Here’s Where You Still Need A Mask Even After Judge Voids Federal Mandate

The NY Post reports:

To mask up or not mask up?

That’s the pressing question for commuters and travelers across the country after a federal judge struck down a national public transportation mask mandate on Monday.

If you’re still wondering whether you need a face covering on planes, trains and buses, The Post has you covered.

Here’s what you need to know:

• The Transportation Security Administration announced Monday it will “no longer enforce” a January 2021 directive requiring masks on airplanes and other forms of mass transit after a Trump-appointed judge ruled the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had overstepped its authority by imposing the rule.

• The Biden administration also announced late Monday that the federal mandate would not be enforced while it reviews the ruling and decides whether to appeal.

• Most major carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Alaska Airlines said they were making masks optional on all domestic flights, as well as some international flights.

• Some US airports also ditched the policy, but others, including Los Angeles International Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport, aligned with the CDC in recommending that people still wear masks voluntarily. Masks are still required at Philadelphia International Airport as part of a citywide indoor mandate

• In New York City, masks are still required on MTA subways and buses, as well as the Metro North and Long Island Railroad, Gov. Kathy Hochul confirmed Tuesday. “Do your part to keep your neighbors safe,” Hochul tweeted. “Get vaccinated, get tested, stay home if you feel sick, and wear a mask in settings where required, like on public transit and in health care facilities.”

• The Port Authority announced Tuesday that masks must also be worn at its transit hubs — including JFK Airport, LaGuardia Airport and the Port Authority Bus Terminal — as well as on the PATH rail system. But they’re optional at Newark Liberty International Airport and Teterboro Airport in New Jersey. A spokesperson told The Post that the mask mandate “remains in effect as we continue to consult with the state public health authorities.”

• In contrast to Hochul and the MTA, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy tweeted Tuesday that face coverings are no longer required on New Jersey Transit. The Metro system in Washington, DC, also announced late Monday that masks would be optional moving forward
• Amtrak passengers and employees are no longer required to mask up, although anyone who needs one is “encouraged to do so” as a preventive measure, according to the rail service.
• Uber on Tuesday also ditched its mask requirement for riders and drivers — though it noted that “the CDC still recommends wearing them.” Lyft followed suit a few hours later, announcing that masks were “optional for everyone in the car” before adding that face coverings “may still be required by law in some areas, and we encourage riders and drivers to check their local public health requirements before using Lyft.”