The District will lift most COVID restrictions by June 11, but there’s still a push to vaccinate.
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) and DC Health Director Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt spoke at Monday’s situational update report about the District’s vaccine rollout and reopening plan for the coming weeks.
On Monday, May 10, Bowser announced that capacity limits on most District venues would be lifted –including restaurants, offices and schools. The other venues, such as sports arenas and concert halls, will see restrictions altered on June 11. Residents should follow CDC guidelines, the Mayor said, meaning masks will still be expected indoors. Full guidance is expected from DC Health in the coming weeks.
Still, the District is continuing to encourage vaccination. On Saturday May 22, the District will host its second day of action for vaccinations. Volunteers will go door-to-door talking talking to neighbors about how to get the vaccinations. There will be canvassing shifts available beginning at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. all are encouraged to participate.
Mass sites make walk-up vaccinations available to all DC residents ages 16 and over. Additionally, pharmacies and health centers will continue to distribute vaccinations. Find the vaccination site or clinic nearest you by visiting (vaccinate.dc.gov).
The mass vaccination sites are for first doses of the vaccine only. Second doses must be received through appointment only.
Reopening Plan
Government operations are set to slowly resume. Up to 50 percent of District employees are expected to return to their office by June 7, with all employees expected to be working “in new in-office schedules” by July 7.
Still, Nesbitt and Bowser emphasized an “effort to remain vigilant” will continue to require mask-wearing for all in DC, asking residents to get vaccinated, practice hand-washing and mask-wearing, and for those who feel sick to stay at home until they feel bettter.
Sarah Payne is a History and Neuroscience student at The University of Michigan interning with HillRag. She writes for and serves as an assistant news editor for Michigan’s student newspaper, The Michigan Daily. You can reach her at sarahp@hillrag.com.
