A handful of D.C. music venues, including all the venues under the I.M.P. umbrella — 9:30 Club, Merriweather Post Pavilion, Lincoln Theatre, and The Anthem — have dropped their vaccine requirements to attend shows.

I.M.P.’s spokesperson Audrey Fix Schaefer says the exception is for shows in which the performer has requested that audience members show vaccine proof and wear masks. I.M.P. staff are still required to be fully vaccinated and wear masks on the job.

“We encourage patrons to be vaccinated and wear masks, but we’re following government guidance and not requiring it,” Schaefer wrote to DCist/WAMU in an email.

I.M.P.’s vaccination policy had been in place since October. The four venues join Capital One Arena and the Entertainment and Sports Arena, both of which have dropped their vaccine mandates in recent months.

The shift in policy suggests that even as some bars,  restaurants, and venues are continuing to require vaccine proof — even after the D.C. government lifted the citywide mandates on masks and vaccine cards — the entertainment industry is hoping for a return to normal the closer we get to summer.

The Washington Post’s Fritz Hahn first reported the policy change. Per Hahn, Union Stage seems to have removed information about COVID requirements from its website. (The venue’s managers didn’t respond to a request for comment by publishing time.)

Schaefer said I.M.P.’s update is related to high vaccination rates and drops in hospitalizations and deaths within the D.C. region. The District stopped reporting daily cases and deaths in early March and switched to weekly reporting. There’s been a slight uptick in cases in D.C., though hospitalization rates have mostly stabilized across the region. Meanwhile, at least four local universities have reinstated their mask mandates on campus, according to the Washington Post.

Some healthcare professionals worry that jurisdictions and businesses dropping mandates too soon could lead to a decreased sense of urgency for people to get boosted and protect themselves against Omicron and future variants.

“People don’t necessarily need to be vaccinated to get everywhere like we did a few weeks ago,” Elysia Jordan, vice president of nursing at Mary’s Center, told DCist/WAMU in an interview. “That [requirement is] a motivating factor for people to get vaccinated.”

“We have always approached this using the best information available,” Schaefer added. “We hope people continue to keep up to date on the science and do what’s right for themselves and their families.”

Other spots are maintaining stricter COVID policies. A representative confirmed that Black Cat, for example, still requires proof of vaccination or a negative test from within 48 hours. Pie Shop, on H Street NE, has similar requirements until further notice, according to owner Sandra Basanti. While masks are optional at both venues, they are encouraged, the managers say.

Amanda Michelle Gomez contributed to this report. If you have updates or tips on D.C. arts and entertainment, please email us.