Masks off on US public places as COVID-19 cases rise

A number of companies are dropping requirements for facial coverings in the wake of yesterday’s ruling by a federal judge in Florida that overturned the federal COVID-19 mask mandate on public transportation.

Facial coverings are no longer required on airplanes, trains, buses, and other public transit in the United States. The mandate had recently been extended through May 3.

US District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle wrote in a decision that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had exceeded its authority in issuing the mandate and failed to provide an adequate rationale for its decision.

White House representatives said they were disappointed in the ruling, adding that the CDC still recommends wearing a well-fitted facial covering on public transportation.

Within hours of the decision, all major US airlines said masks were now optional for passengers, and ride-share companies Uber and Lyft also dropped mask policies for riders and drivers.

Meanwhile COVID-19 cases are ticking upward across the country as the BA.2 subvariant becomes more prevalent. The United States reported 54,009 new COVID-19 cases yesterday and 281 deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins COVID-19 tracker.

The 7-day average of new daily cases is 39,152, with 425 deaths, according to the New York Times tracker. The average represents a 43% increase over the past 2 weeks