Tag: Mandate

These 2 European Countries Are Among The Last To Finally End Mask Mandate
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Two European countries that were among the last to cling on to an indoor mask mandate have now officially dropped their mask wearing requirements.

Spain and Portugal, two heavyweights of European tourism and popular vacation destinations for travelers from all over the world, made the changes to their mask policies just this week, a move that is bound to put the two Iberian countries back on the map for millions of tourists this summer.

With these changes being made, travel to Europe has never been closer to normal than at any stage during the pandemic so far. Here’s a closer look at what exactly is set to change in Spain and Portugal – including in which situations masks are still expected to be worn by travelers – plus a recap of which European countries have ditched the masks already and which are yet to do so.

Spain Drops Mask Requirement – Information For Travelers

Spain’s decision to drop the indoor mask mandate became official on April 20th. The change means that travelers visiting the country will now no longer have to wear a mask in establishments such as bars, cafés, restaurants, nightclubs, cinemas, theatres, sports stadiums, concert halls, shopping centers, supermarkets, gyms, and schools – making the experience of visiting Spain for many travelers just like it was in pre-pandemic times.

Travelers will however be expected to wear masks in the following situations:
- Hospitals and other health-related businesses such as dental clinics and pharmacies
- Care homes
- On public transport, which includes airplanes, buses, trains, metros, taxis and ferries
It is also recommended that people who are over 60, immunosuppressed or pregnant should carry on wearing masks when appropriate indoors. Masks are also recommended in crowded spaces when social distancing isn’t possible.

Portugal Eases Mask Mandate – What Travelers Should Know

Spain’s neighbor Portugal has also removed their indoor mask mandate this week, with the change going live from April 21st. The change to the policy means that travelers will now no longer be required to wear a mask when visiting several different types of indoor establishments, such as restaurants, cafes, shopping centres and museums. The removal of the indoor mask mandate was made possible due to low infection and high vaccination rates in the country.

As is the case with Spain, there are still some exceptions to the rule which means that masks will still be required in some situations. This includes when using all types of public transport. Masks will also need to be worn by travelers when visiting healthcare institutions and places that are frequented by vulnerable people in order to minimize the potential spread of the virus in such places.

In removing their indoor mask mandate, Portugal and Spain have joined several other European nations that have also waved goodbye to face masks in recent weeks.

These include popular destinations such as the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, Iceland, Netherlands, Croatia, Poland, Latvia, France, Czechia, Germany, and Romania.

Whilst Italy still has a mask mandate in place, it is expected to repeal it next month.

In order to enter Spain, travelers must either be fully vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19 in the past six months, with no testing requirements in place. Travelers to Portugal must either be vaccinated against Covid-19, have a PCR test within 72 hours of arrival or an antigen test within 24 hours of arrival. The need to fill in a passenger locator form prior to entering Portugal has also been removed.

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April 24, 2022
Mask Mandate Confusion Spreads Across the U.S.

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As if traveling isn’t confusing enough already, it may just have gotten a bit more puzzling for Americans traveling throughout the country. This is in large due to the removal of the federal mask mandate, which was struck down by a federal judge on April 18.

The removal of the federal mask mandate should in theory make traveling a lot simpler by allowing passengers the choice of whether or not they want to wear a mask on any type of public transportation or not.

That includes:

However, things have been the far opposite of simple. Extreme confusion over the use of masks all over transportation hubs in the U.S. is causing devastating chaos and arguments between frustrated passengers and staff members alike.

Varying and contradicting rules are making it almost impossible for passengers to understand which rules are still in place, and what exceptions exist.

An example of the massive confusion is apparent in New York City airport terminals. Passengers at LGA and JFK are still required to wear masks in the airport terminal, before being allowed to remove them once on the plane, but passengers in nearby EWR airport can remain mask-free in the terminal and in-flight.

Many discouraged travelers are finding such rules, such as needing to wear a mask in a large terminal, then being only allowed to remove it once on a cramped plane, baffling.

Another example of how mask rules are varying coast to coast is flying from EWR to LAX. At EWR airport, no mask is needed while in the terminal, nor on the plane, but once the flight has landed at LAX, all passengers will need to put a mask on as they enter the terminal, the only point in their journey that requires this step.

