Tier Tuesday. Airline Mask Mandate Ended.

[canyonwalker]

It's Tier Tuesday so time for my weekly check-in on Coronavirus statistics. This week's check of the data at The New York Times Covid in the U.S. (retrieved 26 Apr 2022) finds that yet again reported Covid cases are increasing week over week. Last week there was a 21.5% increase from the week before. This week's average daily new cases of 49,423 is an increase of 26% over last week. In 2 weeks the number has risen 54%.

Given what looks like it could be the start of a new surge, what is the U.S. doing to prepare? Why, we're dropping precautions! Last week Monday a federal district judge threw out the CDC's mask mandate for travelers on airplanes and other commercial transport. Most airlines dropped their company policies requiring masks. Countless local and regional transit operators did, too.

There are so many things that are wrong with this situation. I'll list just FIVE, briefly:

1. Like I noted above, the numbers don't support loosening restrictions. The numbers indicate we must remain cautious.
2. The judge's decision was not at all about data. She ruled on the law.
3. Her ruling on the law was that the CDC has no power, at all, to enact policy to prevent any threat to public health.
4. Most district judges would be circumspect in their rulings throwing out a nationwide policy, and place a stay on their own orders. Not this radical-right true believer.
5. The Biden administration has failed at communication following this ruling. Will the government appeal the ruling? How swiftly and on what basis? What should people be doing in the meantime?

Regarding the last item, polls indicate that a majority of airline travelers will continue wearing masks, voluntarily. I'm traveling cross-country next week and I absolutely will wear a mask. And yes, I've seriously considered cancelling my trip as a result of this public health setback. I wish there were clearer communication from the governing wing of the federal government on what we should be doing.