Masks? No Masks? What to Know About the Travel Mask Mandate Battle

Before the week is even over, the federal mask mandate struck down by a judge is being appealed by the Justice Department.

The notice came after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention asked the DOJ to appeal because it said requiring masks inside and on public transportation remains necessary for public health.

The DOJ had said it would do this if given further guidance from the CDC.

As of right now, here in Boston the MBTA is not requiring masks. Wearing face coverings is also optional at Logan Airport, on Uber and Lyft rides and the Steamship Authority’s ferries.

The CDC still recommends people to wear masks in these situations and believes the mandate is within its “legal authority to protect public health.”

COVID-19 cases in Boston have been rising in recent weeks.

The U.S. Travel Association is one group critical of the DOJ’s appeal.

A spokesperson for the organization said that while masks were important during the height of the pandemic, a mandate is now out-of-step considering the tools we have to mitigate the virus.

Sign up for our Breaking newsletter to get the most urgent news stories in your inbox.