Under phase two, restaurants could host indoor dining at half of their normal capacity and mass gatherings of up to 50 people would be allowed.

Becky Harlan / WAMU

The District could enter the second phase of its coronavirus reopening as soon as Monday, June 22.

Mayor Muriel Bowser made the announcement at a press briefing Wednesday, saying D.C. has now seen 13 days of sustained decline in “community spread” of COVID-19, a key metric that city officials are watching in determining how quickly to ease restrictions. Bowser said if the trend continues in that direction, she would make an official announcement and issue an executive order about the phase two reopening Friday, June 19.

When asked about concern that some people are already meeting in large groups and not wearing masks, Bowser said “this virus is not gone.”

“It is still here. It is still circulating,” she said, adding that residents should behave as if they could encounter COVID-19 anywhere and continue to follow the guidance from public health experts.

Under the second phase, restaurants could reopen their indoor dining areas, seating up to half of their normal capacity and placing tables at least six feet apart, in accordance with social distancing rules. A maximum of six people could be seated at a table at a time, and no buffet service would be allowed.

Mass gatherings would be restricted to 50 people, up from 10 people currently. Retail businesses considered “nonessential” would be able to welcome up to half of their normal capacity at their brick-and-mortar stores. And personal care businesses such as nail and tanning salons could reopen as long as they require patrons to make appointments and keep 6 feet apart.

Gyms, health clubs, and yoga studios could reopen at five people per 1,000 square feet, with group classes required to have at least 10 feet between customers. In addition, city pools could reopen for lessons and lap swimming. Bowser said her administration would release a more specific plan for such pools in mid-July.

People could play casually at public playgrounds, courts, and fields, although officials won’t issue permits for league sports just yet. Houses of worship would be allowed to accomodate 100 people or half of their normal capacity, with singing and shared items discouraged. Libraries could open at half of their normal capacity, and camps could reopen with small cohorts.

Meanwhile, colleges and universities would be allowed to reopen their campuses once the city approves plans they submit to officials. Theaters and entertainment venues will remain closed for phase two, but Bowser said her administration will accept applications for waivers so those establishments could hold certain events.

A third phase featuring further relaxed restrictions would follow phase two under the District’s reopening plan. More than 9,800 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19, and more than 520 people have died as a result of the disease, according to city data.

More on reopening: Here’s What’s Opening (And What’s Not) In The D.C. Area