Federal Mask Mandate (E.O. 13991)

Summary

Makes federal employees, contractors, and visitors wear masks and keep physical distance in federal buildings and on federal lands to stop COVID-19.

What problem does this solve?

The COVID-19 pandemic was spreading, putting federal workers and the public at risk. This order uses science-based health measures, like wearing masks, to protect people and make sure the government can keep working safely.

What does this order do?

Mandates masks and distancing on federal property

Requires federal employees, contractors, and all other people in federal buildings or on federal lands to wear masks and maintain physical distance.

Establishes the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force

Creates a task force to give ongoing safety guidance to federal agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic, covering topics like testing, contact tracing, and cleaning.

Develops a testing plan for federal employees

Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create a COVID-19 testing plan for the federal workforce.

Encourages mask-wearing across the nation

Asks the Secretary of Health and Human Services to work with state, local, and community leaders to promote mask-wearing and other public health measures nationwide.

Allows for exceptions to the mask rule

Permits heads of agencies to make exceptions to the mask requirement if necessary, but they must use other safety measures like extra distancing or testing.

Requires agencies to seek ways to provide masks

Directs agency heads to look for ways to give masks to people in federal buildings when they are needed.

Who does this affect?

Federal employees
Federal contractors
Visitors to federal buildings and lands

What is the real world impact?

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Ensures continuity of government operations

Protects the federal workforce from COVID-19 to make sure that government services can continue without interruption during the pandemic.

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Sets a national example for public health

Uses the federal government's role as a large employer to model public health behaviors, like mask-wearing, encouraging the rest of the country to follow suit.

When does this start?

This order took effect immediately on January 20, 2021, and includes a deadline for agencies to report their progress.

Agency progress report

Within 7 days of the order (by January 27, 2021), heads of major agencies must update the COVID-19 Response Coordinator on their progress in following the new rules.