“The District reinstated an indoor mask mandate early Saturday morning. Everyone over 2 is required to cover their face in indoor, public settings,” reports NBC4 Washington.
“COVID-19 cases are on the rise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people mask indoors in D.C. due to substantial transmission of the virus. Cases are up about 26% this week. About 61% of residents have at least one vaccine dose, according to CDC data. We will continue to do what is necessary to keep D.C. safe,” Mayor Muriel Bowser said at a press conference Thursday.”
DCist.com reports that: “The new order will apply to all individuals over age two – regardless of vaccination status — at all indoor businesses, including gyms and restaurants. “We do not have an exception for any type of indoor venue,” DC Health director LaQuandra Nesbitt said during a press conference Thursday.”
“The new mask guidance did not come with a rollback on any business or travel restrictions — meaning all restaurants can remain open at full capacity with no social distancing requirements, but all staff and patrons will need to be masked when they’re not eating or drinking. Nesbitt also recommended that fully vaccinated individuals who live with unvaccinated children or immunocompromised people resume wearing masks in crowded outdoor settings, for example Nationals Park and Audi Field.”