DC Mayor Bowser backtracks on loosening mask restrictions for fully vaccinated adults
People wear protective masks as they spend time on the National Mall on May 2, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON - UPDATE (9:58 A.M. SUNDAY): D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser appears to have backtracked on loosening mask restrictions for fully vaccinated adults, less than 24 hours after issuing her original order.
The mayor's amended order now allows businesses to require vaccination cards upon entry, though checking for proof of vaccination would be up to the business's discretion.
Customers would still be required to wear a mask inside, regardless of their vaccination status.
The move could still pave the way for so-called "vaccine passports" eventually leading to maskless entry inside businesses.
ORIGINAL: Washingtonians fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are getting more face time.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser issued an order late Friday night that drops most mask requirements for people fully vaccinated against coronavirus.
Starting now, fully vaccinated people in the District can gather inside without a mask, unless anyone they're with is at increased risk for COVID-19 or exhibiting symptoms.
Gathering maskless outside is also allowed, unless it's a crowded venue or event.
Travel quarantines are also out for fully vaccinated people, as are routine tests for work or any other group unless the person is exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms.
Read the order here:
Bowser's order is perhaps the furthest easing of mask restrictions in the District since the start of the pandemic.
The order states that businesses will post signage on their doors stating that people cannot enter unless wearing a mask or fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Businesses are allowed to request visitors provide their vaccine cards to prove their vaccination status.
Such cards have been reportedly easy to forge, however, as they do not include any official seals or stamps.
Bowser addressed reporters Saturday after issuing the order:
People are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after receiving their 2nd dose of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two weeks after receiving the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Barredindc.com first shared a copy of Bowser's order Friday night.
Tune in to FOX 5 tonight for more details.
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