麻豆约拍

A federal judge in Florida has struck down the Biden administration's mask mandate for aeroplanes and other forms of public transit, calling it unlawful. The mandate for public transportation had been imposed by the White House administration, but has had mixed success and a number of challenges in US courts. US District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle said the national public health agency had exceeded its legal powers in issuing the mandate, and the US transit authority said it would now no longer enforce mask wearing.

麻豆约拍 correspondent Peter Bowes says that it's not known whether the judge's ruling will be challenged, but that rising numbers of infections in the US are causing concern. Philadelphia has reintroduced its mandate for masks to be worn in public buildings, but that is going against the trend for a loosening of restrictions. The federal judge's order effectively removes the mask-wearing requirement in all airports, trains, taxis and transit hubs. Many airlines have dropped their mandates and have said it is up to the individual as to whether they wear a mask or not.

Photo: People in a transport hub wearing masks. Credit: Getty Images