With summer right around the corner, many ANHS students are excited to travel during their vacation. Recently both travel restrictions and mask mandates have been altered for summer 2022. 

According to the CDC, “effective immediately and as of April 18, 2022 CDC’s January 29, 2021 order requiring masks on public transportation conveyances and at transportation hubs is no longer in effect.”

This order includes both planes and buses of both private and public systems. 

If traveling to the U.S., all air passengers must show a negative COVID test taken no more than one day before their departure. 

  While the federal mask mandate for public transportation has been lifted, cities such as Los Angeles still require masks in “all forms of public transportation in LA county….[and] all indoor transportation hubs,” according to the County of Los Angeles Public Health. 

However, unlike Los Angeles, major airlines such as Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and American Airlines have all relaxed their mask policies. Amtrak has also begun to relax their policies nationwide.

  The elimination of the mask mandate came from a court ruling sparked by the announcement of an original mask mandate extension to May 3. The Health and Freedom Defense Fund filed a lawsuit against the mandate, and won. Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle ruled the CDC did not have the authority to enforce these mandates. 

  While the mandate has been revoked, it is still highly recommended to wear a mask on public transit, and indoors. The CDC also recommends testing for domestic travels, even though it is only required for international travel. 

  While COVID-19 restrictions have become more relaxed, it’s still important to remain safe this summer. Be sure to check the mask mandates for your destination, and any other locations you may visit. Many universities and businesses still require masks indoors, and cities such as Los Angeles still require masks for transportation.