All members of Congress can attend Biden's State of the Union, with COVID-19 restrictions

Washington — All members of Congress have been invited to attend President Biden's State of the Union address on March 1, with some pandemic-related restrictions and requirements, according to a new memo from the House sergeant at arms. 

Members won't be allowed to bring guests, as is typically tradition. Mandatory admission requirements include a negative daily health screening, a negative PCR test within one day of the speech and an FDA-authorized KN95 or N95 mask that covers the nose and mouth and must be worn at all times. Vaccines and booster shots are strongly encouraged, but not mandatory. Seating will be spaced out according to social distancing guidelines, as well.

The decision to extend the invitation to all members of Congress was made in consultation with the Office of Attending Physician, the House's top medical official, the memo said. Invitations to the president's joint address to Congress in April 2021 were limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic.