The mask & vaccine mandates that we've come to know in Washington DC will expire at the end of the month.
During today's press conference, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that beginning on March 1, businesses will no longer have to check for proof of vaccination nor require patrons to be masked.
"COVID is not as deadly as it was," she said, noting people can now get vaccinated. "Getting vaccinated and boosted, we can't emphasize enough."
Bars & restaurants, sports & entertainment venues, gyms, grocery stores, places of worship, retail establishments & DC Government offices with no public interaction all fall under the category of "businesses" that will no longer have to require masks come March 1.
Schools, childcare facilities, libraries, hospitals, retirement homes, public transit, shelters & DC Government offices with direct public interaction will still require masks on March 1.
If private businesses want to require employees or customers to still wear masks in their stores, they may do so.