The District of Columbia is likely to move on to Phase Two of its reopening process on Monday, June 22, according to Mayor Muriel Bowser, who said she could sign an executive order for the move if the coronavirus data allows it.
The city is about to reach the goal of recording 14 consecutive days of sustained decline in community spread, which is required before entering the next phase. Wednesday was the 13th day in a row towards the goal.
It was announced last week that the earliest the District could move into Phase Two would be Friday, June 19, based on the views of Dr. LaQuandra S. Nesbitt, Director of the DC Department of Health.
A new analysis prompted DC officials to delay the starting date of Phase Two until Monday.
Go to https://t.co/yn4jbS0FeA to review our guidance, and we can continue our phased reopening, we think, if our trends continue, this Monday. https://t.co/HO0OJyFXUs pic.twitter.com/wGF3BoeHwU
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) June 17, 2020
With respect to the issue of contact tracing metric, Bowser said during Wednesday’s news conference: “It’s the one thing we have not met, and I think also the community spread. I think we have another day to achieve.”
The mayor will announce her final decision about entering Phase Two on Friday.
You can click here for the District’s guidance on the new guidelines for Phase Two.
Up to 50 people would be able to gather in the second phase. Nonessential businesses would be permitted to have customers inside at 50 percent capacity. Among the businesses that would be able to open are nail salons and tattoo shops. DC restaurants would also be allowed to serve customers indoors at 50 percent capacity.