MAYORS AND CITIES – Residents in Washington, D.C. are required to wear masks when they leave their houses, Mayor Muriel Bowser’s order on Wednesday said.

Mayor’s Order 2020-080 was signed to curb the spread of Covid-19, which has infected over 11, 427 District residents and claimed the lives of some 580.

The District’s Covid-19 data shows 113,858 residents were tested while 1,974 were cleared from isolation as of July 21.

Bowser said that the disease transmission is rampant in the Maryland and Virginia areas near Washington, D.C., and even more prevalent in numerous “hot zones” nationwide.

The order covers people in common areas of apartments, condominiums and cooperatives; and persons who are operating or a passenger in a taxi or a vehicle that is part of a Transportation Network Company.

It also requires businesses to post signage on their exterior doors stating that a person may not enter unless the person is wearing a mask, as employers must also provide masks to its employees.

It exempts, however, the persons unable to wear a mask due to medical condition; children aged two years old or younger; persons who are eating, drinking, or legally smoking; and those who are engaged in vigorous outdoor activity and exercise, among others.

Those who will incur violations will be fined up to $1,000, the mayor said.

The order will remain in effect until October 9, 2020, unless the state of emergency is extended.