COVID-19 alert on fraudulent face mask flyers

Posted on: 7/10/20

The U.S. Department of Justice has been made aware of postings or flyers on the internet regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the use of face masks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of which include the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) seal. Read more here. The postings declare that individuals are being given badges to avoid the face masking requirement. No such badges are being issued by the DOJ.

Oklahoma, as of the writing of this article, is not mandating masking as a state. In states with required masking, exceptions to required masking can be obtained by a medical provider. These postings were not issued by and are not endorsed by the DOJ.  

Based upon the CDC guidance, a business or government agency may require customers to wear a face mask to limit the spread of COVID-19. Guidance from the CDC is likely to change as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves. Therefore, private businesses and government agencies should follow the most current information on maintaining safety by reviewing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Coronavirus (COVID-19) information.

The DOJ urges the public not to rely on the information contained in these postings and to visit www.ADA.gov for information. Also, see an issue brief on the matter.

For more information and technical assistance about the ADA, contact the ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 (voice) and (800) 514-0383 (TTY). (Sandra Harrison)