While masks are no longer needed on trains, they are needed in certain train station terminals, like Penn Station for example, while other terminals have removed the requirement. “We’re all confused,” an Amtrak clerk told the New York Daily News as he helped passengers board trains.

Even if we leave the subject of public transportation, there are still perplexing issues around when and where to don a mask. On April 11, Philadelphia became the first major U.S. city to reinstate its indoor mask mandate, telling people that masks would once again be required in all indoor situations like offices, restaurants, and shops.

However, a few days later Philidelphia backtracked and once again removed the indoor mandate on April 22nd.

Confusion is too small of a word to describe what Americans all over the country are feeling.

What we know so far:

The mask mandate has been overruled and is currently no longer in effect, however, the DOJ has officially appealed this ruling. Now, what does that mean for future travelers?

Nothing really at this point. Travelers are not affected by this appeal until a decision by the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals has been rendered.

Until then travelers won’t have to wear a mask on public transportation unless told otherwise by local and municipal authorities.

All major U.S. airlines, as well as the Amtrak rail system, had declared that they were no longer requiring masks for passengers or employees.

Do I need to wear a mask on a domestic flight?

No. Wearing a mask on a plane is currently optional on all major U.S. carriers for both passengers and crew.

What about in airports?

While most U.S. airports no longer require masks for travelers or staff, some exceptions include New York’s John F. Kennedy International and La Guardia airports and Philadelphia International Airport.

Los Angeles county just reimposed a mask mandate on all their public transportation, including Los Angeles Airport.

Each airport makes its own rules, so it’s possible these requirements could change, and passengers are highly advised to check with every airport they are traveling through.

What if I’m flying internationally?

Face coverings may still be required to or from some international destinations, depending on either that country or the airline’s rules. Currently, all inbound flights to Australia for example require passengers and crew members to wear a face mask, per the request of the Australian Government.

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, updated their policies on Tuesday to make masks optional on flights to U.S. destinations.

Mask rules onboard vary from country to country. Many nations, including Canada, France, and Germany, for example, still require all travelers to wear masks on planes departing from or arriving in the country. But in other European countries, like Croatia Sweden, Norway, and Iceland, masks will not be required.

Do I need to wear a mask on other mass transit?

It depends. Since the federal transportation mandate no longer holds, public transit systems may set their own rules in accordance with city, county, or state health authorities and passengers must comply with local ordinances.

Ride Shares

Uber and Lyft both announced this week that masks were no longer mandatory in the USA and Canada, but some cities, notably NYC and Los Angeles have kept the rule in place.

The bottom line:

The confusion around mask-wearing throughout the U.S. isn’t likely to subside in the very near future, and individual policies might create more division and uncertainty before a more streamlined process takes place.

All passengers should bring a mask with them, as they might be asked by officials to put it on at any part of their journey, especially when traveling between different cities and states.

READ MORE:

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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April 24, 2022
Uber and Lyft Remove Mask Mandate In The United States and Canada

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Face coverings are now optional and drivers and passengers will decide whether or not they would like to ride without masks

The American ride-share companies Uber and Lyft announced the removal of the mask mandate for drivers and passengers this Tuesday. The decision has been taken after a federal judge ruled against the extension of the mandate enacted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Right after Biden’s administration recognized the federal judge’s decision, Uber and Lyft joined other US airlines that decided to drop the mask mandate.

According to the official information shared on Uber’s website, face coverings are now optional: “As of April 19, 2022, riders and drivers are not required to wear masks when using Uber.” However, the company also clarified: “The CDC still recommends wearing a mask if you have certain personal risk factors and/or high transmission levels in your area.”

Uber also encourages those who want to wear masks to do it, but also respects the decision of those who don’t. They also reminded drivers and travelers: “If you ever feel uncomfortable, you can always cancel the trip.”

Lyft shared a similar statement according to the information published on CNBC: “We know that everyone has different comfort levels, and anyone who wants to continue wearing a mask is encouraged to do so. As always, drivers or riders can decline to accept or cancel any ride they don’t wish to take.”

The automobile service company also explained on its website that not wearing face-covering will no longer be a reason to report a user or driver: “Wearing a mask during rides is now optional for everyone in the car. Health safety reasons, like not wearing a mask, will no longer appear as a cancellation option. And your riders won’t be able to report you for those reasons.” Uber, on the other hand, is still asking drivers to confirm if they are wearing face coverings.

