DMV Mask Mandates

The team at Cresa conducts research on the market conditions in the Washington D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia areas. One area we look at is the impact that COVID-19 has had in the DMV commercial office market.  We look at various government rules, regulations and mandates, and in this recent Cresa article, our team examines the current mask mandates in the DMV area.

If I or my team can answer any questions on current office market conditions, please contact me to start a conversation. You can reach me at 301-841-6542 or by visiting my website.

Cresa Research – DMV Mask Mandates

District of Columbia
June 11, 2021



Can employers require vaccines for workers?

U.S. employers can legally require employees physically entering a workplace to be vaccinated. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued updated guidance stating that federal laws don’t prevent an employer from requiring workers to be vaccinated.

There are some exceptions. Federal laws may require employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees who, because of a disability or a religious belief, aren’t vaccinated.

What is the office occupancy level, and do we need social distancing?

The occupancy level is back to normal and social distancing is not legally enforceable. The DC Government does encourage social distancing (below), though it is not a requirement.

Businesses are encouraged, but not required to, set up the workplace to promote workers and patrons (or related groups) to maintain at least 6 feet of distance from people not from their household while at the business.


Do we need to wear masks in the office/building?

Mask requirements are entirely dependent on the building and office. There are no legal requirements in DC for any offices or buildings to enforce mask-wearing.

Fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks in any setting, indoors or outdoors, except in the circumstances below.

• Homeless shelters
• Correctional facilities
• Schools (Pre-K – 12th and adult education) and childcare facilities
• Healthcare settings
• When required to per workplace or establishment policies • As required on public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States (airplane, train, bus, taxi, ride-share vehicle, or at a transportation hub such as an airport or train station) 

The DC Government states if one is unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or immunocompromised and not fully protected by the vaccine, that person is still recommended to take the precautions below.

• You should wear a cloth face covering or mask at any indoor or outdoor public setting, including but not limited to office buildings, gyms, apartment common areas, public transportation, or other establishments.
• A face shield is not an acceptable alternative for wearing a mask. Mask Mandates Maryland May 28, 2021

Resources https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Gatherings-24th-AMENDED-5.14.21.pdf

Can employers require vaccines for workers?

U.S. employers can legally require employees physically entering a workplace to be vaccinated. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued updated guidance stating that federal laws don’t prevent an employer from requiring workers to be vaccinated.

There are some exceptions. Federal laws may require employers to provide reasonable accommodations for employees who, because of a disability or a religious belief, aren’t vaccinated.

What is the office occupancy level, and do we need social distancing?

Maximum occupancy guidelines are lifted, meaning occupancy levels are back to 100%. Though the State of Maryland encourages social distancing, it is not a requirement.

Businesses are encouraged, but not required to, set up the workplace to promote workers and patrons (or related groups) to maintain at least 6 feet of distance from people not from their household while at the business.

Do mask mandates differ by county?

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued updated guidance stating that federal laws don’t prevent an employer from requiring workers to be vaccinated.

Do we need to wear masks in the office/building?

Mask requirements are entirely dependent on the building and office. The State of Maryland allows Businesses and workplaces can set their face-covering policies.

Fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks in any setting, indoors or outdoors, except in the circumstances below.

• Schools
• Healthcare settings
• Youth Camps
• Childcare Facilities
• County offices and facilities
• Public Transportation - Examples include, but are not limited to taxi services, ride-sharing services, car services, transit services (Metro, MTA bus service, MARC train service, etc.) 

The State of Maryland recommends following CDC guidelines for unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or immunocompromised individuals not fully protected by the vaccine. The CDC guidelines are highlighted below.

• You should wear a cloth face covering or mask at any indoor or outdoor public setting, including but not limited to office buildings, gyms, apartment common areas, public transportation, or other establishments.

Resources https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Gatherings-24th-AMENDED-5.14.21.pdf

End of Article

If you have significant questions about your current real estate strategy, it may be time for a discussion. Once we have started our conversation, we can create a strategy to look at your business operations and current space and then craft up a plan to find something that is a great fit in the area. With the current vacancies and inventory, we will work with you to get the best deal. We represent tenants ONLY, so you can feel comfortable that we are working for your business 100%. If we can help you by being your tenant broker in the DC, Maryland, or Northern Virginia area, visit my website or call me at 301-841-6542. Make sure to follow all my social efforts by clicking on the links below.

I specialize in providing comprehensive real estate services, 

exclusively representing corporate tenants on all commercial real estate needs.

Daniel Shapiro
Commercial Tenant Broker
2 Bethesda Metro Center, Suite 900
Bethesda, MD 20814

301-842-6542

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Location: Bethesda, MD, USA

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