Former U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, who served in the post under former President Donald Trump, said that a judge’s move to strike down the federal mandate requiring people to wear face masks on public transportation will probably lead to people suffering harm.
U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle, who was appointed by former President Trump, issued a decision that noted “the Court declares unlawful and vacates the Mask Mandate.”
“Remind me – which schoolhouse rock explains to kids how a single unelected judge has the power to endanger their lives in public settings? I’m just a judge- I’m just a judge, and I’m hurting you cuz I’ve got a grudge…” Adams tweeted. “The argument is not if the judge could do it- the argument is whether or not the judge should’ve done it, after taking into account all the variables and implications of the decision. Judges use such discretion all the time. People (and our economy) likely will be harmed,” he wrote.
The mandate applied to various types of public transportation, including airplanes, trains, and more, and it also required masking in indoor transportation hubs like airports.
“This isn’t just about planes. This means a 4 year old kid with cancer who’s parents have no vehicle might be forced to sit next to a floridly sick / coughing covid patient with no mask on a bus, while going to get chemo. But tell me about the great ventilation systems on those…” Adams tweeted.”
“One way masking works – two way masking works better. And by the way – under five year olds – the group that can’t be vaccinated- can’t get good fitting masks. So more than anyone they rely on others,” he wrote.
Many Americans oppose mask mandates and believe that individuals should have the freedom to decide whether or not to wear a face mask.
“I get it. Many people hate mandates (at least that’s what they say their main concern is). The mandate is gone. That doesn’t mean you can’t / shouldn’t take measures – even ones that alone may not have a big impact- to protect others. Small efforts x many people = many helped,” Adams tweeted.
The CDC website notes that the agency “continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings at this time.”