DC Announces Plan to Drop Vaccine Mandate and Roll Back Masking Requirements
Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) is sharing plans to lift some pandemic restrictions for the city. “We’re in a much better place now to announce adjustments to that winter action plan,” Bowser said during a…
Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) is sharing plans to lift some pandemic restrictions for the city.
“We’re in a much better place now to announce adjustments to that winter action plan,” Bowser said during a press conference Monday as she shared the news that indoor mask mandates will be “dialed back” starting on Mar. 1.
She continued to explain that masks will not be required in restaurants, bars, sports arenas, gyms, businesses, grocery stores, pharmacies, retail establishments, city government offices “with no public interaction,” houses of worship or entertainment venues.
However, the mandate will still apply for schools, libraries, childcare facilities, nursing homes, shelters, corrections facilities, healthcare facilities, public transportation, and city government facilities “with direct interaction between employees and the public.”
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Additionally, the city will drop its mandate that indoor venues require patrons to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 on Feb. 15.
However, she added that businesses can keep vaccination in place if they so choose with “appropriate signage.”
Bowser’s announcement comes as several states have announced timelines for when they would drop indoor mask mandates — though several have said they will keep mask-wearing requirements in place for schools.
During an interview with NBC News, Biden was asked if governors were wrong to lift mask mandates.