DC To Lift Many COVID Restrictions May 21, Fully Reopen In June

WASHINGTON, DC — D.C. officials said Monday they are lifting restrictions over the next month on everything from churches and bars to concert venues and stadiums.

Mayor D.C. Muriel Bowser said that May 21 and June 11 would mark two major reopening dates for businesses and other activities.

On May 21, restaurants, libraries, museums, schools, places of worship, and most other businesses will be able to open at full capacity, and the city will also end its capacity limit on private gatherings. The changes will mean D.C.’s dancing ban at wedding venues and bars will also be lifted.

Certain restrictions for some establishments will remain in place. Bars and nightclubs will be able to operate at 50 percent of their usual capacity, and sports and entertainment venues like the 9:30 Club and Nationals Park will still have to get special permission for events.

Capacity at Nationals Park will be expanded to 36 percent beginning May 14. That same day, capacity at Capital One Arena will be expanded to 25 percent for Wizards and Capitals games.

All remaining restrictions will go away June 11, Bowser said during a Monday briefing.

Residents, workers and visitors in the District will still be required to follow the most current mask guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including wearing masks indoors.

D.C. also plans to dismantle its temporary hospital site at the Washington Convention Center, which was never used.