Destination DC is working daily in coordination with industry partners including the U.S. Travel Association, Events DC, the Hotel Association of Washington, DC, Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington and local officials in line with guidance from the CDC to communicate current information and best practices.
Have any museums, monuments, attractions or venues closed or have major festivals and events been canceled?
We urge visitors to confirm the status of upcoming events and major attractions before making plans to visit.
National Mall and Memorial Parks grounds remain open, but elevator tours in the Washington Monument and other park ranger tours have been canceled until further notice. The National Park Service (NPS) Office of Public Health and the U.S. Public Health Service officers assigned to the NPS are closely monitoring the situation and keeping park staffs informed, relying on the most updated data and information from the CDC.
How are DC-area restaurants impacted?
The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is in constant conversation with relevant government agencies, lodging and hospitality partners and the National Restaurant Association to ensure the organization and the local dining community has the most up to date information.
How is Metro affected and how is it ensuring safety for its riders?
Metro announced that it is further reducing service beginning Monday, March 17. The travel authority recommends only to use Metro for essential trips only and not to visit the cherry blossoms. New service hours are as follows:
Monday-Friday: Trains will operate every 15 minutes on each line throughout the day; the rail system will maintain normal hours, opening at 5 a.m. and closing at 11 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: Trains will operate every 15 minutes on each line, with service from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m.
Metro has reviewed its cleaning protocols and modifications where deemed effective and appropriate, based on medical guidance. Metro activated its four-phase Pandemic Flu Plan (PFP) on Jan. 29, including phase one involving monitoring and preparedness, and phase two, which readies Metro to respond quickly in the event of an outbreak in our region. On March 13, it activated phase three, the highest level of response and will include all subsequent mitigation steps required during the public health emergency. Metro expects to be at phase three until further notice, before it initiates its recovery efforts, which is phase four. Metro has set up direct lines of communication with the CDC, local and state public health authorities and other transit systems.
What are airports doing to address the COVID-19 pandemic?
Reagan National and Dulles International airports remain in close coordination with federal partners at the CDC, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, TSA and state and local health departments and emergency management agencies in preparedness activities.
What are hotels doing to ensure guest safety?
Regional hotels are implementing proactive strategies, following CDC guidelines and monitoring the information from local government agencies as they manage this issue with the wellbeing of hotel guests being of paramount concern.
Has the Walter E. Washington Convention Center taken steps to address safety for event- and convention-goers?
Out of an abundance of caution to its staff, their families and customers, Events DC, which owns and operates the convention center, will suspend operations and services until March 31. Events DC will continue to prioritize the health and safety of its staff, customers, partners and all related stakeholders. Events DC will resume full operations on April 1.
Source: https://washington.org/dc-information/coronavirus-travel-update-washington-dc
