All Non-Essential DC Businesses Ordered To Close Over Coronavirus

WASHINGTON, DC — D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser ordered all non-essential businesses in the District to temporarily close all on-site operations in order to mitigate the spread of the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. Bowser also prohibited gatherings of more than 10 people.

"The intent of the Order is to temporarily cease all non-essential business activities, including tour guides and touring services; gyms, health clubs, spas, and massage establishments; theaters, auditoriums, and other places of large gatherings; nightclubs; hair, nail, and tanning salons and barbershops; tattoo parlors; sales not involved in essential services; retail clothing stores; and professional services not devoted to assisting essential business operations," Bowser said, in March 24 press release.

Bowser's order regarding non-essential businesses goes into effect Wednesday at 10 p.m.

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In recent days, Bowser has taken a number of steps to stem the spread of COVID-19, including extending the number of streets closed around the National Mall and restricting access to the Tidal Basin until further notice. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic has also been restricted around the National Mall, including access to the Jefferson Memorial.

On Tuesday, Metro's Pandemic Task Force decided to close 17 additional stations beginning Thursday morning. The additional closures will join the Smithsonian and Arlington Cemetery stations that Metro closed last week, bringing the total number of stations closed to 19. All 19 stations will remain closed until further notice.

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Read the full text of Bowser's order concerning non-essential businesses:

Mayor's Order 2020-053 Closure of Non-Essential Businesses and Prohibiti... by Michael O'Connell on Scribd