WASHINGTON:  Even though the interior masking regulation for most public areas in Washington, D.C. has been abolished, the White House will maintain its mask mandate.

Kevin Munoz, White House assistant press secretary, said, "The White House follows the recommendations of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which suggests masking in regions of high or considerable transmission."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the nation's capital continues to have "substantial" community transmission, with roughly 90 new cases per 100,000 residents now.

Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington, D.C., announced her decision to repeal the rule last week, but emphasised the need of wearing masks. According to city officials, the focus has switched from a blanket mandate to adopting risk-based guidelines from DC Health that takes into account current health metrics and a person's immunisation status.

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