U.S. Tackles Coronavirus with New Executive Orders on Face Masks

SGS in North America has welcomed the incoming administration’s swift measures to boost the nation’s fight against coronavirus with the issue of two new executive orders for the wearing of face masks.

An Executive Order on Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing which mandates the wearing of masks by federal employees and contractors in federal buildings and on federal lands. Executed on Wednesday January 20, 2021 this order also includes Encouraging Masking Across America by engaging with state, local, tribal, and territorial officials, as well as business, union, academic, and other community leaders, with the goal of maximizing public compliance with, and addressing any barriers to, mask-wearing and other public health best practices.

On Thursday January 21, the new administration issued an Executive Order on Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel which mandates the wearing of masks in aircraft, trains and all public transport was also issued. 

The Orders reflect the new administration’s commitment to halting the spread of COVID-19 by relying on the best available data and science-based public health measures as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Matthew McGarrity, Senior Technical Manager - Hardlines said: “We welcome these swift actions from the new administration to help reduce the spread of the disease. The CDC has long stressed the need for everyone to wear masks and face coverings to help stop the spread of infection and save lives.

“We must not forget however that these critical products, whether they are designed for healthcare workers or community use, are only safe and effective if they comply with governmental and industry standards.”

SGS PPE Services
SGS has the mask industry, regulatory and technical expertise required to check a products’ compliance against relevant standards and/or a manufacturer’s own specifications.  Whilst the CDC has published general guidance on the types of masks to be worn, which can be found at CDC.gov, neither of the executive orders provide further specifics.   

The company can help manufacturers and retailers test and certify a range of products including surgical and non-surgical medical face masks; general use masks, face coverings, gaiters, and bandanas; and filtering facepiece respirators.

With a full range of services, including, component and product testing, auditing, inspection and retail store checks, SGS helps businesses deliver well-designed, functional, durable and safe products to their customers and healthcare professions.

Learn more about SGS’s PPE services for medical gloves, gowns and masks.

For further information contact:
Sheila Rosa Madera
Connectivity and Products
Marketing Coordinator
(973) 461-1501  

About SGS 
SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 89,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.