COVID-19 Update: Face Coverings Policy Update

Beginning today, June 1, 2021, fully vaccinated employees, contractors, and other affiliated persons who are working outside and who can easily maintain distance from colleagues and others may remove their face coverings, unless otherwise required by local jurisdictions. Should you prefer to continue wearing a face covering outdoors, please do so.

All employees, contractors, affiliated persons, and public and official visitors to Smithsonian facilities are still required to wear face coverings and practice social distancing inside Smithsonian facilities. The Smithsonian’s face coverings policy also applies to leased spaces (ex. the Victor Building). Please note, Capital Gallery spaces are now owned by Smithsonian, and all Smithsonian policies apply in common areas and office spaces.

Fully vaccinated visitors are not required to wear face coverings in our outdoor spaces, notably when visiting the outdoor areas of the National Zoo, the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center’s outdoor trails, and when visiting any of Smithsonian’s outdoor gardens.

This guidance will continue to evolve, so please continue to monitor your email and the COVID-19 website for additional information. Thank you for your diligence in following our safety protocols and your continued attention to this topic.

Stay safe and be well,
COVID-19 Response Team

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