Biden's first executive order will be a nationwide mask mandate

[Donkees]

From CNN Health’s Maggie Fox

President-elect Joe Biden plans to make the coronavirus pandemic his first priority as president, and he’s taking a calculated and symbolic action straight off.

Biden’s first executive order will be a nationwide mask mandate. It’s an order meant to symbolize the new administration’s 180-degree turn to validate and support science in fighting the pandemic, and to set an example from the top down.

"This executive action will direct the agencies to take action to require compliance with CDC guidance on mask wearing and physical distancing in federal buildings, on federal lands, and by federal employees and contractors," Biden’s counselor and Covid-19 response coordinator Jeff Zients told reporters.

"And the President will call on governors, public health officials, mayors, business leaders and others to implement masking, physical distancing and other public measures to control Covid-19," Zients added.

"This is not a political statement. This is about the health of our families, and economic recovery of our country."

https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/biden-harris-inauguration-day-2021/index.html

[DeminPennswoods]

1. On federal property and of federal employees

and contractors when they are on it. Just to be clear.

[janterry]

2. good and thanks for the clarification

although I'd love a nationwide mask mandate - without local support (from state officials on down). It would be hard.

In my state, we have one and there is widespread compliance. But this is Vermont. So. It's to be expected

[DeminPennswoods]

3. We have one in Pennsylvania, too

I've seen only a very few not complying indoors, but when people are outside, we generally aren't wearing masks.

[Hortensis]

4. Right. This authority is only for federal properties and employees.

But of course he hopes it will encourage other officials who do have state and local authority, and more private entities and individuals, to follow suit.