The two tech companies had been requiring drivers and passengers to wear masks since the beginning of the pandemic. The news had a big impact across the United States, and people will have to go through an adjustment process while they adapt to the new measures.

Customer’s Reaction

Mixed reactions have emerged across social media channels and different websites. Some customers in favor of the mask mandate removal have expressed relief and happiness with emojis and expressions like “Let’s go!” and “Finally”. Other users aren’t happy.

Frederick Joseph, an author and worried Uber user, wrote a message to the company on Twitter: “Please add functionality to request drivers who are wearing masks. As a person who is immunocompromised, and constantly in a rush, it’s inefficient at best to continually cancel Ubers until a driver shows up willing to wear a mask.”

Many users are worried about their safety and the functionality of the app. A few drivers have said on social media that they will no longer work for Uber or Lyft because they find the new measure unsafe or irresponsible. Uber has recommended users who prefer to wear masks message the driver or passenger, prior to pick-up, to make sure they are willing to wear face coverings.

A few customers are already complaining on social media about the different opinions regarding the optional mask rule. Yellow Cabs in New York City will still require passengers and drivers to wear masks, despite Lyft and Uber’s recent change of policy; however, it seems that more companies are joining the optional mask decision.

Uber Canada Joins

Now, Uber Canada has also announced dropping the mask mandate, it will only remain mandatory in Quebec, starting on April 22. A spokesperson shared the information with the Canadian news outlet CTVNews and also explained: “As per Health Canada’s advice, we still strongly recommend wearing a mask depending on personal risk factors and infection rates in your area.”

Although Canada still has their mask mandate in place for airports, trains, and airplanes, Uber riders now have the option to mask or not.

Read More:

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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April 21, 2022
U.S. Mask Mandate For Airlines Overturned By Federal Judge

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A federal judge in Florida overturned the US government’s ongoing nationwide mask mandate for public transportation on Monday, including travel on airplanes, trains, and buses.

The only question that now remains is, will masks still be enforced on planes? It’s unclear whether the mask mandate will be immediately dropped but the judge was clear that it infringed upon the civil liberties of Americans.

*Breaking: A few hours since publishing this article, the mask mandate has in fact ended. Updates to come.

The judge in question, US district judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle, released a 59-page ruling on the topic of the mask mandate. Judge Mizelle wrote in her statement that “Since the mask mandate regulates an individual’s behavior – wearing a mask – it imposes directly on liberty interests.” The judge also wrote that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “overstepped its authority” when the mask mandate was issued for all forms of public transportation throughout the country.

Federal Lawsuit Over Mask Mandate Filed In July Of 2021

Monday’s ruling comes as an official response to a lawsuit that was originally filed against the US government in July of last year over the ongoing CDC mask mandates related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The case was filed by the Health Freedom Defense Fund as well as two individual plaintiffs, under the claim that wearing a mask on a plane aggravates their anxiety. The Health Freedom Defense Fund has filed a number of lawsuits over mask mandates in the past year, including the Los Angeles Unified School District in November 2021.

CDC Mask Mandate Extended At Least Two Weeks

Today’s news follows the announcement last Wednesday that the US government, together with the CDC and the TSA, extended the nationwide mask mandate for at least another 15 days. The mandate will officially continue until at least May 3rd, 2022, and there’s no news at this time as to whether today’s ruling will change that.

White House spokesperson, Jen Psaki, commented on the ruling during her daily press briefing earlier today. Among her responses, the press secretary said that the US Justice Department will make any confirmations about an official reply or an appeal to the ruling. She did however mention, “We’re continuing to recommend people wear masks,”

Psaki also said that the US Department of Homeland Security and the Centers for Disease Control will be reviewing the judge’s ruling with an official statement to come.

How Will The Decision Effect U.S. Travelers?

At this time, it’s unsure how today’s ruling will affect travelers and workers in airports, trains, and other forms of public transportation across the country.

With mask mandates being dropped in certain countries and others staying put, it’s premature to make any assumptions about what the future of mask-wearing will be for the United States.

However, the airlines are keen to ditch masks and have been advocating for this for quite some time now. Delta has already issued a statement saying they’re waiting for the TSA to give them some guidance on what to go next. “As we have been, Delta will continue to comply with the TSA Security Directive on masks until informed otherwise by the TSA.”

