Mask mandate gone!

Many of us are breathing easier this week, literally—especially those on planes—after a federal judge in Florida ruled Monday the CDC overstepped its legal authority when issuing the mask mandate order for public transportation. The Biden Administration extended it several times, and did it again this month, when the judge addressed a challenge to the rule.
        Getting rid of the mandate goes along with how the majority of the country feels about COVID—it’s behind us. Yes, there are variants that continue to pop up, but aren’t there going to be, maybe forever?
        After the news, the four largest U.S. airlines—United, Delta, Southwest and American—all dropped the mask requirement. TSA is no longer requiring it as you move through airports. Amtrak also no longer requires masks.
    This is welcome news. There has been mixed messaging from the start about the effectiveness of masks. No one is saying you CAN’T wear them. Like much in our lives, it should be a personal choice.
    The White House has not yet stated, as of Wednesday morning, if it will challenge the judge’s ruling. Let’s hope not.
    It will be great to see people’s full faces in airports again, won’t it?