TSA drops mask mandate for planes and buses
UPDATE: This story was updated at 9:09 a.m. to reflect changes in Butler Transit Authority’s policy.
A federal judge in Florida struck down a national mask mandate on airplanes and mass transit Monday, and airlines and airports swiftly began repealing their requirements that passengers wear face coverings.
The decision allows airlines, airports and mass transit systems to make their own decisions about mask requirements, resulting in a mix of responses.
The Transportation Security Administration said Monday night that it would it will no longer enforce the mask requirement.
As of Tuesday morning, the Butler Transit Authority removed a banner calling for masks to be worn on its buses and at its terminal. A spokesperson said masks no longer need to be worn.
The decision by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle in Tampa, an appointee of former President Donald Trump, also said the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention failed to justify its decision and did not follow proper rule-making procedures that left it fatally flawed.
In March, many schools across the country, including those in Butler County, allowed their students to remove their masks while on buses, after the CDC removed its requirements for masks on transit.
At the time, local school districts, such as South Butler County School District, gave each person their choice on wearing a mask.
“Any student or driver who is more comfortable wearing a mask is certainly encouraged to do so,” said the district in a news release at the time.
Eagle Staff Writer Nathan Bottiger contributed to this report.
This is a breaking news report.
