In this Sept. 21, 2019, file photo, a photographer lines up her shot at the National Mall reflecting pool as the sun begins to rise behind the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol building in Washington. With COVID-19 numbers trending positive, officials in the nation's capital have announced a pandemic reopening timeline that would see all indoor capacity limits eliminated by early June, but with mask requirements still in place.

WASHINGTON — Washington, D.C., is emerging from its pandemic quarantine.

With COVID-19 numbers dropping, officials in the nation’s capital have announced a reopening timeline that would see all indoor capacity limits eliminated by early June, but with mask requirements still in place.

Mayor Muriel Bowser unveiled a two-stage plan on Monday, with capacity restrictions on most indoor activities lifting on May 21, with the exception of bars, nightclubs and entertainment venues. Those final categories would see their capacity limits removed by June 11.

The two dates represent a pair of major crossroads moments for Washington, both for the daily lives of its residents and for its hospitality-heavy economy, driven by tourism and conventions.

“We are quickly and enthusiastically approaching containment level of the virus in our jurisdiction,” said Health Department Director Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt. “But in the ensuing weeks, we continue to need to remain vigilant.”

Virus metrics show daily case rates are down to levels not seen since last summer. Nesbitt said contract tracing for new virus cases “would remain a 24/7 operation.”

Charity Struthers with Signature Tours brings a group of students into Lafayette Park, across the street from the White House, as it reopens in a limited capacity in Washington, Monday, May 10, 2021. Fencing remains in place around the park which will allow the Secret Service to temporarily close the park as they deem necessary. With COVID-19 numbers trending positive, officials in the nation’s capital have announced a pandemic reopening timeline that would see all indoor capacity limits eliminated by early June, but with mask requirements still in place. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)