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DC Mayor Muriel Bowser reinstituted the District's mask mandate due to an anticipated winter surge of COVID-19 positive cases.

The Mayor held a press conference today with officials from DC Health and other cabinet members. Speakers focused on the science behind the surge as well as the District's response to the surge in positive cases. Last week DC set a record twice for the most number of new positive COVID cases.

Dr. Anjali Talwalkar of DC Health explained the science behind the Omicron variant and noted that currently less than 1% of positive cases in the District have been confirmed as the Omicron variant, with Delta still serving as the dominant strain. However, she did note sequencing takes time so this could be an undercount. In a positive note for residents, hospitalizations still remain low, with only 4.5% of cases requiring hospitalization. While the rate of positive cases among vaccinated individuals has risen (12.23%), overwhelmingly unvaccinated individuals are the reported COVID-19 infections in DC. 

The focus of the press conference was the District's expanded COVID-19 testing capabilities. DC is now launching Test Yourself DC sites in every ward, allowing DC residents to pick up a rapid antigen test at a local library to use and report the results on a District website. The Mayor noted DC recommends four testing options: go to a free DC PCR test site, take advantage of the Test Yourself PCR tests at 36 sites, take advantage of a free antigen test starting Wednesday, or make an appointment with a medical provider.

Mayor Bowser also reinstated the mask mandate for indoor settings from December 21 through January 31. She also announced all DC government employees are required to be vaccinated and receive a booster/third dose. DC is ending its test-out option for unvaccinated employees. 

This story will be updated with any additional relevant information.