Important change in Covid rules for Irish holidaymakers traveling to the US as mask rules have been scrapped

IRISH vacationers traveling to the United States will no longer be required to wear a mask on airplanes or other public transportation.

A federal judge in Florida has struck down the Biden administration’s mask mandate, calling it unlawful.

1

U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle said the national health agency exceeded its statutory authority in issuing the mandate.

The US Department of Transportation said it will no longer enforce the wearing of masks.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week extended the requirement to wear masks through May 3.

Judge Mizelle’s order on Monday removes mandates in all airports, trains and taxis.

However, Irish holidaymakers traveling to the US in the coming weeks are advised to check with their airline what mask-wearing rules apply to them.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the decision was “disappointing,” noting that the CDC still recommends travelers cover their mouths and noses.

Shortly after the court decision was issued, the Transportation Security Administration, which runs US airport security, confirmed that it would no longer enforce the mask mandate.

United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines and American Airlines said face coverings are no longer required on domestic flights and certain international flights.

In the meantime, a Spanish law change could save you some money extra money on your restaurant bills.

From April 11, all Spanish bars and restaurants will be required by law to offer their customers free tap water instead of paying for bottled water.

New regulations in the Waste and Contaminated Sites Act for a circular economy state: “Hotel and catering establishments will always have to offer consumers, customers or users of their services the opportunity to consume unpackaged water free of charge and as a supplement to the offer of the same facility.”

Previously, companies could choose whether to offer bottled or tap water and whether to charge for it.

The new measures aim to reduce the consumption of plastics, especially plastic bottles.