MATA, Memphis International Airport end mask mandate
Masks are no longer required on Memphis Area Transit Authority or at Memphis International Airport.
The federal government announced Monday that passengers traveling on public transportation and airplanes will not be required to wear a face mask after a federal judge in Florida struck down the CDC’S mandate.
“While MATA passengers and employees are no longer required to wear masks while onboard vehicles and/or transit centers, masks are welcome and remain an important preventive measure against COVID-19,” MATA said in a statement Tuesday. “Anyone needing or choosing to wear one is encouraged to do so.”
In June 2020, Memphis city officials imposed a mask mandate in public places, including public transit. Masks on airplanes have been required for two years.
“In accordance with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) no longer enforcing the federal mask mandate, face masks will no longer be required for employees and passengers at Memphis International Airport,” spokesperson Glen Thomas said in an email.
“The airlines would need to speak to their operations and policies related to aircraft.”
The CDC still recommends masks be worn in indoor public settings and prior to the judge’s ruling had extended the mandate until May 3 for further study of the BA.2 omicron subvariant of the virus, which now makes up the majority of new cases in the U.S.
Astrid Kayembe covers South Memphis, Whitehaven and Westwood. Reach her at astrid.kayembe@commercialappeal.com, (901) 304-7929 or on Twitter @astridkayembe_.