Tuesday, March 24, 2020

New Mayor’s Order Requires Temporary Closure of Non-Essential Businesses and Prohibits Gatherings of Ten or More People

(Washington, DC) – Today, to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Mayor Muriel Bowser issued Mayor’s Order 2020-053: Closure of Non-Essential Businesses and Prohibition on Large Gatherings During Public Health Emergency for the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). This Mayor’s Order requires temporary closure of the on-site operation of all non-essential businesses and prohibits gatherings of 10 or more 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.

The Order goes into effect on March 25, 2020, at 10 pm, through April 24, 2020.

Q: What if my business primarily sells non perishable goods?

A: Under Mayor’s Order 2020-053 dated March 24, 2020, definitions includes “businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, goods or services.” Retail businesses not otherwise enumerated as essential may operate for the purpose of delivery of essential goods but may not allow customers on premises, at their entrances or at curbside and must restrict operates to delivery only.

Under the definitions section of minimum basic business operations (which non-essential businesses are allowed to provide):  The minimum necessary activities to facilitate teleworking or the remote delivery of services formerly provided in-person by the business.  IV4.c.

For more information on the District’s response, visit coronavirus.dc.gov.