DC Health announced it has eased the city’s mask mandate on Thursday, after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance on mask wearing.
According to the new guidelines, fully vaccinated residents may participate in casual activities outdoors without having to wear a mask. These activities include visiting a park, going for a walk, run, or bike ride with members of their household.
Small, outdoor gatherings with friends and/or family members are permitted without wearing a mask, regardless of whether you are vaccinated, as long as no one is at high risk of having severe COVID-19.
Fully vaccinated people may also attend small, outdoor gatherings consisting of fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people (who they don’t usually socialize with). But those who are unvaccinated must still wear a face mask, and practice social distancing during these gatherings.
DC @MayorBowser released new #mask guidance. Masks no longer required for small outdoor gatherings of family & friends. Fully #vaccinated no mask required small indoor private settings. @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/ioo8vNHOCd
— Mark Segraves (@SegravesNBC4) April 29, 2021
Small groups of fully vaccinated people can be visited by other vaccinated individuals in indoor private settings without the need to wear a mask or social distance.
Everyone should still wear a face covering and maintain social distancing if a fully vaccinated person visits an unvaccinated person who is at higher risk of having severe COVID-19.
Fully vaccinated people should continue wearing a well-fitted mask and social distancing from people who are not from their household if they are:
- In organized public outdoor settings (e.g., neighborhood gatherings, an outdoor worship service, outdoor festival, outdoor wedding)
- In indoor public settings (restaurants, stores, places of worship, offices, schools).
In addition, they should continue to avoid crowded settings, large gatherings in any setting, and indoor settings with poor ventilation.
To read more details on the new mask rules, click here.
Starting Saturday, May 1, DC residents will be able to receive COVID-19 vaccines without making an appointment at walk-up sites, with the relaxation of more restrictions taking effect around the city.