CDC Says Masking is Still “Necessary” for Public Health, Asks DOJ to Appeal Judge’s Ruling That Lifted Travel Mask Mandate

Wednesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said masking on public transit is still necessary and asked the Justice Department to proceed with an appeal of a Florida federal judge’s ruling that lifted a travel mask mandate.

“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 agency said in a Wednesday 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.”

Following the CDC’s statement, the DOJ said it had filed a notice of appeal.

“In light of today’s assessment by the CDC that an order requiring masking in the transportation corridor remains necessary to protect the public health, the Department has filed a notice of appeal,” the Justice Department said.

Monday, U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle ruled that the travel mask mandate was unlawful, noting that the CDC didn’t follow proper rulemaking procedures.