DC Mayor Bowser Reinstates Mask Mandate – But, Not for Federal Gov’t or DC Legislators

As House Republicans object to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) ordering them to wear coronavirus masks, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) is excusing on-duty federal government and D.C. legislators from her latest mask mandate.

As of Saturday morning at 5:00 A.M., “all persons” must wear a mask indoors, even those who have been vaccinated, according to the mayor’s new Order:

“All persons must wear masks indoors as prescribed by DC Health guidance and regulations, as may be updated from time to time. All persons are encouraged to adhere to other non-compulsory provisions of DC Health guidance.”

Later in her order, Mayor Bowser exempts on-duty members of the federal government and D.C. legislators:

“The enforcement provisions of this Order shall not be applied to persons in the federal government or legislative branch of the District government while those persons are on duty.”

People who don’t work for either of the governments are allowed to take their masks off in order to eat, NBC Washington reports:

“Inside restaurants, masks will be required whenever someone is not eating. Masks will be required inside offices, restaurants, places of worship and gyms. Businesses can refuse service to customers violating the mask requirement. 

“People are encouraged to wear masks outdoors in large settings. Masks will not be required at large outdoor events such as baseball games.”

While masks at outdoor settings are encouraged, not mandated, Mayor Bowser sparked controversy on Saturday, hours after her mandate took effect, when she officiated at a wedding. Bowser did not wear a mask outside during the rooftop ceremony and The Washington Examiner reports that she and others did not wear one inside during the dinner:

“Despite the mayor’s order, the wedding reception featured hundreds of unmasked guests served by dozens of wait staff, including a conspicuously unmasked Bowser.

“Bowser, who was not sitting at the table designated for her during wedding toasts, did not wear a mask despite not actively eating or drinking. When approached by the Washington Examiner to explain why she was maskless at an event now legally obligated to enforce mask compliance, security blockaded the free press.”

Responding to the backlash, Mayor Bowser’s office issued a statement claiming that Bowser “wore a mask indoors in compliance with the mandate.”

Article originally appeared on CNS News –> Read More