President elect Joe Biden said in a speech this week he will sign an order to require wearing masks in federal buildings as part of his 100 day plan to fight the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Speaking in Delaware, Biden said, “First, my 100 day masking plan. It starts with my signing an order on Day One to require masks where I can — like federal buildings and interstate travel on planes, trains, and buses.”
He went on to make a plea to all Americans to wear a mask for 100 days. “We need your help. Wear a mask for 100 days,” he said in his speech.
Legislation was introduced over the summer to do part of what Biden now plans to do via executive order. The Wear Your Mask Act, introduced by Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), would require all individuals, including federal employees, to wear face masks inside of federally owned, leased or operated facilities or buildings. The bill has not advanced further since it was introduced in July.
The majority of FedSmith readers said in a recent survey that they are not comfortable with returning to work in their offices amidst the ongoing pandemic. In the same survey, 83% of respondents said that they would need to see a mask requirement to feel comfortable enough to stop teleworking and return to the office.
Will the announced 100 day mask mandate in federal buildings make you feel more comfortable about working in a federal office again? Share your response in the comments below.
