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In many communities across the United States, mask mandates are a thing of the past.

People are dining out, working out, shopping, and otherwise moving through society without covering their noses and mouths.

When it comes to COVID, there are multiple vaccines available, along with booster shots. Suffice it to say, there are more than enough measures for one to take, should they feel the need to safeguard themselves against this virus.

However, the federal mask mandate for air travel still remains in effect. This could be changing soon, though.

This month, multiple different airline CEOs have written to Biden, demanding an end to mandatory masking.

Airline CEOs on mandatory masking

CEOs with the following airlines have written to the president, stating that now is the time for him to eliminate the mask mandate that was recently extended until April 18:

• American Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• United Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• UPS Airlines
• Atlas Air Worldwide
• FedEx Express
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• Alaska Air Group
• Airlines for America

In the letter, these airline CEOs mention that significant declines in COVID hospitalizations and fatalities speaks to the need to end the mask mandate.

CEOs within the airline industry likewise pointed out how new CDC guidelines allow Americans to forgo masks in countless settings. Many of these settings also ironically have less air filtration than aircraft.

This latest appeal from airline CEOs comes as a union representing Southwest flight attendants has written a similar letter to Biden and federal officials.

The union's letter also calls for an end to mask mandates, citing the decline in COVID hospitalizations and deaths.

Declining support for mandates

The new call from the air travel industry marks yet another chapter in rising resistance against mandates.

Put simply, much of the country is ready to move past this virus and return to normal. This is especially the case in light of multiple available vaccines, booster shots, and another set of booster shots in the works.

Time shall reveal whether the Biden administration listens to these CEOs or extends the federal mask mandate yet again. The true science supports the former option, rather than the latter.