Updated 430pm. This afternoon the state DOT said masks are no longer required on airport properties statewide. In addition, Airlines including Hawaiian Air and Alaska Air said they would make masks optional for both their employees and passengers.
We have heard that the CDC plans to appeal today’s 59-page ruling from a federal judge in Florida. US District Court Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle ruled that the CDC had used flawed reasoning in their interpretation of the Public Health Services Act. This is what gave them the basis for the mask mandate we have been under during COVID.
So at least for now, it looks like masks are no longer required. We know that airlines, unions, and others are opposed to continuing the mandate, and there are also other lawsuits pending.
Given that the current mask mandate was set to expire in two weeks, is isn’t clear just what might happen next. So far, no word from the Governor of Hawaii on his take.
What’s next on Hawaii flights.
Hawaiian Air just said “this is a rapidly evolving situation, and we are making the wearing of face masks optional onboard our flights effectively iummediately – for guests and employees.”
Flights and airports are under federal jurisdiction. That having been said, Hawaii airports are to our knowledge managed by the Hawaii Department of Transportation. That’s confusing. Furthermore, at this point, we have seen no comments from Hawaii DOT, from Lt. Gov. and gubernatorial hopeful Josh Green, or Governor Ige.
What remains unclear is whether the Justice Department will be able to intervene, although we’re getting the distinct impression now that it is unlikely.
Flight attendants’ union speaks out.
They are clearly worried about any confusion landing squarely on their aircraft in the form of trouble onboard. The Association of Flight Attendants suggested there be “calm and consistency in the airports and on planes. 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.”
Meanwhile, the CDC recommends that you continue to wear masks on public transportation.
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I am so sick of you entitled self centered people who only think about yourselves. Thinking that wearing a mask is taking your freedoms. So disgustingly stupid on your part. If there was a huge hurricane and government tells you to stay indoors you all would run out screaming but my freedom as you jumped into the hurricane and die.
Keep your disgusting germs to yourself. Dont think masks work ask any doctor or nurse why they are wearing them. Sure if you wear a sock or a shirt around your neck your right masks dont work. No not everyone is going to get covid and so many millions of lives have been saved by the vaccine and masks yet all yall are still here whining about it. Dont wear a mask see if I care but when you get ill oh well!
How protected am I from Covid-19 if I wear a mask in public places but others around me don’t?
While face masks offer the most protection against the spread of virus-carrying particles in the air when everyone wears them, masks can protect the wearer alone, research suggests, by acting as a barrier between particles and their nose and mouth.
One-way masking — when one person is masked and others are not — depends mainly on two factors: how well your mask fits and how effectively the mask material filters out particles that can carry viruses, said Chris Cappa, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of California, Davis who studies aerosol particles and masks.
part 1
Masks like N95s and KN95s will generally be more protective than surgical masks or cloth masks because they can make a tighter seal against your face, he told CNN. So, “a well-fit N95 can reduce the amount of potentially infectious particles that you inhale by more than a factor of 20 times,” Cappa said.
In addition to wearing a high-quality, well-fitting mask, taking steps including getting vaccinated, testing yourself for Covid-19 and making sure spaces you’re in are well-ventilated can make it safe for people — even those at higher risk for more severe illness — to travel, said Dr. Preeti Malani, chief health officer in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.part 2
“A tighter seal and the N95 / KN95 don’t allow various size particles to past through.”
People talk masks BUT they don’t stipulate WHAT type. The N95 or KN95 (made to US Standards) are the most effective. The cloth “cutie designer or plain cloth masks are less than effective.
My daughter is a teaching physician at a university med center. When this COVID crap started the Infectious Diseases Dept was culturing the virus off of staff lab coats SO they no longer allow physicians to wear their traditional white lab coats on patient rounds and they must change into hospital scrubs when coming on duty, discard scrubs and change into street clothes when leaving, plus wear an N95 mask at all times. Plus double mask when entering a COVID pt. room.
