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.

In a statement, the CDC stated that they are “continuing to assess that at the moment an order requiring masking within the indoor transport corridor remains necessary for public health.”

“CDC considers this a legal order. This is well within CDC’s legal authority. CDC recommends that everyone wear masks when using indoor public transport settings.” The agency added that they will monitor the public’s health to determine if such an order should be continued.

In February 2021, the CDC mandated that masks be worn. It was recently extended to May 3.

According to the Department of Justice, it has filed a Notice of Appeal in the Health Freedom Defense Fund, Inc. vs. Biden, etc.

U.S. District Court Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle ruled Monday in the case that travel mask mandates were illegal. The White House announced that the Transportation Security Administration would not enforce public transport rules until the decision is reviewed.

The story is still in development. Keep checking back for more updates.