continue to be required on public transportation for now, citing a New York State Health Department rule.