The uncertainty of the judge’s ruling has the Association of Flight Attendants worried about even more pushback from customers. In their statement today, they pleaded “We urge focus on clear communication so that flight attendants and other frontline workers are not subject to more violence created by uncertainty and confusion,”

Masking Requirements In Cities And States Across The US

A number of cities and states continue to be divided on the issue of mask mandates for businesses and certain indoor and outdoor spaces. While some states, like California, have dropped their statewide mandates for businesses, cities such as Philadelphia have recently reinstated theirs.

This has made some situations confusing for travelers because as most businesses won’t require patrons to wear a face mask, it will be required on trains, at airports, and while riding on Ubers and Lyfts.

And while many US-based airlines have asked the current federal administration to scrap its mask mandate for planes and airports, face masks are still officially required to be worn on all planes operating throughout the US.

If you want to find out the status of mask-wearing in your state or a state you plan on traveling to in the near future, check out this updated guide on the state-by-state face mask requirements across the US.

Please note that this is a developing story and we will be adding details as we receive them

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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April 19, 2022
Will The U.S. Airline Mask Mandate End Soon?

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Two words that have polarized this country like no other may soon be something of the past. Well at least at international airports, where millions of Americans will find themselves this summer, eager to travel. I am of course talking about ‘mask mandates’.

On April 18 the federal mask mandate for public transportation is due to expire. Now if this news sounds all too familiar to you, it’s because it is. The federal mask mandate has been extended by President Biden numerous times. In fact, in the past year alone, the mask mandate has been extended on 3 separate occasions.

For the last 2 years frustration, anger, and confusion have been building up for many Americans in the skies. Uncooperative passengers have made air travel a living hell for pilots, flight attendants, and fellow travelers alike. From delayed flights to full-blown cancellations, airlines have seen it all in these past 2 years.

Just earlier this year a London-bound flight had to return to Miami all over a rebellious passenger who refused to comply with the flight attendant and didn’t want to wear a mask.

We’ve seen these events unfold all over the country. Now you can agree with wearing a mask on public transportation or not, but it is undeniably wreaking havoc in the travel world. And U.S. airlines have had enough of it.

Airlines have been pushing the Biden White House to let the mandate, which applies to planes, airports, buses, and transit hubs, expire on April 18.

Airlines aren’t alone with the idea of eliminating the federal mask mandate either. The flight attendants union of Southwest Airlines is urging Biden to let the mask mandate fade into the abyss.

The union sent an open letter to President Biden, pledging with him to let the mandate expire. You can’t blame flight attendants for wanting their job to become less dangerous and unpredictable.

Last year was the worst on record for unruly airplane passenger behavior in the United States, according to Federal Aviation Administration data. A staggering 5,981 reports of unruly passengers were logged by the FAA as of December 31. Of those, 4,290 nearly 72% were mask-related incidents.

Flight attendants didn’t sign up for this kind of behavior, nor did the family sitting in row 20 who just want to get from point A to point B as painless and quick as possible.

Mask mandates have become the most contentious issue of the past years. And airlines, which are already dealing with anxious passengers, are feeling it the most.

With such a great amount of pressure from both sides of the political aisle, corporations, unions, and voters, the question remains whether or not Biden will give in to their demands.

There is currently no indication of if the Biden administration will extend the rule. Most industry experts believe that the federal mask mandate will in fact end on April 18.

What would that mean for domestic and international travel? Well, individuals would of course still have the option to wear a mask on planes, trains, and buses, if they want to. The big difference would be that airport and airline staff wouldn’t be able to force people to wear a mask anymore.

I know that some readers may be ecstatic about the very idea of no more masks on planes, but remember, federal mask mandates only apply in the United States.

On your trip to Greece this summer, be sure to pack a mask. Once you arrive at your international destination, the rules of that government supersede all U.S. rules and regulations.

So, while perhaps you won’t have to wear a mask at LAX airport very soon, you could still be obligated to wear a mask once you arrive in Barcelona.

Over the next few days, we will see what Biden has planned out for the Mask Mandate. All indications however are pointing in the direction of air travel without a mask.

Read More:

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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April 12, 2022