Does President Biden's new executive order of masks being required for all federal government properties apply to the BW?

And so it begins...

I'd be kinda surprised if it applied outdoors, but it wouldn't stop me from enjoying me trip. We wear buffs pretty much all the time anyway. My skin is thanking me for the break from UV this year.

“In one of his first actions as president, Biden signed a mask mandate, requiring face masks be worn inside buildings and on land controlled by the federal government. That includes places like national parks and during interstate travel onboard trains, buses, and planes.“

For the outdoors like the BWCAW seems pretty ridiculous. For a national monument where people are close around each other it makes more sense.

The number one reason this was done is airlines were lobbying for it for their survival. They are increasingly struggling with anti-maskers on their planes—-for some people being able to say “hey this is a federal policy” vs. the airline requires a mask adds to compliance. Believe me it works...in health care we were masking all patients before mandates, once you have a government mandate it cuts the crazies back a little and you can just do your job instead of wasting your valuable work time getting shouted at by a 40 year old child.

T

Should leave politics to some other forum

Well...This IS on the COVID forum and the wording of the mandate does raise a legitimate question. Not commenting from a political angle, just wondering if it now applies to BWCA and, if so, will the mandate be amended for there to be exceptions to certain federal lands, like maybe those officially designated as "wilderness".

Note that the order requires compliance with CDC guidelines. It doesn’t mean wearing masks all the time you are in the BW.

andym: "Note that the order requires compliance with CDC guidelines. It doesn’t mean wearing masks all the time you are in the BW. "

Thank you for posting the actual order, this is what we all need to read. None of the news stories I found were nuanced enough to answer my questions.

I don't think this is a political thread at all -- it applies specifically to a question about the BWCA, and it's in the proper forum where only folks who are prepared for such a discussion will find it. If we can refrain from slinging mud and making it about any specific politician or party, and just keep to the substance of the issue at hand, this should be a civil discussion.

double post

I plan on wearing my mask at the E.P.'s and I will have it ready on portages in case they are crowded. On the water, that little bugger goes in the grab bag.

I bet if you are in the BDUB for the period this order will be in place, wearing a face covering won't be an issue of dispute.

Bearpath9: "I plan on wearing my mask at the E.P.'s and I will have it ready on portages in case they are crowded. On the water, that little bugger goes in the grab bag. "

That sounds good to me. Around our area the outdoor rules are to have a mask readily accessible for when distancing can’t be maintained. I expect we will see something like that from the FS once they have a chance to implement the order.

A mask on a portage means no mosquitoes are inhaled.

missmolly: "A mask on a portage means no mosquitoes are inhaled. "
mm, you continue to make me smile ;-)

Guys and gals, this new order is reportedly a 100 day effort on the virus. Most of January, February, and March.

If you’re going in the Bdub during this time, you’re probably wearing a face covering! It’s winter in northern Minnesota.

I believe there are two separate things going on. Biden has made a request to the country to focus on mask wearing and social distancing for 100 days. That request applies everywhere but is just a request. The executive order for federal buildings and lands does not have a time limit in it. What remains to be seen is what the CDC guidelines are at ice out and if he rescinds the order at some point.

When I’m in the BW I will not be wearing a mask whether paddling or portaging. At no point have I ever been within six feet of anybody I didn’t know for more than a few seconds on any portage unless I was having a conversation and I can do that from ten feet. Hopefully I never see two people paddling across a lake with masks on, I’m afraid I would laugh so hard I might capsize. Common sense people common sense.

Duckman: "Guys and gals, this new order is reportedly a 100 day effort on the virus. Most of January, February, and March.


If you’re going in the Bdub during this time, you’re probably wearing a face covering! It’s winter in northern Minnesota."

aint that the case. I actually like my mask now. Downhill skiers have worn them for years so they have concealed snot. ( and of course frostbite protection). Ye who wear lipstick now need not bother on airplanes and Federal Property

The comment about face coverings being the norm in winter is so true and has actually come in handy this year when we send our young students out for recess. They are required to keep on face masks while on the playground and it has been easier than convincing them they need a scarf :)