UPDATE: Where to Still Mask Up on Seacoast Buses, Trains
Mask mandates remain in place for many Seacoast public transportation users following a federal court ruling that ended the CDC's requirement on Monday.
After the ruling was announced, The White House said that the mask mandate was not in effect "for now." The TSA said that it was no longer enforcing the mandate, leaving it essentially up to each agency to decide their masking policy.
U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle said the mandate "exceeded the CDC statutory authority,” and was “arbitrary and capricious," according to Yahoo News.
Masks will no longer be required at the Portsmouth International Airport at Pease, the Manchester-Regional Airport, Boston's Logan International Airport, or at the Portland International Jetport. Many airlines including American, Jet Blue, United, Delta, and Alaska Airlines have also eased back on their policies.
Tuesday afternoon COAST executive director Rad Nichols told Seacoast Current that it is also lifting its mask mandate after consulting with the Federal Transit Administration.
The MBTA also said it is reviewing the court order and keeping the mandate in place.
"We are also reaching out to our federal partners to get further guidance," the agency said in a tweet.
Amtrak spokeswoman Beth Toll told Seacoast Current that it has made masks optional.
"Masks are welcome and remain an important preventive measure against COVID-19. Anyone needing or choosing to wear one is encouraged to do so," Toll said.
Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH