Authorities warn of fraudulent images and false information regarding face mask usage

HOUSTON – The Department of Justice (DOJ) has not issued any notice or other public information regarding the use of face masks and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Inaccurate flyers or other postings have been circulating on the web and via social media channels regarding the use of face masks and the ADA due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of these notices include use of the DOJ seal and ADA phone number.  

However, DOJ did not issue and does not endorse them in any way. The public should not rely on the information contained in these postings.

The ADA does not provide a blanket exemption that relieves people with disabilities from complying with legitimate health and safety rules.

DOJ previously issued an alert regarding the fraudulent flyers. The public can visit ADA.gov or call the ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (voice) and 800-514-0383 (TTY) for more information.