by Cesse Ip

On Monday, April 5th, Mayor Muriel Bowser released a situational update on COVID-19 and the District. A greater push to get residents vaccinated is on the way, as are plans to slowly open public facilities and gathering places. This includes public pools (at 50% capacity) and spray parks.

As of April 1st, 162,669 (23%) of District residents had been partially or fully vaccinated. Out of those, 12.3% have been fully vaccinated. Another 190,621 people have pre-registered with the District for a vaccination and are awaiting an appointment.

Starting Friday, April 9th, a new high-capacity vaccination site will open at Arena Stage. It will be operated in partnership with DC Health and MedStar Health. Starting on Monday, April 19th, all residents 16+ will be eligible to receive the vaccine.

Current COVID numbers from the Mayor’s update presentation

As the city increases its vaccinations, the following activities will reopen or dial up on May 1st:

Seated live entertainment will be allowed indoors and outdoors at 25% capacity, up to 500 people.
Movie theaters will be able to operate at 25% capacity.
Live music will be allowed near outdoor restaurant seating.
Weddings and special events will be allowed indoors and outdoors at 25% capacity, with a waiver for attendance greater than 250.
School graduations and awards ceremonies will be allowed indoors and outdoors with capacity limits. Further guidance will be released this week.
Regional business meetings and seated conventions will be allowed indoors and outdoors at 25% capacity, with a waiver for attendance greater than 250.
Outdoor races will be allowed at 50% capacity.
Indoor and outdoor public pools will be allowed to open at 50% capacity.
Outdoor splash pads will be allowed to open at full capacity.
Recreation centers will be able to operate indoors at 50% capacity.
Libraries will be able to operate at 50% capacity.
Museums, galleries, and exhibits will be able to operate indoors and outdoors at 50% capacity.
Non-essential retail indoors and outdoors will be able to operate at 50% capacity.

While it’s certainly exciting that we are able to make this step forward towards normalcy, the Mayor offered the following advice for how to help us continue on this trajectory:

Get vaccinated as soon as you have the opportunity to.
Help other people get vaccinated.
Continue to use the tools that we have been using for the past year: wear a mask, social distance, and practice good hygiene
Continue to choose your activities wisely. Prioritize outdoor activities.

If you pre-registered for a vaccination appointment but already received your vaccine elsewhere, email vaccinatedc@dc.gov to remove yourself from the pre-registration list.