COLUMBUS, Ohio — After a federal ruling struck down the mask mandate on public transportation, there’s a lot of uncertainty behind what’s next. That’s why Dr. Mark Conroy, medical director of the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Emergency Department, said the safest bet is to wear them.

“I think it’s important for individuals to know that COVID isn’t eradicated. It’s still present,” said Conroy.

Public transportation services across the state have released statements since dropping their mandates. The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) said, “Following a federal ruling and announcement from the transportation security administration, the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) will no longer require masks on all transit vehicles or facilities, effective immediately.”

In northeast Ohio, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority said, “The GCRTA is immediately suspending the mask mandate for employees and customers on all GCRTA modes of transportation, facilities, and waiting environments; however, GCRTA recommends wearing face masks while waiting for and riding our buses, trains and paratransit vehicles.”

Greyhound and the Akron Metro both dropped their mask requirements. All of the systems are encouraging travelers to wear them.

“Anytime you're going into group settings with people you’re unfamiliar with, there’s always a risk of transmission so I encourage people still, if you have the choice between wearing a mask and not wearing a mask, I think it’s important to consider wearing a mask,” said Conroy.

Conroy said the best thing to do to prevent the spread of viruses when you travel is to use hand sanitizer, properly wear a mask, and avoid going out if sick.

“I wouldn’t tell anyone, ‘Don't get on a plane. Don't get on a bus,’ You have to travel. You have to get to work. It’s important to just take those precautions.”

A federal judge in Florida struck down the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s public transportation mask mandate on Monday.