Mayor Announces End of Indoor Mask Mandate

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

25th Council session information coming soon.

Mayor Announces End of Indoor Mask Mandate

Nov 16, 2021, 12:39 PM by MSDC Staff

DC will no longer require masks to be worn in all indoor settings beginning Monday.

At her COVID-19 press conference today, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the end of the general indoor mask requirement in the District starting next Monday.

The Mayor pointed to a plateauing COVID infection rate and rare serious cases among the vaccinated as a justification to loosen the restriction. Going forward, according to Mayor Bowser, DC Health will create guidance based on risk levels, which will be tied to a person's vaccination status.

Masks will still be required in the following situations:

In a private business that wants a mask requirement
On public transport including ride share vehicles, buses and trains
In train stations and airports
Inside childcare facilities, schools, and libraries
At congregate facilities like nursing home
At DC government facilities where the public interacts with government employees

MSDC is monitoring and awaiting further guidance from DC Health on how or if this will impact requirements for healthcare facilities.

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.