Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing

2021-01-25Executive Order 13991
Signed by: Joseph R. Biden Jr.
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Headline: Federal Agencies Required to Enforce Masking and Distancing

What it does: Agencies must require on-duty and on-site federal employees, contractors, and all persons in federal buildings or on federal lands to wear masks, maintain physical distance, and follow CDC guidance.

Real World Impact:
  • Requires mask-wearing and physical distancing in federal buildings and on federal lands.
  • Creates a Safer Federal Workforce Task Force to issue health and safety guidance.
  • Directs agencies to develop federal employee testing plans and provide masks when available.
Topics: public health, workplace safety, federal workforce, COVID-19 response, testing and prevention

Summary

This order requires mask-wearing, physical distancing, and other CDC-recommended precautions in federal workplaces and on federal lands to help halt the spread of COVID-19. Agency leaders must immediately require on-duty and on-site federal employees, federal contractors, and anyone in federal buildings or on federal lands to follow these measures.

The order also creates a Safer Federal Workforce Task Force, directs health officials to develop a federal testing plan, encourages nationwide outreach on masking, and asks agencies to provide masks when possible to protect workers and keep government services running.

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