Mask Mandate On Federal Lands?

[SpiderLegs]

I don't want to argue or get lost in the weeds in a mask/no mask debate. But I'm reading Joe Biden's first Executive Order and it is a 100 day mask mandate on all federal property and lands. Can't find any source online to define what that is. Anyone have a link to confirm or deny if this will extend to hiking trails on Forest Service, NPS, BLM or other federal entities here in the state? I know the intent is primarily for federal buildings and such to protect the workplace.

[RedRoxx44]

What I get for reading some of this without my glasses. I read " julia roberts" ; then on another thread about the highest border elevation brought to mind someone with a huge pile of cocaine sitting on a mountain top. Oh well, carry on.

[chumley]

BLUE!

My favorite color is BLUE!

[chumley]

On the flip side if I am somewhere where there might be trail cam's or a property issue I have found covering part of one's face to be VERY helpful.

And other times, a mask will do little to prevent positive identification.

[cactuscat]

@chumley

[TChurch]

Accordingly, to protect the Federal workforce and individuals interacting with the Federal workforce, and to ensure the continuity of Government services and activities, on-duty or on-site Federal employees, on-site Federal contractors, and other individuals in Federal buildings and on Federal lands should all wear masks, maintain physical distance, and adhere to other public health measures, as provided in CDC guidelines.

This is from the executive order, it says should all wear mask, does not say shall. also refers back to CDC guidelines.

[ShatteredArm]

can you give an example of "legislative branch lands"?

The US Capitol building, maybe?

[mudlugs]

@ShatteredArm
"The US Capitol building, maybe?"

How about that.

The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is the federal agency responsible for the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of the United States Capitol Complex. It is an agency of the legislative branch of the federal government
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architect_of_the_Capitol

The jurisdiction of the Architect of the Capitol
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_St ... ol_Complex

[Nighthiker]

Its hunting season, all are wearing masks.

[Grimey]

This is from the executive order, it says should all wear mask, does not say shall. also refers back to CDC guidelines.

Well the "should" part comes only in Section 1, the "policy" part of the order. Section 1 is really just outlining the rationale for the order. Section 2 is where it gets a bit more interesting - that's the part where action is mandated. It does reference CDC guidance, and it says heads of the affected departments shall take action TO REQUIRE COMPLIANCE WITH those CDC guidelines (emphasis mine.)

Should be interesting to see the requirements the agency heads come up with. I guess it will depend on how they choose to interrpret the CDC guidelines.

[DixieFlyer]

I saw this today from the National Park Service(NPS): https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/covid-mas ... rement.htm

Below is an excerpt.
Face masks are now required in all NPS buildings and facilities. Masks are also required on NPS-managed lands when physical distancing cannot be maintained, including narrow or busy trails, overlooks and historic homes. Additional public health measures are in place across the service, from capacity limits to one-way trails, or even temporary closures in response to local conditions.

This does not appear to apply to national forests. It would apply to the Grand Canyon NP and Saguaro NP, among others.

I don't think that the part about buildings and facilities is new.

I am not sure how mask wearing on "narrow or busy trails" will be enforced.

[nonot]

The same way as rules against littering on trails are enforced. You shouldn't break the law, and if you do, there is a very small chance some ranger or other type of law enforcement official will be in the area, see it, and issue a fine. But more often, nobody is there to enforce the law. National Parks are big places. Public can probably report it, but like littering, it is unlikely they will make a special trip to go out there.

[chumley]

lost in the weeds

So this EO was a huge nothingburger for us hikerz, huh?

[SpiderLegs]

@chumley - It was for me. Didn't see an increase or decrease in mask use on any of the trails I frequent.