D.C. Mayor Considers Reinstating Mask Mandate as Omicron Spreads

WASHINGTON -- D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is considering reinstating the indoor mask mandate only days after lifting it as the omicron variant presents new health threats during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Omicron is known to be the most transmissible variant yet to emerge from the pandemic. It is blamed for making the worldwide death toll climb again despite earlier progress in slowing it with vaccines.

In the Washington area, the COVID-19 death toll also is rising slightly. However, it might be tied to colder winter weather, health officials said.

Nevertheless, they also warn that it’s only a matter of time until the omicron variant becomes a significant factor in making Washington area residents sick.

The result would mean more lawsuits by persons who support or oppose pandemic restrictions and law offices that return to telecommuting.

Among supporters of a revived mask mandate is D.C. State Board of Education President Zachary Parker.

"With a new variant on the horizon, we should not only reinstate the mask mandate but do even more to ensure that we are doing everything we can to keep folks safe,” Parker said in an interview with WUSA 9.

The D.C. Public School System continues to require students and faculty to wear masks indoors.

For more information, contact The Legal Forum (www.legal-forum.net) at email: [email protected] or phone: 202-470-7240.