22 Feb 2021 | 11:50 PM UTC
US: COVID-19 restrictions remain unchanged in Washington, DC, as of Feb. 22. /update 21
Officials in Washington, DC, US, keeping existing business and travel restrictions in place as of Feb. 22 to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Event
As of Feb. 22, business and travel restrictions in place to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the District of Columbia remain largely unchanged by comparison with those in force during the second half of January. Under the current directives, most businesses are allowed to operate at 25-percent capacity; restaurants and other food establishments can offer indoor services at 25-percent capacity up to a maximum of 250 people and must close nightly by 2359. Gatherings of more than 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors remain prohibited. All businesses must implement enhanced sanitation procedures and social distancing measures, aimed at preventing any upswing in COVID-19 activity. Businesses that can have employees working from home must do so. For more details of the city's restrictions, click here.
Officials continue to urge individuals to stay at least 1.8 meters (6 feet) away from persons who do not reside in their household. Residents over the age of two must wear protective facemasks whenever they are in public and may come in close proximity to others.
Travel Restrictions
All visitors must take a COVID-19 test 72 hours prior to their arrival in Washington, DC; if the test is positive, they should not travel. If the test is negative, visitors can enter the District but must take a second COVID-19 test 3-5 days following their arrival. Private institutions may require visitors to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Persons traveling from Maryland or Virginia, as well as essential workers or individuals visiting the city for shorter than 24 hours, are exempt.
Residents of the District of Columbia returning from travel must limit their activities and self-monitor their health for 14 days, or until they obtain a negative COVID-19 test 3-5 days after their return.
Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.
Advice
Heed the directives of the authorities. Reconfirm all health-related travel requirements before travel. Confirm appointments in advance.
Resources
WHO Coronavirus Knowledge Base
Washington, DC Government - COVID-19 Updates
