Currents News Staff
There’s been a ruling on the Biden Administration’s nationwide mask mandate when it comes to planes and public transportation. It was handed down by a U.S. district judge in Florida who said the mandate was unlawful, that the CDC exceeded its statutory authority and its implementation violated administrative law.
“This is obviously a disappointing decision,” said Jen Psaki, White House Press Secretary. “The CDC continues recommending wearing a mask in public transit.”
Right now, the ruling has the effect of invalidating the regulation. The Justice Department can request an emergency order to keep mask rules in place while an appeal is underway.
Just last week, the CDC extended its mask mandate on public transportation through May 3.
“I certainly hope this is the last extension,” said Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Airlines, “and we’re all hoping come May 3 that the mandate expires and the government now puts it on individuals to make their own decisions about how they care and protect themselves from any kind of health risk rather than the government mandating it.”
This comes as a group of business owners and residents have now filed a joint lawsuit against the city of Philadelphia after becoming the first major U.S. city to reinstate its indoor mask mandate.
“I want to see the state commonwealth court strike down this mandate as a violation of Pennsylvania law,” said Attorney Thomas W. King III.