To my understanding, since the U.S. Attorney filed a lawsuit against Gov. Ige & the Attorney General’s Office in Hawaii & local Health Dept. were in agreement with some of the Governor’s outlandish restrictions, pretty much everything having to do with restrictions was turned over & is currently under the DOD (Dept. Of Defense). The DOD oversees all.
Well the airlines should just keep the food and drinks flowing because we all know you can’t spread or get Covid when you are eating or drinking! LOL
They lifted the mask mandate, in the UK & EU, for Europe, 4 weeks ago. Last week they interviewed the CEO’s of Easy Jet & Ryan Air & because of the mask mandates being lifted the fallout was that Flight Crews & Flight Attendants were getting sick from the new COVID variant. They were canceling many flights over Easter weekend. The US usually follows what happens, COVID wise, in Europe 4 weeks later. That’ll be right before Memorial Day! Unintended Consequences!
All of a sudden after most of the population is vaccinated (77% received atleast 1 dose in the US, and 65% are fully vaccinated), everyone is getting sick more than before the vaccines…why is that?! a good question to ask yourself! If the vaccines were supposed to prevent transmission/prevent sickness, then why is everyone getting sick? Maybe it’s because the studies show that the more vaccine doses received, the higher your chances of getting Covid. All I hear about is the vaccinated getting sick, it’s only the vaccinated getting sick with Covid, why is that?? The data also shows, masks don’t work, by the way.
Susie that is a lie. Plain and simple. Yes some will die and its mostly people who are older with co morbidities that would have gotten them anyway eventually. There is No study at least not a legitimate one that states the more vaccines you get the more likely you are to get it. This clearly shows you know nothing about MNRA technology as it does not carry any I will repeat any live virus. So please stop with your lies. All you hear about. Yes I am sure in your conspiracy filled world and sites that you visit on the interwebs tell you that. Your being fooled and look like a fool when you make comments like this.
We will be Wearing our Masks this December when we return to Hawaii.We have traveled to the Islands for over 40 years and just about every time we Return We both end up with some sort of Respiratory illness! Coughing,Sneezing passengers in near proximity,Unsanitized surfaces, seats, tray tables, Seatbelts.I have had access to Clinical disinfectant wipes and PPE’s which have limited Us getting Sick. Once after using my gloves, and wipes the First Class Attendant offered me a 2×2 Alcohol wipe? REALLY, what was up with That? I guess at least he offered?
We hope that Airlines will be part of the Solution by doing a Better Job disinfecting the Planes between Flights? WE also hope that Passengers that are sick do the Right thing and STAY home.
Another political judge trying to make a name for themselves. I wish we all could just be smart and continue to wear them. Remember what happened last time we all lowered our masks? Why not hang out just a little longer say till school is out and spring is here.
Yes, you may be right in your perspective that it was a political move by a judge. But let’s back up a second and see what she said in the ruling. She said point blank that the CDC needed to follow the rule of law when it came to rulemaking. Now we understand that for a short period of time, emergency rules should be implemented for safety – I am not going to argue that point. What I am going to point out is that after two years, it’s more than enough time to do one of three things: 1. Formally adopt the rules through the rule-making process, which protects the minority voice as well as the majority; 2. Drop it because the emergency period has passed, or 3. Congress passes a law making the mandatory rules law.
I did not get covid, a cough, cold flu or any other respiratory virus while masked. Just recently after being around someone I got a freaking cold. Mask back on because I am not going to share that with you.
And we wonder why millions of our fellow citizens die each year. NO one cares about anyone but themselves. This will be the destruction of our once great nation because no one gives a crap about anyone but themselves anymore.
All good you have Florida governor who is quickly taking half of his states citizens rights away but your worried about a damn mask.
