A federal judge in Florida has struck down a nationwide mask-wearing mandate on airplanes and other forms of public transportation for exceeding the authority of US health officials in the coronavirus pandemic.

Monday’s decision by US District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle in Tampa, an appointee of former President Donald Trump, also said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) did not improperly justify their decision and did not follow the proper regulations.

In his 59-page ruling, Mizelle said the only remedy was to strike down the rule entirely nationwide because it would be impossible for the limited group of people who objected in the lawsuit to end it.

The CDC initially extended the mask mandate, which was set to expire Monday, until May 3 to allow more time to study the Omicron BA.2 subvariant of the coronavirus that is now responsible for the vast majority of cases in the US. USA

Critics have seized on the fact that states have rolled back rules requiring masks to be worn in restaurants, stores and other indoor settings, yet cases of COVID-19 have dropped dramatically since the Omicron variant hit its stride. maximum in mid-January.

The Transportation Security Administration said they “will no longer enforce their Security Directives and Emergency Amendment requiring the use of masks on public transportation and transportation hubs.” The TSA added that it will not comply with the new directives that were scheduled to go into effect on April 19.

But what does the latest ruling mean for transportation agencies in the tri-state area? Here’s where local transit agencies stand on mask requirements following news that a federal judge struck down the CDC’s mask mandate:

MTA

“We will continue to follow the CDC guidelines and review the Florida court order,” MTA Communications Director Tim Minton told our sister network News 4 New York.

AMTRAK

Meanwhile, in a statement to News 4 New York, Amtrak also confirmed that the agency’s mask mandate will remain in place for the time being.

“As we have seen with vaccination mandates, these court decisions are subject to appellate review. Pending further information from TSA and FRA on their mask mandate guidance, Amtrak’s mask mandate remains in effect.” the Amtrak statement said.

NJ Transit

NJ Transit told NBC New York on Monday that they would continue to require face coverings on board their transportation, but on Tuesday morning, Gov. Phil Murphy announced a change in plans.

“Masks will no longer be required on NJ Transit and by the South Jersey Transportation Authority. Individuals can wear a mask based on personal preference, based on personal risk level,” the governor said.