Update: May 1, 2021

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser appeared to further lift mask restrictions for fully-vaccinated people in an order published on Friday evening, as first reported in a tweet by Barred in DC.

The order said fully vaccinated people may go maskless in businesses, office buildings and other indoor settings — and tasks businesses with enforcing the new rule.

Then on Saturday, new guidance issued did not include that change, but rather said “Individuals, employers, and other institutions shall follow DC Health Guidance relating to the wearing of masks, as such guidance may be updated from time to time to adjust for changing conditions as regards to the spread of the virus and new information about the efficacy of mitigation measures such as vaccines.”

It’s not clear why the original order was modified, though there was some criticism of it on Twitter.

Businesses are allowed to request to see vaccine cards or other proof that patrons have been vaccinated to determine whether or not they have to wear a mask, per the order.

Employers may “establish rules for mask-wearing at their offices or facilities that are more stringent” than the new District regulations.

Original story:

Health officials have relaxed guidelines on wearing face masks outdoors for people who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, matching recommendations released yesterday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The local guidance, which was published Wednesday, lays out activities residents can safely do without face coverings once they are inoculated from COVID-19. They include: going for a run, walk or bike ride; attending small outdoor gatherings with other fully vaccinated or unvaccinated people; and attending small indoor gatherings with other people who are fully vaccinated. DC Health defines “small” group as one that consists of people you regularly socialize with.

The health department is still urging some caution, advising vaccinated people to keep wearing masks and practice social distancing in public outdoor settings such as neighborhood gatherings and weddings. Everyone should also continue following those precautions in public indoor settings, including stores, places of worship, offices and schools.

Vaccinated people should also wear face masks when visiting unvaccinated people indoors who are at higher risk of contracting a severe case of COVID-19, according to the recommendations.

In Maryland, Gov. Larry Hogan went a step further this week, lifting the state’s outdoor mask mandate in nearly all settings except at “large ticketed venues” that are outside.

The guidance was issued as the D.C. region inches its way toward a return to a pre-pandemic normal. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced earlier this week that the city would ease pandemic restrictions on entertainment venues, swimming pools and museums.

Starting Saturday, live theaters and concert halls may host events at 25% of a venue’s capacity. Recreation centers, libraries, and museums may operate at 50% capacity. 

Bowser said at a news conference Monday the city will likely lift more restrictions over the summer, provided vaccination rates continue to pick up and infections drop. Nearly 34 percent of residents are fully or partially vaccinated, data show.

The city is scheduled to open 11 walk-up sites where people who are 18 years old or older can receive vaccines without an appointment. Children’s National Hospital is handling appointments for residents who are 16 or 17 years old.

The mayor said every person who wants the vaccine has likely already received it or are in the process of getting vaccinated. 

“It’s now up to us to make sure that everybody else knows that it’s easy, that they’re eligible,” she said. “The way we get open is to crush the virus and to get people vaccinated.” 

Margaret Barthel contributed reporting to this story, which has been updated with the mayoral order governing mask-wearing in businesses for fully-vaccinated people.