COVID Member Resources

The COVID vaccination requirement for entrance into certain indoor establishments was lifted on February 15, 2022. Businesses may choose to keep vaccination requirements in place, and must post signage in their storefronts if this is the case. Employers may also choose to require employee vaccination.

The indoor mask mandate was lifted on March 1, 2022 for most settings. Masks will still be required at:

• Any private business that wants to require use of masks by its employees or customers
• Schools, childcare facilities, and libraries
• Congregate facilities: nursing homes/assisted living facilities, shelters, dorms, and correctional facilities
• Healthcare/medical facilities
• Public transit, taxis, and rideshare vehicles
• DC Government facilities with direct interaction between employees and the public (e.g., DMV service centers, DHS service centers

The ‘gray area’ of the pandemic can be an especially challenging time for businesses. Can you still require all employees and patrons to wear masks? How do you safely reopen the office? What should you do if someone tests positive for COVID? The city’s website, coronavirus.dc.gov/healthguidance, provides resources for businesses.

Best Practices for Businesses, Community Establishments and Public Events
First Steps for Businesses when an Employee or Patron Tests Positive for COVID-19
Screening Tool Guidance

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 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.