DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced on Monday that the city’s mandatory indoor mask and vaccination rules will be largely removed on March 1.
Starting February 15, DC businesses will no longer be required to check their customers for proof of vaccination against COVID-19. However, they may prefer to keep vaccination requirements in place.
The move followed the recent decrease in COVID-19 cases in the District.
“Since the height of the Omicron wave in DC, COVID-19 cases have dropped by more than 90% and there’s been a 95% reduction in hospitalizations,” according to DC Health.
Patrons will not have to wear face masks at these places, as of March 1:
- Restaurants and bars
- Sports and entertainment venues
- Gyms, recreation centers, and indoor athletic facilities
- Houses of worship
- Businesses
- Grocery stores and pharmacies
- Retail establishments
- DC Government offices/areas with no public interaction
Masks will still be mandatory at:
- Private businesses that choose to require use of masks by its employees or customers
- Schools, childcare facilities, and libraries
- Congregate facilities: nursing homes/assisted living facilities, shelters, dorms, and correctional facilities
- Healthcare/medical facilities
- Public transit, taxis, and rideshare vehicles
- DC Government facilities with direct interaction between employees and the public