Starting Friday, fully vaccinated (meaning two weeks past a last dose) fans can go maskless in all parts of Nationals Park — indoors or outdoors. The park made the announcement Wednesday, in line with D.C.’s newest mask guidance.
Unvaccinated attendees will be required to wear masks at all times, unless they’re eating or drinking in their seats. The press release announcing the stadium’s masking policy change doesn’t mention needing proof of vaccination, so the new rule likely operates on the honor system.
Nationals Park is the first large D.C.-area venue to drop it’s mask mandate for fully vaccinated people. Retailers like Trader Joe’s and Target have lifted their mask mandates for fully vaccinated patrons, and a small number of D.C. bars like Flight Wine Bar and Pitchers have as well. Per D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser updated order this week, it’s up to a business whether or not they will continue to require a face mask for all customers.
The park is currently operating at 36% capacity for all games under a special permit from Bowser’s office. The city has also approved the park’s request to open at full capacity on June 10, one day before all capacity limits will lift in D.C.
Colleen Grablick