The White House has announced that its free public tours will return to a full operating schedule next month.
Public tours had previously resumed on a limited basis on 15 April,
available only from 8am to 12.30pm on Friday and Saturday. From 19 July,
visitors will have more options on when to book a tour as it returns to
its normal schedule that spans Tuesday to Saturday, with the exception
of federal holidays.
As with its operational practices prior to the pandemic, tours are
free to the public on a first come, first served basis. Tour requests
are to be submitted a minimum of 21 days in advance, and not exceeding
90 days in advance. When a tour request is confirmed for a certain date,
the White House will issue the group a specific time.
The White House said that it will “continue to closely monitor the
Covid-19 situation with guidance based on recommendations from the CDC,
and other public health officials and medical experts, and reserves the
right to adjust availability of the public tours as necessary to adhere
to the latest health guidance."
It added that anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 or is a close
Covid-19 contact at least 10 days before the tour to avoid visiting the
White House. Face masks will be made available for visitors when
entering the White House for those who choose to wear them.