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Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser, a Democrat, announced Monday that she will lift the mandate requiring all citizens to show proof of vaccination to enter stores, businesses and establishments beginning Tuesday, Feb. 15.
In an update on the Covid-19 situation in D.C., Bowser also announced that the mandatory use of facemasks in enclosed spaces will be lifted as of the first day of March. However, their use will still be required in schools, transit stations, bookstores, nursing homes, health care facilities and emergency shelters.
The policy also leaves it up to businesses to decide whether to impose mask mandates at their own discretion.
Covid-19 in D.C.
According to the latest report, Washington has seen a drastic reduction in weekly cases, with only 152 reported per 100,000 population, and the hospitalization rate remains at 5.6%, when the D.C. already has around 70% of the population vaccinated.
This translates into a reduction of more than 90% in infections and 95% in hospitalizations during the Omicron wave.
Bowser’s decision follows other blue states that appear to have bowed to international pressure for the removal of restrictions and have decided to announce plans for the progressive reopening of their cities.
