Washington DC will lift its indoor mask mandate on November 22, Monday, according to a press release and statements from Mayor Muriel Bowser. However, the mayoral office outlined certain exceptions where a face mask would be necessary regardless of an individual’s COVID-19 vaccination status.

The press release further cleared up that the district will not follow a blanket mandate and instead would take into account risk-based guidance from DC Health.

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The press release read, “Instead of following a blanket mandate, residents, visitors, and workers will be advised to follow risk-based guidance from DC Health that accounts for current health metrics and a person’s vaccination status.”

The facemask exemptions will be in the following places:

-United States government facilities in Washington DC where the public is directly interacting with the employees of the body.

-Congregate facilities, which include residences/dorms, nursing homes, correctional facilities, shelters, assisted living facilities and more.

-Inside schools, libraries and institutions linked to childcare facilities.

-Public transport services and areas linked to it, including airports, train stations, buses, trains and shared cab rides.

-Any private businesses that want to retain the indoor mask mandate.

The residents of Washington DC were further encouraged to get their COVID-19 vaccines, first dose or booster shot, if eligible. 

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In a separate press release made public earlier this week, the mayor announced that 252 new positive cases of COVID-19 were detected in Washington DC between November 12 and 14. The district reported one death –of an 87 year old male– in the time frame.

Washington DC has far recorded 65,623 cases of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic out of which 1,195 people succumbed to the deadly disease.

It is unclear if federal sites like the United States Capitol complex will take similar steps for the lawmakers inside.