Federal Judge Overturns CDC Mask Mandate For Public Transportation

A federal judge in Florida has overturned the CDC's mask mandate on planes, trains, buses and other forms of public transportation.  

U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump in 2020, ruled that the public health agency exceeded its legal authority. Mizelle also argued that the CDC failed to adequately justify its decision to lengthen the mandate and was vague when describing the "attributes of acceptable masks." White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki labeled Mizelle's ruling as an "obviously a disappointing decision." The CDC announced last week that it would extend the mask mandate until at least May 3, marking the fifth extension since the rule was initially enforced. While mask mandates in all 50 states are currently lifted, Philadelphia and some other cities are starting to reinstate them amid a spike in COVID-19 cases. 

Left-rated outlets such as BuzzFeed News (Left bias) were more likely to accentuate how the "surprise" order "may be appealed" and is "expected to create confusion at airports and on transportation" across the country. Some right-rated outlets like National Review (Right bias) emphasized how "a number of major airline CEOs" have been calling on the Biden administration to lift the transportation mask mandate, "citing low case numbers and severity nationwide."