US authorities are no longer enforcing federal mask mandates after a judge ruled to overturn the US extension on wearing the coverings on flights.
The decision by US judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle in Florida led to several US airlines announcing that face masks no longer need to be worn onboard.
A video showing passengers on a Delta flight from New York to San Francisco went viral after travellers took off their masks and celebrated when a flight attendant announced that “masks are completely optional this evening for all crew and passengers as well “.
Delta Air Lines' official media statement confirms that masks “are optional for all airport employees, crew members and customers inside US airports and on board all aircraft domestically, as well as on most international flights.”
Several other US airlines have also announced that they no longer require passengers to wear face masks on flights, effective since Monday's ruling.
American Airlines — the biggest in the US by passenger numbers — said “in accordance with the Transportation Security Administration no longer enforcing the federal face mask mandate, face masks will no longer be required for our customers and team members at US airports and on domestic flights “.
Southwest echoed this sentiment, declaring that employees and customers “will be able to choose whether they would like to wear a mask on flights, at domestic airports, and at some international locations.”
JetBlue, which was the first major US airline to require all passengers to wear face coverings at the start of the global pandemic, also changed its ruling.
“Mask wearing will now be optional on JetBlue. While no longer required, customers and crew members are welcome to continue wearing masks in our terminals and on board our aircraft. Regardless of the US rule change, customers and crew members who are travelling internationally should always have a mask with them in case they continue to be required at their destination,” the airline confirmed in a statement.
Alaska Airlines released a statement confirming the same for passengers flying both with the Pacific Northwest carrier and its regional arm Horizon Air. “Face masks have been like boarding passes for nearly two years — you couldn’t fly without one. But, as of today, masks are optional in airports and on-board aircraft, effective immediately.”
Low-cost airlines also followed suit, with Avelo, Hawaiian and Frontier advising passengers that they can now choose whether or not they want to wear face masks on flights.
Reactions from the public have been mixed, with some people on social media welcoming the move and others saying it was premature and expressing concern for those not yet immunised or with compromised immune systems.
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Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
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Borussia Dortmund 0
Bayern Munich 1 (Kimmich 43')
Man of the match: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
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Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
The Book of Collateral Damage
Sinan Antoon
(Yale University Press)
The specs: 2018 Nissan Patrol Nismo
Price: base / as tested: Dh382,000
Engine: 5.6-litre V8
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 428hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 560Nm @ 3,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km
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