23 July
The mayor of Washington on Monday tightened rules for wearing masks in the US capital, ordering city residents to don face coverings as soon as they leave their home.
"People must wear a mask when they leave their homes if they are likely to come into contact with another person for more than a fleeting moment," Muriel Bowser's office announced.
The measure was accompanied by the slogan: "It's simple: when you leave home, you must wear a mask."
Bowser, a Democrat, stressed that Washington residents should "wear a mask" particularly if they are unable to maintain social distancing.
There are a few exceptions to the new rule, including for people exercising outdoors and far away from other people.
In Washington, as in a majority of US states, the number of COVID-19 cases is starting to climb, even though the capital city has been largely spared from the coronavirus since the start of the pandemic.
AFP
