Despite being deemed an essential food market, the D.C. Wharf's fish market has been shut down temporarily until at least April 24.

As we move into the second month of social distancing and home isolation, all non-essential businesses have been shut down for the foreseeable future. Grocery stores and retailers selling essentials like food and cleaning supplies could remain open ... within reason.

This weekend, crowds descended on the D.C. Wharf to browse and buy at the famous open-air fish market. If you've never been there, it's much more than just a place to buy some seafood. They have prepared foods like fried fish sandwiches, freshly shucked oysters, and steamed goodies that you can eat on the spot. 

Local reporters covered the story on Twitter, as it happened.

When observers voiced their outrage on social media, D.C. law enforcement put up temporary closure notices throughout the fishmongers' stalls. On Sunday, they could be seen taping off the area.

Many of the market's workers learned of the closure after they tried to go to work on Sunday morning.

The Wharf updated their website with the following information:

The vendors at the Municipal Fish Market have been temporarily closed by the District of Columbia.  However, many other businesses in The Wharf neighborhood remain open to provide essential services—including delivery and carryout food service. The Officina grocery market remains open.

This temporary shuttering of the fish market shows that no business has free reign during this time of social distancing. 

What do you think about the closure of the fish market? Was it just a matter of time? Sound off in the comments!