WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser has issued an executive order making face masks mandatory outside the home. It's an unprecedented step in the nation’s capital as cases are rising. Bowser says the order will include “enforcement language” detailing possible fines for violations. However, the order does not apply to “any employees of the federal government while they are on duty.” President Donald Trump said he would decide “in the next 24 hours” whether to comply with the rule on federal property. After saying they had successfully blunted the infection curve earlier this summer, health officials say the infection numbers are creeping up.

ASSOCIATED PRESS
District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser takes off her face mask to protect against the spread of the coronavirus outbreak, as she arrives at a news conference on the coronavirus and the District's response, Monday, July 20, 2020 in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)



Posted at 1:51 PM, Jul 22, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-22 18:22:05-04
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