Coronavirus Update: Changes to the Mask Mandate

Dear Neighbors,

The Mayor held a press conference this afternoon where she announced a major modification to the local mask mandate. Starting today, fully vaccinated residents will only need to wear masks in circumstances where there is a mask requirement. Masks will still be 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. This also means that 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. If you would like to join the second Day of Action on May 22nd to help share vaccine information encourage neighbors to make a vaccination plan, please click: here.

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 is estimated 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.

As the vaccine rollout continues, please continue to evaluate your degree of risk when outside of your home, especially at large indoor gatherings. Importantly, as most capacity restrictions will be lifted this Friday, Mary 21st, please respect those businesses and restaurants that wish to continue mask and social distancing requirements. DC Health will begin posting updated guidance for business operations, schools, summer camps, and childcare facilities online, and I will continue to share updates as they are announced.

Regards,

Mary