D.C. will no longer require masks in many public settings, Bowser announces

[IronLionZion]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/11/16/dc-mask-mandate-ends/

Washington’s local mask mandate, one of the strictest in the nation since late July, will relax greatly beginning Monday, Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) announced Tuesday.

The District had required residents to wear masks in most indoor settings since the delta variant caused coronavirus case counts to rise over the summer. On Tuesday, Bowser said that coronavirus vaccines are working: While case rates remain stubbornly above an average of 10 new cases per day for every 100,000 residents, vaccines are preventing most people who catch the virus from needing hospitalization.

That means it’s time to let residents choose whether to wear masks in their office buildings, retail stores and many other settings, Bowser said. Local businesses can still choose to require masks, but it will not be legally required.

Local regulations will still require masks in some settings, including Metro trains and buses, ride-share cars, some government buildings and public schools.

Masks were comforting but I guess our numbers improved enough. That's a good sign. Vaccination rates shot up the last few months as mandates kicked in.