On Tuesday, Uber announced that they have lifted their mask requirement for riders and drivers. This decision comes after a federal judge in Florida overturned the Biden administration’s mask mandate.
According to NBC News, Uber said to customers “if you ever feel uncomfortable, you can always cancel the trip.” However, Uber made it clear that the CDC still recommends that people wear a mask if they have personal risk factors or if they are within an area with high transmission of Covid-19.
The company said:
“Remember: many people still feel safer wearing a mask because of personal or family health situations, so please be respectful of their preferences.”
Their decision comes after United Airlines and Alaska Airlines announced they would no longer be requiring masks. As previously reported, on Monday both airlines said that masks are optional for flights. United said they are no longer required on domestic flights, and select international flights.
U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle for the Middle District of Florida said that the mask mandate was “unlawful,” and argued that the CDC transcended its authority by enforcing a mask mandate. The ruling affects public transportation such as trains, planes, and buses. However, public transportation services such as New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will keep face-covering requirements in place.
CNN notes that Uber also mentioned that masks may still be required by law in some locations, and in those areas, the rules will apply.
As of Tuesday, Uber’s competitor, Lyft, still has its mask requirement in place.
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TSR STAFF: Jade Ashley @Jade_Ashley94
