Here in the United States, the Justice Department says it will appeal a federal judge’s ruling that struck down a mask mandate on public transportation. Monday’s decision by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle in Florida — a Trump appointee — voided the mask mandate for the entire nation. Judge Mizelle was confirmed by Republican senators in 2020 to a lifetime appointment on the federal court at the age of just 33, even though the American Bar Association gave her a rating of “not qualified.” Judge Mizelle’s ruling blindsided Biden administration officials even as they were considering allowing the public transit mask mandate to expire in May.
In a statement, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it was well within its legal authority to protect public health when it ordered the mandate. The CDC added, “When people wear a well-fitting mask or respirator over their nose and mouth in indoor travel or public transportation settings, they protect themselves, and those around them, including those who are immunocompromised or not yet vaccine-eligible.”