WASHINGTON — If you live in the D.C. area, Mayor Muriel Bowser, once again, recommends everyone wear a mask indoors.
While it is still not legally required, the new "mask advisory" is a strong recommendation that everyone continue to wear their masks indoors.
This follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance recommending everyone wear a mask indoors if they live in an area with substantial or high transmission. According to CDC metrics, D.C. is currently seeing substantial transmission.
Masks are still required in places like schools, hospitals and on public transportation.
Monday marks exactly two weeks since Mayor Bowser initially lifted the indoor mask mandate.
Since that announcement, several D.C. Council members sent this letter sharing their concerns and asking for the mandate to be reinstated ahead of the holidays.
During the past month, other counties across the DMV have also changed their stance on masks.
Montgomery County reinstated the indoor mask mandate within three weeks after seeing COVID-19 transmission rates rise across the county.
Starting Monday, the District is also making changes to the city-run vaccination sites.
Now, an entire family will be able to get vaccinated at the same clinic.
Families can also make an appointment for at-home vaccinations for the entire family.
If individuals are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose or an additional dose, D.C. Health urges residents to do so.
President Joe Biden said there are now 80,000 locations across the country where families are eligible to receive a free COVID-19 booster vaccine.
In the District, three additional vaccination sites will open in area libraries to make the shots easier to find.
To find a vaccination site near you, just go to vaccine.dc.gov and type in your zip code.
D.C. Health Advisory includes recommendations for indoors in public settings, are required, regardless of vaccination status in:
- Any private business that wants a mask requirement;
- On public transport like buses and trains, inside train stations, in airports, and while in rideshare vehicles;
- Inside schools, childcare facilities, and libraries;
- Congregate facilities, such as nursing homes/assisted living facilities, shelters, dorms/residences, and correctional facilities; and
- In DC Government facilities where there is the direct interaction between employees and the public (e.g., DMV service center; DHS service center, etc.).