Travelers are advised not to ditch their masks just yet.
The US Justice Department appealed the ruling striking down the mask mandate by a federal judge.
It followied a recommendation by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“It is CDC’s continuing assessment that at this time an order requiring masking in the indoor transportation corridor remains necessary,” the CDC said.
“CDC believes this is a lawful order, well within CDC’s legal authority to protect public health.”
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Americans have a ‘choice; whether to wear a mask on planes following the court ruling.
“People are not legally bound to wear masks. So, it is a point in time where it is up to people,” Psaki said.
Psaki said the White House opposes with the judge’s ruling.
“We are not implementing the mask mandate because of the court order, which we disagree with.”
“We recommend Americans do that across the country.”.
Before the Florida ruling, the administration had extended the mask on planes and trains until May 3.
