Updated Physical Distancing and Masking

Guidance

This message is intended for all DOL employees and contractors.

As a follow up to the Updated Masking Guidance and in accordance with the CDC's updated Interim Public Health

Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People and guidance from OMB, fully vaccinated Federal employees, fully

vaccinated onsite contractors, and fully vaccinated visitors to Federal buildings are no longer required to physically

distance from one another or wear masks while in DOL workspaces. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated must

continue to wear a mask and must practice physical distancing while in DOL workspaces.

To clarify what this announcement means for individuals in DOL workspaces:

If you are fully vaccinated (at least 2 weeks past your final dose), you may but are no longer required to wear a mask

or physically distance.

If you are not fully vaccinated (at least 2 weeks past your final dose), you must continue to wear a mask and practice

physical distancing consistent with the requirements set forth in DOL's COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan.

Although it is not required, we note that fully vaccinated Federal employees, onsite contractors, and v sitors are free to

continue to wear a mask and practice physically distancing if they wish. While we continue to be encouraged by the

increasing number of Americans vaccinated and the effectiveness of the vaccines in limiting transmission and protecting

vaccinated people, we recognize that some people cannot or may not get the vaccination, or have a condition that may

prevent them from being fully protected even when fully vaccinated. For these reasons and to be sensitive to coworkers,

fully vaccinated individuals may choose to continue to wear a mask and practice physical distancing.

As a reminder, DOL remains in a maximum telework posture, which means that all employees who are telework eligible

are expected to telework, unless approved by a supervisor to perform onsite work essential for business needs. Other

components of the DOL COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan – including the 25 percent workplace occupancy limit – also

remain in place. We will continue to update our Plan based on federal government and public health guidance.

All DOL employees should continue to follow the guidance issued by their facility about entrances and public spaces.

However, within DOL spaces, the DOL guidance permitting fully vaccinated DOL employees, contractors, and visitors to

remove their masks and refrain from physically distancing should be in effect. Thank you for your patience as we work to

update signage in our workspaces.

You may have heard or read that Agencies have been directed to develop plans for a safe increased return of employees

and contractors to physical workplaces, as well as our future policies related to telework, alternative work schedules, and

remote work. These plans are due to OMB by July 19, and teams at DOL are thoughtfully developing an

approach with feedback we've received from employees and union partners. OMB issued a memo on June 10 to help

agencies with developing these plans, which the DOL Coordination Team is reviewing. To be clear, July 19 is simply the

date by when we will have our plans in place. As these plans are finalized and implemented, we will be sure to

communicate updates and provide ample notice to employees

LABORNET

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We recognize that these changes as well as the continuing challenges of the pandemic may cause increased anxiety,

stress, depression, or other mental health conditions during this time. As a reminder, DOL continues to offer. WorkLife

programs and resources to help employees balance and manage daily home and work responsibilities or deal with life

challenges. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free service available to help DOL employees resolve life

challenges, through confidential counseling and coaching with experienced, licensed counselors — including legal and

financial consultation. EAP is available 24 hours a day/7 days per week/365 days per year by calling 800-222-0364. In

instances where in-person sessions are limited phone consultations are available. Employees are encouraged to reach

out to EAP for help on coping with difficulties that they may be experiencing. Additional information regarding the EAP

program and other helpful WorkLife programs and services can be found on LaborNet.

If you need the COVID-19 vaccine, search vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find

locations near you. Additional information can be found on the LaborNet COVID-19 Vaccine Information page.

The DOL COVID-19 Coordination Team will continue to follow up with answers to frequently asked questions from DOL

agencies and staff regarding these changes. Please send your questions to 

Thank you for your cooperation.

Rachana Desai Martin (she/her) 

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy 

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management 

U.S. Department of Labor

Last updated: June 11, 2021