The CDC’s mask rule requires travelers to wear a face mask till April 18
Florida, represented by Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General Ashley Moody, along with twenty other states with Republican attorneys general, filed a lawsuit against the CDC’s ongoing transit mask rule in light of COVID-19 variants.
The issue has been taken to the federal court in Tampa, Florida, where Republican officials in Florida are contesting it.
What the CDC’s transit mask rule states
The CDC’s transit mask rule mandate requires travelers and passengers on planes, trains, ferries, and other public transportation to wear masks due to the coronavirus pandemic. This was a necessary measure considering that the virus most commonly spreads due to vapors in closed spaces, helping reduce infection and transmission rates.
However, as the pandemic draws to an end (hopefully) and rules and mask rule mandates are eased the world over, the public, and politicians, are raising objections.
Why this is being objected to by multiple states
The point of contention that has formed the basis for the lawsuit is primarily that this mask mandate extends beyond the CDC’s authority. Gov. DeSantis, who has continued to challenge all previous mask mandates as well, stated :
“It is well past time to get rid of this unnecessary mandate and get back to normal life,” which implies that the mask mandate is no longer needed, and it’s important to resume normalcy during transit and travel.
This comes in light of multiple situations where officials and employees in public transport, such as bus conductors and flight attendants, have had to deal with passengers that would not oblige or follow the rules.
In addition to Florida, the following states (in alphabetical order) are part of this lawsuit:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia.
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