Washington D.C. is joining the long list of cities lifting nightlife restrictions this summer. As vaccination rates continue to rise, the district plans to lift capacity guidelines for bars and nightclubs beginning June 11.
Before the lift takes place, indoor capacity restrictions will increase 50% on May 21 and will continue until June 11. Until restrictions are lifted, organizers must apply for a waiver to host events.
Nightclubs and bars will no longer be required to close at midnight once the District lifts capacity restrictions. Owners can return to pre-pandemic closing times.
According to a statement made by Mayor Muriel Bowser during a news conference:
“We’re very pleased that over the last several days, we have seen our case spread, our community spread numbers, venture out of the red into the yellow and fast approaching the green,” Muriel said. “You might remember that our daily case rate peaked in January at 45.9. And today you can see it’s down to 6.6.”
Although capacity restrictions will be lifted, Washington D.C. residents will be required to wear masks in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
Washington D.C. has seen an increase in vaccination rates. totaling at about 672,000 residents receiving the first dose of the vaccine. In addition, 252,000 people are fully vaccinated in the District.
H/T: Washington Blade