The DC ReOpen Advisory Group recently made recommendations to the Bowser administration on how the District should come back from its dormant economic and social activity amid the coronavirus pandemic and those ideas were met with mixed feelings among residents and business owners.
Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Wednesday that the District will enter Phase 1 of its reopening plan on May 29, based on health metrics showing the city's progress in fighting the virus.
The group, chaired by District residents Susan Rice, who served as United Nations ambassador and national security adviser under President Obama, and Michael Chertoff, a former secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security under President George H.W. Bush, oversaw the writing of the report that included its phases for reopening the District.
The first phase limits participant activities to 10 people and restaurants can offer outdoor seating for customers but will be required to institute strict cleaning standards.
The mayor refuted arguments that requiring face coverings and social distancing in public places violates civil rights, citing evidence from health experts who endorse the practices and asserting that, as the District's leader, she has the obligation to protect residents.
