Public Visitor Restrictions to US Capitol Extended to June 9

Visitors from the public won't be able to access the U.S. Capitol until June 9, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to plague Washington, D.C. 

The restrictions were scheduled to be lifted on Saturday until officials extended them following an announcement from Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) that D.C.'s stay-at-home order will last through at least June 8.

Paul Irving, the House sergeant at arms, and Michael Stenger, the Senate sergeant at arms, said the restrictions will stay in place until at least June 9 "or until an assessment of prevailing community pandemic health conditions allows for access restrictions to begin to be lifted."

Since March 12, the Capitol has been closed to everyone but lawmakers, staff, credentialed media members and official business visitors.

The public can, however, walk on the Capitol Plaza outside of the building.

Both members of the House and Senate have been asked to wear face masks during proceedings.

Last week, the Senate reconvened while the 430 members of the House have been voting in clusters by alphabetical order.

"These temporary limitations are extended given the ongoing COVID-19 concerns," they said in a joint statement.

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