Eastern Market flea markets are suspended until at least March 31, 2020, the Department of General Services (DGS) said Friday, after Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a ban on all gatherings of 250 people or more in a press conference held at noon Friday, March 13.
The previous DC Health Advisory, issued Wednesday, March 11, cautioned against gatherings of 1000 people or more, but the newest release lowers that number to 250.
“Out of an abundance of caution, DGS is cancelling the Eastern Market Outdoor Weekend Crafts Market,” said the statement.However, so that residents can continue to purchase fresh food, the indoor merchants and the Eastern Market Farmers Market will remain open.”
DGS operates the flea markets outside Rumsey Pool as well as on the 200 and 300 blocks of Seventh Street SE. The Privately owned and managed flea markets held Saturday and Sunday on the C Street SE plaza are operational as of publication. This post will be updated if differing information becomes available.
69 people have been tested in the District as of Friday. 10 tests came back positive, 10 tests came back negative, and 49 results are pending.
The Mayor’s Press conference came after the Mayor’s Office announced changes to the DC Government’s operating status. Those changes include pending closures of DC Schools and public libraries beginning March 15 though 31, as well as an agency-wide telework schedule for non-essential personnel.
The announcement comes in the wake of mass cancellations that followed a DC Health Advisory recommending events where 1,000 people or more would converge be cancelled until March 31. Major events, including NBA Washington Wizards, DC United and the April 2 opening for the Washington Nationals have been postponed. Some National Cherry Blossom events have been cancelled or postponed, and the Smithsonian Museums are closed, among other events and institutions.
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