The CDC on Wednesday requested the Justice Department to appeal a ruling issued by a Florida federal judge which lifted the Biden administration’s mask mandate for public transportation.
“To protect CDC’s public health authority beyond the ongoing assessment announced last week, CDC has asked DOJ to proceed with an appeal in Health Freedom Defense Fund, Inc., et al., v. Biden, et al. It is CDC’s continuing assessment that at this time an order requiring masking in the indoor transportation corridor remains necessary for the public health. CDC will continue to monitor public health conditions to determine whether such an order remains necessary. CDC believes this is a lawful order, well within CDC’s legal authority to protect public health,” the statement reads. “The CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in all indoor public transportation settings.”
On Monday, U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle issued a ruling that the mask mandate on public transportation was unlawful. The CDC had extended the mask mandate to May 3 pending further review.
Following the Mizelle ruling, the White House indicated the Transportation Security Administration will not enforce the requirement to wear masks on public transport pending review.
Many transportation companies, including United, Delta, and Amtrak, announced masks were now optional for passengers.
