NEWS: Biden Administration May Appeal Court Ruling that VOIDED the CDC’s Mask Mandate

To ensure we are equipping our readers with all the information they need, we will continue to report on all travel, safety, and COVID-related news that could impact a Disney Parks visit.

COVID-19 mask rules have changed on a number of airlines, in certain airports, in Disney World, and even on rideshare services, but things aren’t quite over yet.

Face mask

These recent mask changes all came out following a Federal Judge’s ruling that voided the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) mask mandate for public transportation. But that ruling might be challenged in the future.

According to The New York Times, the Biden administration has announced that it intends to appeal the Judge’s ruling that struck down the CDC’s mask requirement for planes and more but ONLY if the CDC “decides that extending the measure is necessary.”

In a statement from the Justice Department, they indicated that the Justice Department and CDC “disagree with the district court’s decision and will appeal, subject to C.D.C.’s conclusion that the order remains necessary for public health.” (The New York Times)

First Aid Center Mask Sign

The CDC’s mask mandate had been previously extended through May 3rd, 2022, but the entire situation changed following that Federal judge’s order.

According to the New York Times, if the CDC decides that there is a “public health basis for trying to reinstate and extend the mandate,” then the Justice Department will file an appeal of the Judge’s decision that struck down the mask mandate. If the CDC does NOT decide that there is this public health basis, then “the administration will not appeal and the case will instead end as mooted — but without any signal of executive branch acquiescence to the judge’s view of its authority.” (The New York Times)

As the New York Times notes, the Administration is charting a “careful course” surrounding this topic. (The New York Times)

Masks on the Monorail | Photo from March of 2022

The statement from the Justice Department notes that it “continues to believe that the order requiring masking in the transportation corridor is a valid exercise of the authority Congress has given C.D.C. to protect the public health…That is an important authority the department will continue to work to preserve.” (The New York Times)

CNN shares that the “CDC was set to assess whether the mandate was still needed until May 3, and Coley [referring to spokesperson Anthony Coley] said any appeal would come after that date.”

According to CNN, some administration officials have indicated that the expect the CDC will decide that an appeal is necessary, but ultimately the decision will be up to the CDC.

We’ll continue to look for updates. For now, know that mask rules have changed at Disney World and masks are optional on all Disney World transportation.

©Disney

Be sure to check the rules for any airlines you might be flying with or other transportation you’ll be using to stay up to date on the latest mask rules.

Click here to see the push notification Disney World guests received via mask policy updates

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