Good!!! I hope the ruling stands. The CDC Never had the authority to order that masks be worn on public transportation or in airports. For people that want to continue to wear a mask, they are free to do so. For the rest of us, we are free to breathe fresh air and NOT wear one.
I echo PAMM’s comment, “anyone caught trying to harm another person on a flight I’m on is in clear and present danger of being hog tied and stuffed under a seat!!!”
oh but its ok for you to feel you are somehow better than others and dont need to wear a mask. its this very attitude that spread this virus all over the place. Wear a mask its not that hard. CDC was well within its rights to do so and scotus has ruled in favor of these regulations many times in the past.
They most certainly do have the power and right to put out those rules however it was individual mandates from governnors etc not the freaking CDC. SO you act like the CDC forced you to do something they did nothing of the sort.
Mahalo Jeff and Rob for “opening this can of worms”.
I can say that this situation is as clear as mud. The insanity is getting worse by the day. Today I quit wearing a mask. Today I was verbally assaulted by several people.
I’m sick of the hypocrisy.
I’d also like to say that ANYONE causing violence on a flight, for any reason should be fined into oblivion and banned from flying for life!!
Also be warned, anyone caught trying to harm another person on a flight I’m on is in clear and present danger of being hog tied and stuffed under a seat!!!
Just the facts 😊Aloha and blessings to you both 🌺🌺🌺🌺
Hi Pam.
Thanks. Good to hear from you and back at you.
Aloha.
Anecdotal on a flight from Jamaica to London 80% of the crew caught covid (I know one of them). We don’t know how many passengers picked it up as there’s no checks on anyone in London and because England has made masks optional a couple of months ago, it’s personal choice as to whether you wear one on the flight. The crew weren’t wearing masks.
And then you also look at the mess some of the major airlines in the UK which dropped their mask requirements now all having problems with actually having any staff to work the flights as they’re all off sick. None of these issues before when everyone was wearing masks.
Thanks for keeping us all informed about these changes.
Hi Fran.
Thanks. Very interesting.
Aloha.
On that flight to London you talked about a high percentage of the crew having covid, I believe. But that’s always the talk today and never how many people have been hospitalized. When was it ever discussed about how many people have a cold or flu, never that I remember. Let’s keep things in perspective, people are getting and passing on a highly contagious virus, period. Very few are going into hospitals and dying today. An example, the city of Philadelphia has 1.6 million people and 54 hospitalizations. Enough said. Wear a mask if you wish, but don’t make me wear one if I choose not to.
Thank you for my rambling!!!😎 Seeyou on Kauai April 24th and Aloha!😎😎🌴🌴🐠🐠☀️☀️🥥🥥
Fran, so obviously through your anecdotal evidence, the vax does not work. So why should we listen to the CDC since that is all they have been preaching, get vaccinated to protect yourselves and others. I completed the vax series 14 months ago but choose not to get the booster. I’ve been flying back in fourth to the mainland 10 times and have been through SFO, Denver, Houston, Detroit, Orlando, Chicago etc. In addition I flew to two countries overseas. I took 6 – 10 hours to eat my bag of pretzels and drink my cocktails. Never got covid. I’m going to Eastern Europe. I’ll let y’all know what happens :). Remember, the CDC’s report states anxiety and FEAR as being the 2nd highest issue to people who died from Covid.
I don’t care what they say with potential for people to be coughing and such around me on my first flight back to the mainland since COVID and since leaving the mainland really 3 years ago I’m not taking any chances I’m going to wear my mask anyway not just for my protection but the protection of others which we seem to have forgotten as a country what that means
aloha! SWA just announced: No more Mask!
Masks don’t work. Read the disclaimer on the box. If you’re scared, wear a respirator.
wow! The only think I know for sure is I want a Dr or scientist to tell me it’s ok to not wear a mask (at 73) – not a politician or a corporation. Until then…masked up on the plane and even in the store on Maui.
Clear as mud. Typical confusion emanating from this Administration. I predict this will add unruly passengers on airplanes, as TSA says you don’t need masks, and airlines, e.g., HA, say you do.
