Orders require face masks for interstate travel and on federal property — here’s how truckers will be affected

This week, the Biden administration signed Executive Orders requiring masking during some interstate travel and on all federal property in an attempt to combat the COVID-19 crisis.

Federal Property Mask Order

The Executive Order that put in place a mask mandate on federal property was issued on Wednesday shortly after Biden was sworn into office.

According to the order, “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.”

The order defines “Federal employees” and “Federal contractors” as “employees (including members of the Armed Forces and members of the National Guard in Federal service) and contractors (including such contractors’ employees) working for the executive branch.”

Drivers who fail to wear a mask as they enter federal property (like a military base) may be asked to comply with the mandate to be allowed onto the property.

The Executive Order does not specify penalties for failure to mask on federal property.

The order will remain in place until further notice.

You can click here to view the Executive Order.

Interstate Travel Mask Order

On Thursday, Biden signed an Executive Order requiring masking during interstate travel.

The order calls on numerous federal agencies, including the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Secretary of Transportation (including through the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)), and the Secretary of Homeland Security to require that masks be worn in or on:

1. Airports
2. Commercial aircraft
3. Trains 
4. Public maritime vessels, including ferries
5. Intercity bus services

Commercial motor vehicles were not included in the order.

Again, the Executive Order does not establish any penalty for violation.

Please click here to view the Executive Order.