Biden Administration to Appeal No-Mask Verdict if CDC Approves

The Biden administration is set to appeal a ruling ending mask mandates aboard airplanes, provided the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds it to be vital in combating the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

According to Reuters, the CDC is reportedly examining the necessity of mask mandates, which extends to travel via airplanes, trains and public transport. The mask mandate, which had been due to lapse on May 3, was quashed by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle who referred to it as “unlawful”.

In a statement on Tuesday, a CDC spokesperson revealed, "We will continue to assess the need for a mask requirement in those settings, based on several factors, including the U.S. COVID-19 community levels, risk of circulating and novel variants, and trends in cases and disease severity."

In a statement, the U.S. Department of Justice said, "If CDC concludes that a mandatory order remains necessary for the public's health after that assessment, the Department of Justice will appeal the district court's decision."

This comes as the CDC continues to recommend wearing masks indoors and while using public transportation, reported Reuters.

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