Clear as mud but its NOT the administration its a politically motivated judge. Get your facts straight. CDC should be in charge of this not a politically appointed judge
Bad news, Paul C. All federal judges are political appointees. Every last one of them. From the District Court level to the SCOTUS.
Worse news, Paul C. The CDC is not an elected body who has authority to pass laws. However, there is this body of elected officials who do have that authority. They are called Congress. Congress has had over two years to pass whatever mask laws. They have not done this. they still can. Why don’t they Paul C? Dems control house, senate and executive branch.
Individual airports, which are normally owned/managed by a state/city or other local entity, can continue having a mask mandate, if they like. So can individual airlines, just like any other private business. I expect airports located in west coast, northeast and Hawaii will keep mask mandates, whereas flyover and southern state airports will not.
Airlines are between the proverbial rock and hard place. They will piss off at least half their customers/employees either way. I personally would choose an airline that did not require mask theater over one that does, but I’m sure others will feel the exact opposite.
It looks like the tsa will not longer require and airlines are dropping mask immediately look out for Hawaiian to drop theirs also.
I thought this was an “Pandemic of the unvaccinated?” I have met so many people who have had the shots and 2 boosters who still got covid, some of them 2 and 3 times. If people wanna wear a mask, let them, if not, let them. This is America and we can actually be in charge of our own lives. I’m sick and tired of our government telling us what to do.
The majority or the only people I hear getting infected with Covid-19 these days are the Vaccinated. The data shows the more shots you’ve had, the higher the chances of being infected with Covid (recent data shows fully vaccinated 18-80 years old are 4X as likely to be infected with Covid as the unvaccinated). Why is it that only or the majority of people becoming infected with Covid (and are getting sick too) are vaccinated, I thought that the vaccines were supposed to reduce chances of being infected? Doesn’t seem to be going that way…based on the data, and based on real life events. And I agree, it should be up to each person’s own choice – want to get vaccinated/wear a mask? Good for you if it makes you feel safer!
stop spreading your lies because that is exactly what you are doing. I have many medical family and to a person they state 95% are unvaccinated and the only ones who are vaxed who are getting it have other co morbidities
Ok, so you are saying that my (vaccinated) Acupuncturist who had to cancel my appointment this past Monday because he (and his vaccinated wife) got Covid, is lying (he was sick with brutal aches he said, for a few days)?? Also, the receptionist at my Chiro’s office got Covid twice, since being vaccinated, and almost went hospital cause she was that ill. Friend’s sister and her whole family, who are all vaccinated, still sick with Covid, after a few weeks. My mom’s friend’s boyfriend was just sick with Covid, vaccinated also. Brother’s girlfriend’s dad got Covid, fully vaccinated. Best friend’s sis and her GF got Covid, also vaccinated. That’s 10 people I know who got Covid, all vaccinated. But, they’re all lies according to you!
what I am saying is anyone can claim that without any actual proof. I apologize for my lie comment. I have just heard this so often and my medical family at least here and in california in their experiences has not been vaccinated being hospitalized.
How many actually were hospitalized? The vaccine doesnt prevent one from getting it rather keeps people from dying and being hospitalized for the most part. There are always break thru cases with all vaccines
Sure, anyone can make stuff up, if anyone can make stuff up, then the media/government/CDC/NIH/FDA/laid-off scientists, they can all make stuff up too. It’s possible on both sides of the equation. So how do we know what is true? Base it on real life events. I do not believe anyone went to the hospital even though they had covid, however, the problem is all the focus is on covid. Look at the UK official Gov’t data by the ONS showing all non-covid deaths: example is week may 14, 2021: 578 unvaccinated died, 4,626 vaccinated (2 doses) died, or 4x excess deaths for vax grou. Why 8x the deaths in the vax group when population was same about 14.4 Million people. And only 19 unvax died of covid in that same week (and 18 vax died of covid).
