MAINE, USA — Editor's note: The video attached to this story was published Jan. 3, 2022.
On April 18, a federal judge in Florida overturned the national mask mandate for travel on planes and other forms of public transportation. The next day, airports and other transportation providers began to announce that masks were optional.
While this affected national travel, several Maine public transportation providers still held the mandate in place.
Despite the lowering of the mask mandate, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to recommend people wear masks indoors.
White House spokesperson Jen Psaki called the ruling "disappointing" and said people can still choose to mask up in crowded areas.
"People make that decision," she told members of the press. "And this is based on health considerations and data that the CDC looks at about transmissibility, as we’ve seen an increase in cases on airplanes."
Aimee Thibodeau, a spokesperson for Bangor International Airport, said they typically follow TSA’s lead and have in this case. However, as a city-owned airport, if municipal leaders see a rise in cases, masks could return to the airport regardless of CDC rules.
"Right now, transmission levels in Bangor are at a medium level," she said. "Masks are welcome and recommended but not required within city buildings and city limits. Should that move back to a high transmission rate, we may have to revisit masks here at the airport."
Here is a list of Maine transportation providers and their mask status, as of Tuesday, April 19.
AIR TRAVEL
Portland Jetport: masks optional, but face coverings may still be required for flights to some international destinations
Bangor International Airport: masks optional
BUS, CAR TRAVEL
Bangor Community Connector: masks optional starting April 20
Lewiston-Auburn Transit Committee/Purple Bus: masks are mandatory
Greater Portland METRO: masks optional starting April 20
City of Portland Bus Service: masks optional starting April 20
Regional Transportation Program: masks optional starting April 20
Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit: masks optional starting April 20
Concord Coach Lines: masks optional
Greyhound Lines: masks optional
Uber: masks optional
Lyft: masks optional
FERRY
Casco Bay Lines: masks optional starting April 20
TRAIN
Amtrak Downeaster: masks optional
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.