District of Columbia to Lift Stay-At-Home Order Friday

WASHINGTON – District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser said Wednesday the city will lift its stay-at-home order on Friday and begin phase one of its reopening process.

The details of Bowser’s announcement are available here.

The mayor said though new cases of the virus are still being reported, the city has seen the 14-day decline in its spread, along with the availability of adequate testing and hospital capacity, that she had previously deemed necessary for reopening.

Under the order, nonessential retail businesses can open for curbside or front door pickup of items ordered online or by phone. However, no customers are allowed inside these establishments.

Barbershops and hair salons can provide services by appointment only, though stations must be at least six feet apart. Patrons are still prohibited from waiting for service inside the shop.

Among the services that are still prohibited are waxing, electrolysis, threading and nail care.

Hair-related products may be sold to customers immediately before or after appointments, but otherwise only through delivery or curbside-pickup.

Restaurants that already have accommodations for outdoor seating can begin to use this space, while continuing to offer their customers takeout, delivery, and grab and go services.

All outdoor dining customers must be seated, and patrons must place orders and be served while sitting at tables.

All tables must be at least six feet apart. No more than six people can be seated at a table.

All district dog parks, golf courses, parks. tennis courts and tracks and fields are reopening Friday, though playgrounds, public pools and recreation centers remain closed, as do indoor Department of Parks and Recreations facilities.

Contact sports are still prohibited, including football, basketball and soccer.

The mayor’s Special Events Task Group, in conjunction with the District Department of Transportation, will also be identifying public space, including sidewalks, roads, and alleys, or any portions thereof, to be closed to vehicular traffic for specific days and times to allow for expanded pedestrian and bicycle usage and outdoor customer seating for Phase One licensed food or retail establishments.

Gatherings of more than 10 people are still banned, and Bowser encouraged people to continue staying six feet apart, wearing masks when around others, and washing hands frequently.