Remaining from above. So 4k excess deaths in the vaccinated group and only 19 people unvaccinated people died of covid; that is 210x more deaths in the people who took the vaccine to save themselves from covid that died shortly after taking the “cure”; 4k excess deaths in that same week from taking the vaccine when only 19 people died that didnt take the “cure”? Does that sound like we are saving lives, apparently more people are dying from the cure than the actual disease, according to official UK government data, from the Office for National Statistics.
all lies and you damn well know it. Disinformation and lies coming back to twitter soon I am sure. This is the very reason so many have died.
Vax or No Vax, we can all spread the virus…… Ridiculous that people do not realize that. If the masks truly Work, breathing it out or taking it in, then awesome! Let Americans be free to choose to wear one or not. Pretty freaking simple if you ask me!
Yep freedom to die. Freedom to spread the virus unfettered. No you don’t get to run around murdering people and you should keep your virus to yourself. But your the same one that would scream I have a right to jump off this cliff even though its dangerous because well freedom.
Why am I not surprised that there is no response from the government of Hawaii? I thought this was an “Pandemic of the unvaccinated?” I have met so many people who have had the shots and 2 boosters who still got covid, some of them 2 and 3 times. If people wanna wear a mask, let them, if not, let them. This is America and we can actually be in charge of our own lives. I’m sick and tired of our government telling us what to do.
The Federal Judge has it correct. It’s time to stop the nonsense of mask mandates. The CDC can recommend all it wants, but a recommendation is not a mandate. I enter a lot of retail stores here in Ohio that still have signs that they recommend masks, but will not enforce them. That’s fine, if you want to wear a mask, by all means do so, but don’t tell me to if I don’t want to. Hooray for the Judge!!!👏👏👏👏
Yep lets stop the nonsense that Cigarettes give you cancer too
How about lets throw off our seat belts and allow everyone to drive drunk. Yep all nonsense
Lets do away with all traffic laws they are nonsense too. Lets do away with laws about rape and murder and theft too. All just nonsense. As much nonsense as your comment is here about your supposed freedom.
HA sent a notice to all employees that masks are still required until further notice.
I remember the days when the airlines allowed smoking in the rear of the plane. Now the airlines can divide the plane to allow the passengers who wish to wear masks to sit in the rear of the plane.
Even in the 1980’s you got a full meal on 3 hr flights, plus snacks and drinks!
Why should the people wearing masks sit in the rear???
those who wish not to wear masks get to the back of the plane.
There shouldn’t be separation of anyone regardless of their background or choices they make regarding their health. If someone is that concerned with their health to where they feel everyone else should do something to make them feel comfortable then they shouldn’t be traveling or going places. Entitlement mentality will only wear you down, live with an open heart. ‘Imi Ola.
wow speaking about entitled comments! So you feel that anyone who is concerned for their health simply should not fly? WTH
I’m not one for division, but…if we were going to try and separate the vaccinated and unvaccinated so people feel safer, how about separate planes? The tricky thing with that is though, is what fully vaccinated would mean…Would the recently boosted feel safe around those that only got 2 shots?? Guessing some of them wouldn’t. And would those with only 2 shots even though they are not boosted feel safe around the unvaccinated? Guessing some of them wouldn’t. So yeah that wouldn’t work either… Let’s not forget about how the unvaccinated might feel unsafe around the vaccinated due to transmission of spike protein from the vaccines…suddenly women’s menstrual cycles (both vaccinated and unvaccinated) are being negatively effected.
