COVID Member Resources

The new COVID vaccination requirement for entrance into certain indoor establishments goes into effect at 6 am on January 15, 2022. This requirement applies to guests, visitors, or customers 12 or older entering indoor venues outlined within the order – it does not apply to employees. Employers may choose to require employee vaccination, if they have not done so already, but it is not required.

We strongly encourage all BID members to read the Mayor’s order for full details on the COVID vaccination requirement, in effect January 15 – including businesses subject to the vaccine entry requirement, those that are not, individual exemptions, signage requirements, timing, and delegation of authority. The Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, in conjunction with DOH, will outline a plan to help businesses understand, publicize, and enforce the vaccination requirements and provide for reporting complaints and violations. DOH will also further specify the applicability of the order and any reasonable accommodations that may be necessary. Stay tuned for more.

Of note:

Timeline for Vaccine Requirements

• January 15, 2022: one dose for ages 12+
• February 15, 2022: fully vaccinated for ages 12+ (at least two doses of an mRNA vaccine or one dose of Johnson & Johnson)

Establishments Subject to Vaccination Entry Requirement

Indoor food and drink establishments, such as:

• Restaurants
• Nightclubs
• Taverns
• Coffee shops
• Food halls

Indoor cultural and entertainment establishments, such as:

• Concert, live entertainment and sporting venues
• Movie theatres
• Bowling alleys

Indoor exercise and recreational establishments, such as:

• Gyms
• Fitness studios
• Any facilities used for group fitness classes
• Recreation centers

Indoor event and meeting establishments, such as:

• Conferences
• Hotel common rooms

*Individuals entering a covered establishment for a quick and limited purpose (placing an order for takeout, picking up an order, or making a delivery) are exempt from this requirement. Additionally, a person is entitled by law to a reasonable accommodation due to a medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief.

Required Signage
Beginning on January 15, 2022, businesses shall display prominently, visible to patrons prior to entry, a notice informing patrons that proof of vaccination is required to enter any indoor portion of a covered location. A sample notice is available for download here.

Acceptable Types of Proof of Vaccination Include:

• CDC issued vaccination card: original or photocopy or photo
• Immunization record print out from the patient portal of their vaccine/healthcare provider
• A COVID-19 Verification App such as VaxYes or CLEAR

Office Buildings
Indoor conference centers, meeting facilities, and shared work facilities open to the public are included in the vaccine requirement. However, private office spaces open only to workers are exempt.

Next Steps
More guidance is forthcoming and will be posted online; we will share it once it’s available. In the meantime, visit coronavirus.dc.gov/vaxdc for more.

Although DC’s COVID capacity restrictions have been lifted, this ‘gray area’ of the pandemic can be an especially challenging time for businesses. Can you still require all employees and patrons to wear masks, regardless of vaccination status? How do you safely reopen the office? What should you do if someone tests positive for COVID? Visit our page below for the most up-to-date operating guidance and resources.

The Georgetown BID obtained DDOT Streatery permits to accommodate outdoor dining and social distancing for pedestrians in the curb lanes along M Street, Wisconsin Avenue and some side streets. The Streatery permit will likely run as long as COVID-19 remains a public health threat and beyond. Click here to learn more about our Streatery program, and access our Streatery guidance.

In an effort to further support our Streateries, and the entire commercial district, the Georgetown BID built 3,400 linear feet of sidewalk deck panels on M Street between 34th Street and 29th Street, and on Wisconsin Avenue between Q Street and the Canal. The Georgetown Decks provide a more welcoming experience for outdoor dining, and create more space for pedestrians to safely and comfortably walk through Georgetown. The deck panels will be in place through December 31, 2021, during which time the BID and the community will evaluate the project and modify, as necessary, to respond to specific issues. If the project is successful and the community wishes to keep the extensions in place beyond 2021, the BID will go through another permitting process to keep them up longer.

The Mayor’s office purchased a large quantity of masks, hand sanitizer, and cleaning supplies to help businesses reopening in the summer of 2020. We still have additional PPE packages remaining. Email jwiebenson@georgetowndc.com if you would like a package.

coronavirus.dc.gov – Visit this website often for all things COVID in DC – from testing information, to recovery resources and grant opportunities, health guidance, Phase Two guidelines, news, and more.

cdc.gov/coronavirus – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has an enormous amount of information on COVID at the national level.

sba.gov/coronavirus – The U.S. Small Business Administration has created a homepage for small business guidance and loan resources during COVID-19. Funding options, recovery information, loan assistance, and SBA products and resources are all covered here.

ramw.org/blog – The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW)’s blog provides excellent and in-depth updates for those in the food industry.