D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that the city will lift most capacity limits on Friday, May 21.

Shawn Thew / AP Photo

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has extended a citywide ban on indoor dining and other Phase 2 activities until 5 a.m. on Jan. 22, citing public health and safety concerns.

The order arrives amid heightened security measures in effect citywide as federal and city officials prepare for the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on Jan. 20. Cities across the country are bracing for more extremist violence following the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol building last week.

The District remains under a 15-day public emergency in the wake of the attack, and President Donald Trump has also declared an emergency in the city until Jan. 24, freeing up federal resources to help with disaster relief as needed.

In an order issued Monday night, the mayor added another week to an existing emergency order previously set to expire Jan. 15. That order cut back on activities otherwise allowed during Phase 2 of the city’s pandemic reopening guidelines.

The extended order closes museums in the city; restricts libraries to pick-up and drop-off services only; cancels the D.C. Circulator route around the National Mall; requires telework for nonessential businesses; limits services provided by the city’s Department of Park and Recreation; and requires restaurants to close their dining rooms.

In response to the emergency measures, the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) announced it would delay its annual Winter Restaurant Week by one week.

The extended ban on indoor dining may not be welcome news for restaurants struggling to keep their doors open during the pandemic. RAMW CEO Kathy Hollinger tells Washington City Paper that some restaurant owners are exploring the possibility of suing the city in an effort to overturn the ban. A Maryland judge upheld Montgomery County’s ban on indoor dining after it faced a legal challenge from the state’s restaurant association.

D.C. dining and nightlife blogger Barred In DC took a (unscientific) Twitter poll about the extended dining ban. Nearly 80 percent of respondents said they supported it.

Individuals or businesses that violate the mayor’s order could face a fine or the suspension of their business licenses. When the ban lifts, D.C. restaurants will be permitted to resume indoor dining at 25% capacity.

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