WASHINGTON, July 28 (Reuters) - The U.S. Homeland SecurityDepartment (DHS) said starting immediately all employeesregardless of vaccination status will need to wear a maskindoors and physically distance.

DHS, which has more than 240,000 employees, cited WhiteHouse Office of Management and Budget "instructions to ensurethe safety of our workforce" and other agencies including theEnergy Department are also following suit. DHS noted the changewas sparked by new mask guidance from the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention issued Tuesday in explaining the newrequirements.

(Reporting by David Shepardson, Editing by Franklin Paul) ((David.Shepardson@thomsonreuters.com; 2028988324;))