US capital lifting blanket indoor mask mandate next week

Masks will still be required in many settings, but Washington, DC's health department to nix widespread mandate

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US capital will lift its blanket indoor mask mandate next week for most business settings, Mayor Muriel Bowser said Tuesday.

Masks are still going to be required on Washington, D.C. public transportation, including the metro and buses, in airports and in ride share vehicles like Uber and Lyft, according to the mayor's office. Private businesses that wish to still require masks can continue to do so.

The mandate will also remain in effect in schools, childcare facilities and libraries, as well as congregate settings such as homeless shelters, dorms and nursing homes. Masks will continue to be required at city facilities where employees interact with the public in-person, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles.

"Instead of following a blanket mandate, residents, visitors, and workers will be advised to follow risk-based guidance from DC Health that accounts for current health metrics and a person’s vaccination status," the office said in a statement.

"DC Health reminds residents that the strongest protection against COVID-19 is to get vaccinated, and encourages all people, regardless of vaccination status, to consider their risk factors and surroundings carefully when choosing layered mitigations strategies (e.g., wearing a mask, social distancing)," it added.

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