On April 20, 2022, the CDC told the Department of Justice to appeal against Judge Kathryn Mizelle’s decision that canceled the mask ordinance for airports, trains, buses, airlines, and more. The US Justice Department is submitting a formal request to overturn the decision of the judge to lift the federal government ordinance for travel.
The CDC stated that to preserve its authority to safeguard public health beyond the assessment announced the other week, it has asked the department to go forward with a request at Health Freedom Defense Fund. It is the continuing assessment of the CDC that an ordinance necessitating the use of masks in the US’s indoor transport corridor, is a public health requirement. The CDC regards this as a lawful ordinance, which is well within its authority to safeguard public health.
Both the Joe Biden government and the CDC had planned on extending the mask ordinance until May 03, 2022, as Omicron BA.2 effects were being studied and monitored. For the uninitiated, Omicron BA.2 is the new strain of coronavirus.
Judge Mizelle not only abolished the extension but also allowed for the processing of the original date of expiry of the mandate.
As for White House Press Secretary Jennifer Psaki, the CDC suggested continuing the ordinance for two more weeks so that it could be in line with its accountability to safeguard Americans while assessing the latest in science. Psaki regarded this as a disappointing choice and said that the CDC keeps recommending the use of masks in mass transit.
Many major airlines, railways, airports and even ride-sharing service providers announced their decision to not require the use of masks any longer. The federal requirement for the use of face masks in mass transit became effective in January last year.