04/21/2022

DOJ Appeals Federal Ruling on Transportation Mask Mandate

The action came following a CDC recommendation

The Justice Department on Wednesday appealed a ruling by a federal judge that struck down the mask mandate for mass transportation, following a recommendation by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

"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,” the CDC said in a statement. “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."

In the wake of Monday’s ruling, the Justice Department had considered whether to fight a court decision that caught much of the administration, airline industry, local public transit departments and everyday Americans off-guard. The appeal means that the administration will head to a higher court to extend the mandate – despite the fact that many airlines and public transit systems have already decided to make masks optional following the court ruling.

Please select this link to read the complete article from CNN.