WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Center for Disease Control is calling on the United States Justice Department to appeal the revocation of the travel mask mandate.
The CDC released a statement regarding the appeal, saying, “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.”
On Monday, a Florida judge struck down the mandate that required masking on airlines and other means of mass transit. The DOJ responded to the decision, saying, “The Department of Justice and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) disagree with the district court’s decision and will appeal, subject to CDC’s conclusion that the order remains necessary for public health.”
The order to repeal the federal mandate comes on the heels of Philadelphia becoming the first major U.S. city to reinstate indoor masking.
Locally, COVID-19 cases have fallen. Adena Health System in Chillicothe reported 0 COVID-related admissions this week. For the first time since July 7, 2021. A spokesperson for Adena said, “This is a special milestone, but doesn’t signal an end. Protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community by getting vaccinated, wearing a mask, and getting tested if you have any COVID symptoms.”