With nearly 20,000 National Guard troops expected to be deployed to protect Washington D.C. during the upcoming inauguration, the scene in DC looks somber.
The nation’s capital has entered a lockdown with security gates barricading national landmarks and armed guards making their presence known.
If one thing is certain, it’s that DC officials want you to stay far away from the city in the upcoming days – and they’ve implemented drastic measures to do so.
To start, Airbnb and HotelTonight are cracking down by not only refusing to take reservations in the DC area during inauguration week, but are canceling all previously scheduled reservations too.
Yes, even if you booked your accommodations months ago.
Airbnb reports:
“Today, in response to various local, state and federal officials asking people not to travel to Washington, D.C., we are announcing that Airbnb will cancel reservations in the Washington, D.C. metro area during the Inauguration week. Additionally, we will prevent any new reservations in the Washington, D.C. area from being booked during that time by blocking such reservations.
Guests whose reservations are canceled will be refunded in full. We also will reimburse hosts, at Airbnb’s expense, the money they would have earned from these cancelled reservations.”
But what if you’re already in DC or live there?
Well, don’t even think about going anywhere near the Capitol or White House.
Sure, there will be the expected road closures – but even the metro is making sure you stay out of the city.
The DC metro has taken a bold move and has actually shut down 13 metro stations and rerouted 26 bus lines to go around the new security perimeter, including shutting down several of the busiest stations that take you straight into the heart of DC.
The Washington Post reported:
“We are working closely with our regional and federal partners to keep the public safe during this National Special Security Event and to discourage travel within the secure zone,” Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld said.”
Airlines are jumping onboard and taking extra precautions too.
Airlines have temporarily banned all checked firearms through January 23rd at all airports in the Washington, D.C. area.
More blockades and restrictions are sure to be implemented in the upcoming days.
So if you were thinking of heading to DC for Inauguration Day – don’t.
Truly, there’s no point.
DC is full of rich history, and there are many beautiful places to explore and visit, but with 20,000 National Guard troops and security perimeters limiting your every move, you won’t be experiencing the best DC has to offer.
Besides, getting around DC is already horrific enough! Now with barricades and closed metro routes, next week is bound to be an absolute nightmare.
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