#LetThemBreathe!!! If people want to continue to wear them “By Choice” then by all means go ahead! I have pilot and stewardess friends and they are all for this Ending- it has been a nightmare enforcing it and it has impacted their health (pilot does not wear one in cockpit, and tells me it is super rare for a pilot to wear one in the cockpit)…the stewardess’ have the health problems; headaches, dizzy and lightheaded from wearing one from countless hours..ps one pilot and one stewardess fly Maui routes:)
LOL this cracks me up. I smoke and have zero issues ever wearing a mask. I wore mine twice back and forth to Hawaii several times last year. Never one issue. So if someone is dizzy they probably have other health issues causing that I also know many in the flying industry and all to a person want to keep the masks on so neener neener
Really simple. Those who want to mask, can. Those who don’t want to mask, don’t. So simple even a politician can understand.
Michael … I admire your positive outlook about politicians’ ability to understand something so simple. Yet, what are the chances… Really!!
The CDC recommends masks, that is the way it should have always been. If you want to wear a mask, go for it. Just don’t tell me to wear one.
Mahalo
My last flight to Hawaii was the end of January to Kauai. A man a few rows back had his mask off and on while eating. The FA was completely out of line screaming at this man to put his mask on in between bites as she screamed “do you want to kill us all”. Now in January we still needed vax proof or testing. So it’s not the passengers out of line.
We fly Southwest from SLC to OAK, then OAK to LIH on April 30th.
I predict: SLC airport will not have their own mandate. OAK will. And LIH will still have that guy out on the curb scolding people.
Probably Southwest will still have one, but it will be even more stressful for the FAs to enforce, since they can no longer blame the feds.
We’ll find out!
Finally a judge with a clue!! It is time for all of this stupidity to be done!! Let the people decide for themselves of they want to wear mask.
I agree, in my 40 years of Trauma/Acute Medical Care and ICU patient care we were required to wear a mask for Isolation, Reverse isolation, Neutropenic isolation, chemo patients etc, It’s NO BFD to wear a mask or not. Since now that I’ve developed a neurologic autoimmune condition, per neurologists and other specialists, I’ve been highly encouraged to continue to wear a mask, especially if in proximity to anyone else, as well as getting Vaxxed. I don’t judge others so people shouldn’t judge my choices either. Yes, I get queried when out walking my dog as to “WHY do you have mask on”!
you wear a mask Walking your dog? Really? You must be brainwashed and Paranoid… there is zero science in that.
Will F. Typical social distance while walking I see is 8 inches between persons, plus people jog by huffing and puffing blowing their air out farther than normal. You can take your judgementaizms and place them where the sun don’t shine.
I am amazed that an elected judge who is not an infectious expert in any way thinks he knows better than the scientists. By all means go without but dont whine when you end up with Covid. I have had many friends die from this virus and its very real
Stupidity? Really? So if 1 million died because of airline crashes would you still get on a plane? No what is stupid is those of you who believe in the big lie and that this was all a hoax to hurt your little feelings and the orange turds political chances.
This will be overturned. Was a Republican Judge with admiration of Trump and DeSantis.
Oddly, it does not matter which president appoints the federal judge, nor does it matter who the governor of the state in which the district is located likes the decision or not. The Biden Admin can appeal to the 11th circuit, and can ask the judge to stay her order until the appeal heard (I hope she doesn’t). The 11th circuit has to take the case. It is optional for the SCOTUS after that.
Meanwhile, the CDC recommends that you continue to wear masks on public transportation.
OR said another way….
The CDC will be ignoring the Courts….again!
It s the cdc’s job to make recommendations based on medical and health science. No reason they have to listen to the courts to make recommendation. The ruling was about jurisdiction for mandates.
Really? Most people wear cloth masks which have exactly zero effectiveness against air borne virus…. And of course covid magically disappears when eating or drinking. Mask mandates are an unconstitutional joke. If you want to Wear one, go ahead, just don’t make healthy people take on your folly.
CDC doesn’t pass laws.
right so you get your medical information from a judge?
May the freedom we enjoy be returned to the people like myself know how to be safe without the government mandates. John
yep but we all know that when say there is a huge flood and government says stay away from it people always still go to it and drown so yea