MEMORANDUM FOR PROTECTIVE SECURITY OFFICER VENDORS
THROUGH: Christopher P. Grazzini
Assistant Director of Operations
Federal Protective Service
FROM: Robert L. Eilets
Division Director Protective Security Operations Division
Federal Protective Service
SUBJECT: Updated Mask Guidance
______________________________________________________________________________
Timeliness: This information in this memorandum is time sensitive. Immediate action should be taken.
Purpose: The purpose of this memorandum is to provide Protective Security Officer (PSO) Vendors with updated guidance on the use of masks in federal facilities.
Background: On July 27, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued the following update to masking guidance in response to the delta variant of the COVID-19 virus:
• If you are fully vaccinated, you can participate in many of the activities that you did before the pandemic.
• To maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission.
• Wearing a mask is most important if you have a weakened immune system or if, because of your age or an underlying medical condition, you are at increased risk for severe disease, or if someone in your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated. If this applies to you or your household, you might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission in your area.
• You should continue to wear a mask where required by laws, rules, regulations, or local guidance.
Consequently, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) immediately imposed new face mask requirements specific to federal facilities effective no later than the opening of business on July 28, 2021, as follows:
• In areas of substantial or high community transmission, agencies must require all federal employees, onsite contractors, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a mask inside federal buildings. As of July 27, 2021, that includes federal buildings in the Washington, DC area.
• Federal employees, onsite contractors, and visitors who are not fully vaccinated also need to continue to physically distance consistent with CDC guidance.
• Agencies should, as soon as possible, post signs and post information online on agency websites making clear what masking requirements apply in each federal facility.
Guidance: In accordance with the above-mentioned CDC guidance and OMB directive, both issued on July 27, 2021, all Federal Protective Service contracted PSOs, no matter their vaccination status, are required to wear FPS-approved masks while on duty at federal facilities beginning July 27, 2021.
FPS provided, or similar facial coverings should be used while standing post. Facial coverings are required to be professional in appearance, plain in color, clean, and in good condition. Neck gaiters, buffs, bandannas, handkerchiefs, or similar are not permitted.
Please also note that FPS will resume enforcement of the OMB indoor face mask requirement at FPS-protected federal facilities consistent with your updated post orders. Given the enforcement guidance above, please ensure your PSO cadre follow the most up to date facial covering guidance for the facility, to include their Post Orders. It is imperative for their safety and the safety of the tenants and guests to follow the facility’s guidance on facial coverings.
Thank you in advance for your assistance in continuously improving the PSO capability and the increased safety at each facility. If you have any questions or concerns, please email PSO_PMO@fps.dhs.gov or contact Mr. Robert Eilets.
cc: Eric L. Patterson, Director
Richard K. Cline, Principal Deputy Director
Clifford T. Hughes, Deputy Director of Operations
Assistant Directors for Field Operations
Regional Directors