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NFTA lifts mask requirement

The mandate is being lifted for the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, Niagara Falls International Airport and on NFTA-Metro Bus and Rail.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — On Tuesday, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) announced that masks would no longer be required.

The NFTA will no longer be enforcing its Security Directives and Emergency Amendment that require masks to be worn on public transportation and in transportation hubs. The mandate is being lifted for the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, Niagara Falls International Airport and on NFTA-Metro Bus and Rail.

The NFTA said it will follow CDC recommendations encouraging people to wear masks in indoor public transportation settings and reminds people to be respectful of people who choose to wear a mask for personal safety.

"We are strongly encouraging people to continue to wear masks both at the airport and on the bus and rail. It's very important. It's going to be a freedom, people's personal freedom to wear masks. We're also making sure that people are respectful to those who are wearing masks," says Helen Tederous with the NFTA.

The decision comes after a federal judge in Florida struck down the mandate saying the CDC failed to adequately explain its reasons for the order. On Monday, the NFTA said it would require masks while it came to a final decision on its requirement. 

"We had heard at the airport that when this announcement was made people were cheering. They were very, very excited," Tederous said. "Especially for our employees. Particularly for those who work out in the field. It's very difficult, and it's been a long two years for our employees, so this was definitely good news and the great thing about this is our employees, and our passengers, and our travelers, they can still wear their masks if they feel more comfortable, and I think a lot of people are still going to do that."

Last week the Biden administration announced it was extending the mandate for another two weeks due to rising COVID cases. 

The White House said the U.S. Department of Justice will decide whether to appeal Monday's ruling.

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