Last week, the US extended the mask mandate for transit (that is airports, train stations, rail, air travel, etc) until April 18. This in and of itself is important because it is the first time the extension was just for one month. But, there were many who thought the mask mandate would be lifted already yet here we are with another month of wearing masks on planes. Or, maybe no?
Senate Passes Vote to Get Rid of Mask Mandate for Transit
The US Senate voted 57-40 yesterday to get rid of the mask mandate for things like air travel that has been in place since President Biden took office. That vote means that it had bi-partisan support with all but one Republican (Mitt Romney) and 7 Democrats voting to overturn the mask mandate.
A Political Issue?
The vote fell just short of what would be needed to prevent a presidential veto. In fact, the threat of a veto on this came quickly from President Biden so it doesn’t really matter what happens in the House on this vote, it will not overturn the mask mandate.
But, the vote is important for another reason – it really does show what many of us have known for a while. And that is that the mask mandate definitely has political implications. This is likely one of the big reasons that the mask mandate will not be renewed come April 18 – the midterm elections are essentially around the corner and the mask issue is one that splits with voters that both sides need. In fact, 4 of the Democrat senators that voted for the measure yesterday are up for reelection this year.
Airlines and other industry professionals have called for the mask mandate to be lifted and it is something that would likely see widespread support amongst travelers. This is partially because it would, of course, still be optional for those that want to wear masks while allowing those that do not want to wear them the option to stop.
As I outlined in my post last week, airplanes are some of the safest places as far as air filtration goes. Without the US mandating a specific kind of mask onboard, there are many that are wearing masks that don’t even stop anything anyway (you should see some of the masks I have seen!).
Sure, airplanes are also a place filled with germs but travelers can mitigate those germ risks by using the sanitation wipes given out before boarding to wipe down their area before touching anything. People are also more conscious now about the surfaces around them and I have seen many people take extra care to be safe and sanitary while onboard.
But, with airlines, airports, and countries around the world (especially in Europe) dropping these mask mandates, the US will not likely be far behind. The veto threat by President Biden shows that he does not want the legislative branch dictating on this matter but I would not be surprised to hear from the CDC prior to April 18 that they have determined it is “safe” to drop the mask mandate.
I am certain that the mask mandate will not continue past April 18. Extending it past then will make it even more political and the bipartisan support this recent vote had shows that lawmakers want to let their constituents know about their position on this matter with the midterms right around the corner.
What do you think? Do you think the mask mandate should be lifted or continue through the summer?
I am a Canadian who has spent the last 3 months in Portugal, Spain and now Italy. Mask mandates (indoor) and vaccine passes are mandatory and compliance is strong. You can’t even go into a bank in Italy without a “green pass”. It isn’t a big deal. Nobody is throwing a fit, wearing panties on their faces or being disrespectful in any way. Is it really so hard to wear a mask to protect someone else?
This whole “get rid of masks” is a political thing. Either you care about people dying (like the 1500 every day in a place like Florida) or you don’t. I can see what they care about here.
I understand getting rid of the testing at borders but a simple thing like masking should be around as long as COVID is
Ok, Karen..you know COVID will never go away so you want required masking forever? Think about that.
If you want to wear a mask, go ahead, no problem. But now requiring everyone to wear one is ridiculous. I’ve been in Italy, Greece, France and Netherlands during COVID. Most of the places I went in these countries they were more lax than here in the US.
In the county where I live, very few have ever worn a mask in public/inside spaces. Guess what? We have the lowest hospitalization and death rates in our state.
Follow the science, masks, as most use them, do little if anything.
I’m glad the UK and France are doing away them now. The US will follow soon.
Ask yourself this…knowing influezna kills so many people each year, why weren’t people wearing masks during the forever influenza endemic?
Yeah, but you are no healthcare expert. You cannot even spell for christ’s sake.
Just because you don’t think it’s a big deal, doesn’t mean I think the same way. I hate it. It’s a big deal for me. Maybe not for you, and that’s great, but that doesn’t have any bearing on what it means for me.
Plus, it’s designed to protect others, and with vaccines having been readily available for a year now, if you choose not to protect yourself, that’s your problem. Why should I have to make adjustments based on your choices?
I wore a mask without complaint for a long while, but the game has changed now.
Being 10 votes away (67 needed with everyone present and voting) from overriding a veto in a chamber with only 100 members is not “close.” It it distinctly different from ending a filibuster, which is 60 votes.
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