To ensure we are equipping our readers with all the information they need, we will continue to report on all travel, safety, and COVID-related news that could impact a Disney Parks visit.
Recently, the face mask mandate on public transportation was extended to last through May 3rd. But could new developments CHANGE that?
Masks are still required on planes
The federal mask mandate for public transit applies to several different transportation vehicles and areas, including buses, planes, trains, airports, and train stations. The Biden administration recently extended the mandate by 2 weeks due to “an uptick in COVID-19 cases.” But now a Florida judge’s ruling is trying to challenge that extension.
Wesh 2 has reported that “a federal judge in Florida has voided the national mask mandate,” stating that this mandate exceeds the authority of US health officials. The judge’s ruling states, “Because our system does not permit agencies to act unlawfully even in pursuit of desirable ends, the court declares unlawful and vacates the mask mandate.”
Airplane
Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle in Tampa said that “the only remedy was to vacate the [mandate] entirely” despite the “laudable goals” of the CDC. Mizelle also said that the CDC did not properly justify its decision to extend the mandate and thus did not follow the correct procedure for rulemaking.
Orlando International Airport
Mizelle said in her 59-page ruling that the courts do have the necessary authority to void the federal mandate. The ruling is in response to a lawsuit filed in July 2021 by 2 plaintiffs and the Health Freedom Defense Fund. According to the judge’s order, this group “opposes laws and regulations that force individuals to submit to the administration of medical products, procedures and devices against their will.” The CDC has not yet responded or commented on this development.
Masks are still required for now.
The main reason for the mandate’s extension, according to the CDC, was the center’s desire to study the newer BA.2 variant of COVID-19 more closely. Critics of the mandate have cited a decline in COVID-19 cases even with the end of mask mandates in other public areas, such as in restaurants, shops, and most other indoor settings.
Orlando International Airport
We’ll keep an eye on this situation and let you know about any new developments. Keep an eye on DFB for all the latest news that could impact your upcoming trip!
Learn more about the extension of the mask mandate on public transportation.
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The post Florida Judge VOIDS Federal Mask Mandate on Public Transportation first appeared on the disney food blog.