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Washington DC announces restriction-free reopening on June 11

Washington DC has unveiled plans to fully reopen without restrictions on live events from June 11, with some unrestricted activity to kick start later this month.

Mayor of the US capital, Muriel Bowser, published a situational report highlighting plans to remove restrictions on all public and commercial activity except bars, nightclubs and large sports and entertainment venues on May 21.

This move will allow the city’s famed Smithsonian museums and zoo, as well as shops, restaurants, places of worship and numerous other venues, to reopen with no capacity limits by May 21.

Bars, nightclubs and large entertainment venues and sports stadiums will need to wait until June 11 to fully reopen.

Bowser said, according to AFP: “On Friday, May 21 we will be turning on substantially more activity in the district. And we anticipate three weeks following that, on June 11 that we will be able to turn up activity in the district, all the way.”

The announcement comes as the District of Columbia has fully vaccinated 226,566 of its population of around 700,000.

Capital One Arena, home to NBA team the Washington Wizards, is starting to fill its 2021 schedule, with concerts from Marc Anthony, Harry Styles, Celine Dion, Maluma and Tame Impala, among others.

In addition, Monumental Sports said that Bowser’s office has approved a waiver for the Wizards and the Washington Capitals NHL ice hockey team to welcome 25 per cent capacity at Capital One Arena from May 14.

The move to allow up to 5,000 fans at games is an increase from the 10-per-cent limit it has been operating at since April 21.