NEW YORK (WABC) – A federal judge’s decision to lift the mandate of national masks covering airlines and other public transportation on Monday has had a ripple effect in the three-state area as agencies react.
The decision appears to be freeing operators to make their own decisions on mask requirements, with several major airlines: Delta, American, Southwest, JetBlue and United announcing they will make masks optional, but New York’s public transport system retains its mandate. place.
MTA Communications Director Tim Minton said the system “continues to follow CDC guidelines and will review the Florida court order.” The MTA operates New York City’s subway buses and trains, as well as two railroads, the Long Island Railroad and the subway. North.
Face covers are mandatory on all trains and buses since the beginning of the pandemic.
However, New Jersey Transit has announced that it will no longer require masks, although people may choose to wear them based on personal preference.
Amtrak also said that passengers and employees will no longer be required to disguise themselves while on board trains or stations.
“Masks are welcome and remain an important preventive measure against COVID-19,” the agency said.
The biggest confusion comes at the three major airports in New York. They are owned by the Port Authority, which reports to New York Governor Katie Hochul and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. The problem is that on the subject of masks – they do not agree.
“We do a lot with New York, but we almost always take the lead from the federal government,” Murphy said.
“The number of cases is growing. This is very obvious to all of us and this is something we need to be aware of when making our decision,” Hochul said.
To narrow down the confusion, here is the latest list of transport agencies in Trista and their situation with regard to Monday’s decision:
MTA
“The New York Public Transport Mask Requirement remains in effect for the time being, in line with the New York State Department of Health decision of March 2, 2022,” said Tim Minton, MTA’s director of communications, regarding public transport masks.
Port administration
New York rules remain in force for PATH trains and New York airports, but are repealed at New Jersey airports.
“The Port Authority will continue to follow the guidelines of the public health authorities in New York and New Jersey regarding the mandates for masks in their public transport facilities,” the agency said.
According to the current New York Public Health Guidelines, the mask mandate remains in force for the following facilities in New York: – Midtown Port Authority Bus Station – George Washington Bridge Bridge Bus Station – Oculus World Trade Center Transportation Center – La Guardia Airport – JFK International Airport – New York Stewart International Airport
According to the newly issued New Jersey Public Health Guidelines, the mask mandate has been revoked for the following facilities in New Jersey, but masks are now optional and welcome for anyone who decides to wear them: — Newark Liberty International Airport – Teterboro Airport
The mask mandate remains in force for the intergovernmental PATH system (including stations and platforms excluding outdoor platforms). “
Westchester County AirportMasks are now essentially optional in the public / public areas of Westchester County Airport, as the airport complies with the “security directives” set by the Federal Transport Security Administration. The TSA on Monday revoked the mask mandate at the national level following a court ruling, so the county’s airport management followed suit on Tuesday to comply with TSA guidelines. Airlines will continue to set the rules for their aircraft, although most appear to be pursuing an optional policy.
Amtrak
“While Amtrak passengers and employees are no longer required to wear masks while on board trains or stations, masks are welcome and remain an important preventive measure against COVID-19. Anyone who needs or decides to wear masks is encouraged to do so.
NJ Transit
“Masks from @NJTRANSIT and the South Jersey Transportation Authority will no longer be required. Individuals may wear a mask based on personal preferences, informed by their personal level of risk. “
List of national airlines and where:
Delta“In effect immediately, masks are optional for all airport employees, crew members and customers at US airports and on board all aircraft in the country, as well as on most international flights.
“Delta employees and customers can continue to wear masks if they choose. Wearing a tight-fitting mask protects the consumer, even if others around them do not wear masks.”
Alaska Airlines“Due to a court decision in our federal court system, the mask mandate has been revoked, which means that our guests and employees have the opportunity to wear a mask while traveling in the United States and at work.
Note: Guests must continue to wear masks on flights to and from Canada.
United Airlines“In effect immediately, masks are no longer required at United for domestic flights, selected international flights (depending on the requirements for the country of arrival masks) or airports in the United States.”
United Airlines told ABC News that it would allow some passengers it had previously banned for masking violations to fly United flights now that their terms were over.
american airlines“According to the Transportation Security Administration, which no longer applies the federal face mask mandate, face masks will no longer be required for our customers and crew members at U.S. and domestic airports. Please note that face masks may still be required based on local regulations or when traveling to / from certain international locations based on national requirements. “
Southwest Airlines“Effectively, Southwest employees and customers will be able to choose immediately whether they would like to wear a mask, and we encourage people to make the best decision to support their personal well-being.
JetBlue“In line with Monday’s federal court ruling and TSA guidelines, wearing masks will now be the choice of JetBlue in the United States. Although no longer required, customers and crew members may continue to wear masks at our terminals and on board our aircraft.
Spirit Airlines“Face covers are no longer required for Spirit Team members and guests on board our flights in accordance with a federal court ruling and TSA guidelines. We understand that some guests may wish to continue to wear face coatings during flights, and this is perfectly fine under our optional policy. For our guests traveling abroad, please be sure to check the country-specific requirements at the airport before traveling. “
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