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WASHINGTON — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday that it requested the Justice Department to proceed with an appeal of a ruling that lifted a travel mask mandate.
The CDC said in a statement that it is “continuing assessment that at this time an order requiring masking in the indoor transportation corridor remains necessary for the public health.”
“CDC believes this is a lawful order, well within CDC’s legal authority to protect public health.CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in all indoor public transportation settings,” the agency wrote in a statement adding that it will continue to monitor public health conditions to “determine whether such an order remains necessary.”
The CDC’s mask mandate was enacted in February 2021 and recently extended through May 3.
The Department of Justice said that it filed a notice of appeal in the case involving Health Freedom Defense Fund, Inc., et al., versus Biden, et al.
On Monday, U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle ruled in that case that the travel mask mandate was unlawful. On the heels of Mizelle’s decision, the White House said the Transportation Security Administration will not enforce the rule on public transport while the ruling is reviewed.
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.