Mayor Bowser announced on May 17 that effective immediately, “fully vaccinated residents will only need to wear masks in circumstances where there is a mask requirement.”
This means that:
Masks are still required in public transit (Metro, buses, taxis, etc.), in healthcare settings, at schools and childcare facilities, and at businesses that opt to continue their own mask requirements.
There is no longer an outdoor mask requirement for fully vaccinated residents.
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated residents are expected to continue to wear a mask, maintain social distance, and are encouraged to seek vaccination opportunities at any of the District's walk-up sites, area hospitals, or vaccination providers.
You should continue to evaluate your degree of risk when outside of your home, especially at large indoor gatherings.
Councilmember Mary Cheh Weighs In
Councilmember for Ward 3, Mary Cheh, emphasized that “these new guidelines will bring the District into closer alignment with the CDC's latest mask guidance.
"However, many may feel unsure about these changes, as I do, because we are not yet at "herd immunity" and we can't always tell if a person has been fully vaccinated. Perhaps the best posture is to be optimistic, but cautious.
"Part of the success of vaccines is the ability for us to safely transition back to some form of normalcy, but it isestimated that only 35.7% of District residents are fully vaccinated. Similarly, only 36% of Ward 3 is fully vaccinated. We are not out of the pandemic yet, but we are making significant strides forward.”
Capacity Restrictions Lifted
On Friday, May 21st most capacity restrictions in the District will be lifted. Please respect those businesses and restaurants that wish to continue mask and social distancing requirements.