D.C. has loosened rules for vaccinated people on face coverings, travel and self-quarantining, but following an update to an executive order on Saturday, the Mayor's Office made it clear that no one can walk into a restaurant or business maskless.
Mayor Muriel Bowser signed an executive order Friday which suggested that people could enter businesses without a mask if they were fully vaccinated. An update on Saturday clarified that that is not the case, according to LaToya Foster, director of communications for the Mayor's Office.
Businesses can, however, require proof of vaccination. If they do so for admittance, registration or employment, exceptions must be made for people with medical issues or religious beliefs that bar vaccinations.
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The order took effect immediately.
The updated rules apply to people who are fully vaccinated, meaning it's been two weeks since they received their one-dose Johnson & Johnson shot or the second dose of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
The District’s order recommends people with immune conditions take more precautions.
D.C.’s Latest Mask Rules
Mask restrictions have been loosened for vaccinated people under the mayor’s latest order.
Unvaccinated people must continue to wear masks when they’re likely to encounter another person. Previous exceptions including for exercise and eating remain.
Masks are always required for drivers of rideshares, buses, taxis, vans, school buses and other forms of transit, D.C. says.
Vaccinated people can:
- gather indoors in a small group without wearing a mask
- skip masks for outdoor activities with their household, or with a small group of friends and family, unless there is a crowd
- skip masks for outdoor activities with a small gathering of vaccinated and unvaccinated people with whom they do not usually socialize. However, social distance must be maintained and those not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks
Employers can set more strict rules for their employees.
D.C.’s Latest Travel Guidelines
Vaccinated people who travel within the United States no longer need to self-quarantine after they return.
International travelers should take a COVID-19 test before boarding a flight to the U.S. and 3 to 5 days after returning to the District.
D.C.’s Latest COVID-19 Exposure Orders
Most vaccinated people exposed to someone with COVID-19 no longer have to quarantine, unless they start showing symptoms. The exception is people who live in correctional institutions, group homes, care facilities or other group settings.
