Mayor Loosens COVID Restrictions – Announces New Vaccine Eligibility Groups

Mayor Loosens COVID Restrictions – Announces New Vaccine Eligibility Groups

by Larry Janezich

Posted March 15, 2021

At today’s situational briefing, Mayor Bowser announced the extension of the District’s Public Health Emergency until May 20, 2021

The Mayor announced the following loosening of restrictions.  On March 22:

• Indoor fitness classes may resume with up to 10 people.
• In restaurants, alcohol can be sold until midnight instead of only until 10:00pm. (Indoor dining will continue at 25% capacity or up to 250 people.)
• Movie theaters may open with no more than 25 people or 25% capacity, whichever is less) in an auditorium.
• Outdoor gatherings can include up to 50 people.
• Outdoor fitness classes may have up to 50 people.
• Professional sports may operate pursuant to a waiver with plans for fans.
• HSEMA and DC Health will resume reviewing and approving live entertainment waivers.
• Guided tours of museums, galleries, and exhibits can resume in these venues which will remain open with capacity limits of 250 per floor and 25 persons per room.
• Grocery stores may operate buffets only if staff serves the food. Self-service continues to be prohibited.

On April 5, reassessments will occur on all of the above, as well as childcare, higher education, personal services, recreation centers, travel and places of worship. 

Beginning March 29, 18 currently operating libraries will begin offering limited indoor services:  access to public computers, printing pick-up, book pick-up, and library card registration – at 25% capacity limit.

As of March 15, some high school sports can resume under DCSAA guidelines and field permits will be issued for spring sessions.

Beginning March 15 the following essential workers are eligible for the vaccine.  Here’s the link to the preregistration portal https://coronavirus.dc.gov/vaccinatedc and the number for the call center (855) 363-0333.

• Staff working in Courts and individuals providing legal services.
• Frontline employees of public mass transit.
• Employees of the US Postal Service.
• Staff working in food service.
• Essential employees in local government agencies.
• Essential employees of public utilities..
• Essential employees in health, human, and social services organizations/agencies who were not vaccinated as outreach workers.
• Individuals working in commercial and residential property maintenance and environmental services.

Beginning March 29 the following essential workers are eligible for the vaccine:

• Individuals working in non-public transit transportation services (for hire vehicles, ride stare).
• Individuals working in logistics/delivery/courier services.
• Essential employees working in media and mass communications.

Beginning April 12 the following essential workers will be eligible for the vaccine:

• All essential employees of institutions of higher education (colleges, universities, trade schools).
• Individuals working in construction.
• All essential employees working in info technology.
• Essential employees in federal government agencies.
• Individuals working in commercial and residential property management.

Beginning May 1, DC will begin Phase 2 of Vaccine eligibility and all DC residents who are 16 years old and older will become eligible.  By the end of May, the supply of vaccine should be sufficient for all adults in DC to receive vaccinations.

Here’s the link to the graphics from Mayor Bowser’s situational update:  https://bit.ly/38LdTw6