District of Columbia Resources
The following is a list of resources and vital information related the District of Columbia Coronavirus Response Efforts as related to your DC based restaurant. This list of resource links will continue to be updated with new information as it becomes available.
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
DC’s mask mandate lifts. As always, businesses can choose to impose a mask requirement in their business and are encouraged to hang visible signage so that diners are aware.
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
Vaccine Mandate Lifted for Indoor Dining
(Washington, DC) – The CDC is continuously monitoring variants and recommends that all people wear a mask indoors in public if they are in an area of substantial or high transmission. Based on DC’s current transmission rate of substantial community spread, DC Health, led by Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt, advises residents to continue to follow prevention measures to protect themselves against COVID-19. As more information is gathered about the Omicron variant, it is critical that individuals follow the health advisory and get vaccinated, and/or receive booster doses.
On November 26, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a Variant of Concern and named it Omicron and on November 30, 2021, the United States also classified it as a Variant of Concern. CDC has been actively monitoring and preparing for this variant, and they will continue to work diligently with other U.S. and global public health and industry partners to learn more. Despite the detection of Omicron, Delta remains the predominant strain in the United States.
DC Health advisory includes recommendations for indoor public settings, and requires, regardless of vaccination status in:
- Any private business that wants a mask requirement;
- On public transport like buses and trains, inside train stations, in airports, and while in ride share vehicles;
- Inside schools, childcare facilities, and libraries;
- Congregate facilities, such as nursing homes/assisted living facilities, shelters, dorms/residences, and correctional facilities; and
- In DC Government facilities where there is direct interaction between employees and the public (e.g., DMV service center; DHS service center, etc.).
Preventative measures other than mask wearing include washing your hands frequently and physically distancing from others.
Currently, everyone 5 years and older can protect themselves from COVID-19 by getting fully vaccinated. Residents can get their primary series of COVID-19 vaccination in the District by doing the following:
- Go to a doctor
- Find a local pharmacy and schedule and an appointment (vaccines.gov)
- Visit a DC Government walk-up location any day of the week (vaccinate.dc.gov)
- Request a vaccination at-home by calling 1-855-363-0333.
If individuals are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose or an additional dose, DC Health urges residents to do so. On Monday, Dec. 6, there will be a couple changes to the following district-operated vaccine sites:
- Capitol View Library will replace Benning Library as a vaccination site
- Pediatric vaccines (ages 5-11) will be available at additional walk-up sites, not just school-based clinics
- Families can book at-home vaccination appointments for children ages 5-11
- Adults accompanying children at pediatric vaccination clinics can also receive their COVID-19 vaccine, including boosters
To find a vaccination site near you, just go to vaccine.dc.gov and type in your zip code. If individuals are unsure of their next plan of action, please consult with a medical provider to find the best layered mitigation strategy for you.
DC Streateries
DDOT announced that Streatery permits are extended through Monday, February 28, 2022. Applicants do not need to take any action as DDOT will automatically extend the valid permits to the above date.
The affected permits include occupancy permits for Other Special Events (Streateries), Temporary Sidewalk Table Service, Parklets, Restaurant Curbside Pick-Up Zones and Non-Essential Retailer Curbside PickUp Zones. Additionally, Winterization Construction Permits for Tents and/or Heaters, Walls and Platforms will also be extended under this Mayor’s Order. When renewed permits are issued, permittees will need to print and post the newly extended permits and the updated Emergency No Parking/Reserved Parking (ENP/RP) signs. Customers should ensure they post a copy of the approved permits onsite at all time as required by DCMR24 regulations. For those who no longer wish to operate a Streatery, Parklet, or Extended Table Service Operation, please contact Neighborhood.Planning@dc.gov. Please contact DDOT’s Public Space Regulation Division, Customer Relations Branch at (202) 442-4670 or crb.services@dc.gov if you have any questions regarding this communication.
DDOT’s announcement also included a positive note that due to the success of this pilot program, they are developing a permanent Streatery Program to be launched in 2022 and they will release information about this soon, including opportunities for our industry to provide feedback.
For those looking for the most updated guidance and information, please see the links below:
- Click here for ABRA June 11, 2021 Rulemaking on Additional Outdoor Seating on Public and Private Space
- Click here for DDOT Streatery FAQs
- Click here for the proposed Reopen DC Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Amendment Act
There are several laws and regulations that went into effect on Thursday, July 1, 2021.
- Minimum Wage: Minimum wage increases to $15.20 per hour. The tipped minimum wage increases to $5.05.
- Foam Ban Fines: DOEE currently enforces the Foam Ban for foodservice ware and issues fines. DOEE began actively inspecting retail businesses for the Foam Ban in January 2021 and will begin issuing fines for retail violations on July 1, 2021.
- Reducing Food Service Waste: By July 1, 2021, third-party food ordering platforms must include the option for customers to request and select disposable utensils and other add-on items. See the Reducing Food Service Waste page for more information.