Heather Curtis

WMAL.com

Some good news for cooped up Washingtonians and struggling businesses in the District. Phase 2 COVID-19 restrictions will be loosened on May 1 as the city’s daily case rate, rate of transmission and test positivity are all going down. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced these changes and others at a press conference on Monday.

Here are the changes:

–Indoor capacity limit for non-essential retail businesses is raised from 25-50% with a max of 250 people

-Restaurants and bars will be allowed to seat 10 people at a table, up from 6. Live music will be allowed outside for summer gardens, courtyard dining and sidewalk cafes controlled by the restaurants. People sitting outside can order alcoholic drinks without also ordering food.

-Multi-purpose facilities, theaters and concert venues may open at 25% capacity with a max of 500 people.

-Movie theaters can operate at 25%

-Weddings and special events are allowed indoors and outdoors at 25% capacity with a waiver requirement if there are more than 250 people

–Gyms and fitness centers can open at 50% capacity with no more than 250 people. Indoor classes can have up to 25 people.

-Public and private pools can open with restrictions in place. Outdoor splash pads can open at full capacity.

-Places of worship can be at 40% capacity. This does not include clergy and staff. Masks and social distancing will still be required.

-DCPS high school graduations will be held at Audi Field June 19-24

Bowser added that the city will not require people to show proof of vaccination to enter businesses. Places that make that requirement will have to follow the same capacity restrictions as other businesses.

Depending on the numbers, capacity limits could be loosened again this summer.

“We’ve been focused on July 4th. I’ll tell you that, but maybe, you know, maybe it’ll be even better,” Bowser said.

The mayor said she doesn’t know when all capacity limits will be lifted.

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