Ride-sharing service Uber has announced it is relaxing its COVID-19 masking rules after a U.S. federal judge struck down a federal mask mandate for airplanes and other forms of public transportation.
“Remember: many people still feel safer wearing a mask because of personal or family health situations, so please be respectful of their preferences,” Uber said in the statement, adding that federal health authorities continue to recommend wearing masks for people with personal risk factors or in areas of high transmission.
Mizelle, a Trump appointee based in Florida, ordered the CDC to reverse the policy nationwide.
The CDC’s order was first imposed in January 2021 and applies to trains, airplanes, and other modes of transportation that fall under the purview of federal officials, along with transportation hubs such as airports.
The CDC has extended the order on several occasions, despite growing opposition to mask mandates, including by major airlines.
“In order to assess the potential impact the rise of cases has on severe disease, including hospitalizations and deaths, and health care system capacity, the CDC order will remain in place at this time,” the CDC said in a statement.
It’s unclear whether the Department of Justice will try to file an appeal or how quickly judge Mizelle’s ruling will be implemented across the country.