May 17, 2021

Coronavirus Update: Changes to the Mask Mandate

Dear Neighbors,

The Mayor held a press conference this afternoon where she announced a
major modification to the local mask mandate. Starting today, fully
vaccinated residents will only need to wear masks in circumstances where
there is a mask requirement. Masks will still be required in public transit
(Metro, buses, taxis, etc.), in healthcare settings, at schools and
childcare facilities, and at businesses that opt to continue their own mask
requirements. This also means that there is no longer an outdoor mask
requirement for fully vaccinated residents.

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated residents are expected to continue to
wear a mask, maintain social distance, and are encouraged to seek
vaccination opportunities at any of the District's [1]walk-up sites, area
hospitals, or vaccination providers. If you would like to join the second
Day of Action on May 22nd to help share vaccine information encourage
neighbors to make a vaccination plan, please click: [2]here.

These new guidelines will bring the District into closer alignment with the
CDC's latest mask guidance. However, many may feel unsure about these
changes, as I do, because we are not yet at "herd immunity" and we can't
always tell if a person has been fully vaccinated. Perhaps the best posture
is to be optimistic, but cautious. Part of the success of vaccines is the
ability for us to safely transition back to some form of normalcy, but it
is estimated that only 35.7% of District residents are fully vaccinated.
Similarly, only 36% of Ward 3 is fully vaccinated. We are not out of the
pandemic yet, but we are making significant strides forward.

As the vaccine rollout continues, please continue to evaluate your degree
of risk when outside of your home, especially at large indoor gatherings.
Importantly, [3]as most capacity restrictions will be lifted this Friday,
Mary 21st, please respect those businesses and restaurants that wish to
continue mask and social distancing requirements. DC Health will begin
posting updated guidance for business operations, schools, summer camps,
and childcare facilities [4]online, and I will continue to share updates as
they are announced.

Regards,

Mary

Please see [5]coronavirus.dc.gov for the latest District updates &
resources on COVID-19

The Public Health Emergency is currently in place through May 20th, 2021

Get vaccinated TODAY at any of the District's walk-up vaccination sites
[6](click here for site locations and hours of operation)

Our Office is Open!

Connect with our staff - While Councilmember Cheh's physical office is
closed during the public health emergency, she and her staff are
teleworking and will remain accessible for residents.

You may continue to reach us via phone through our main line at (202)
724-8062 with legislative ideas, budget requests, and constituent services
requests.

[7]Facebook [8]Twitter

FOLLOW MARY

References

1. [link removed]
2. [link removed]
3. [link removed]
4. [link removed]
5. [link removed]
6. [link removed]
7. [link removed]
8. [link removed]
Unsubscribe:
[link removed]

This message was sent to [email protected] from [email protected]

Mary Cheh
Mary Cheh Ward 3
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NWSuite 108
Washington, DC 20004
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

iContact - Try it for FREE: [link removed]