Due to the COVID pandemic, the federal government passed a law demanding that passengers wear masks on trains, planes, buses, and other public transport vehicles since January 2021. A Florida judge recently canceled the law – but another court could bring it back.
The Court Ruling
The mask mandate was created by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which said that everyone using public transport must wear a face covering to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The rule also said that people at transport hubs – such as airports, subway stations, or bus terminals – must also wear a mask. Nobody knows when the CDC planned to end the rule, but it was extended to at least May 3.
Several airlines had asked President Biden to end the rule, and 21 states also took action to try to end it.
Now, Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle has struck down the CDC’s transport rule, saying it is against US law. Judge Mizelle said she canceled the mask mandate because the CDC had not explained why it was necessary to keep the rule in place. She decided the CDC had broken US law by failing to explain why its rule was needed.
President Joe Biden and the CDC disagree with the judge. The Department of Justice said it would appeal the decision on the CDC’s behalf. That means it will take the matter to a higher court and try to have the mask rule brought back.
Branches of Government in Action
How come a judge was able to end a rule created by the CDC? This is possible due to the United States’ three branches of government. Under this system, the Judicial branch (the courts), the Executive branch (the president and his agencies), and the Legislative branch (Congress) compete for power.
While the Legislative branch is the one responsible for creating laws, the Executive branch does get to make certain rules without Congress – such as the CDC creating rules to do with health and diseases. However, if someone thinks one of these rules is outside the power of the Executive, they can complain to the Judicial branch. The courts then hear the case and decide whether the Executive has acted legally or not. In this case, Judge Mizelle decided the mask rule was not legal.
Since the Executive disagrees with one judge in the Judicial branch on this matter, it will try to get another judge to reverse the decision.
What Now?
For now, the US government can no longer make people wear masks when using public transport. However, travelers can still wear masks if they want to.
“Effective immediately, masks are optional for all airport employees, crew members and customers inside U.S. airports and onboard aircraft,” Delta Air Lines said in a statement.
Airlines may still require passengers to wear masks on certain flights, such as those traveling to countries with strict COVID rules.
Flying isn’t the only mode of transport affected by the change. The Amtrak rail service has said masks will now be optional for passengers and staff, even though the company encourages people to wear the face coverings.
Other transport systems are affected by local rules. For example, New York trains still require passengers to wear masks, while New Jersey Transit does not. If you are planning to use public transport soon, it’s a good idea to check the rules in your area.
Try a quiz based on this article
Americans were forced to wear masks on public transport to reduce the spread of _________.
Show the answer
COVID-19.
Who created the rule stating that Americans had to wear masks on public transport?
Show the answer
Centers for Disease Control.
Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle struck down the law because the CDC _______.
Show the answer
Has not explained why it is necessary to keep that law in place.
President Joe Biden __________ with Judge Mizelle.
Show the answer
Disagrees.
The three branches of government are the Judicial, Executive, and __________ branches.
Show the answer
Legislative.
The Department of Justice intends to take the matter to a higher court to have the mask rule brought back.
Show the answer
True.
Until a judge brings back the CDC's the rule, all Americans MUST wear masks on public transport.
Show the answer
False.
Several airlines have decided to make wearing masks __________.
Show the answer
Optional.
Local rules may still require passengers to wear masks on public transport.
Show the answer
True.
Which option is an example of an Executive agency?
Show the answer
The CDC.
