April 18, 2020

Dear neighbor,

My top priority is to ensure all District residents have the information and resources you need to protect yourselves and loved ones from the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. Although we are living through a public health emergency, together, we will overcome this. 

Below, I've listed support for District residents.

This week Mayor Bowser signed a new Mayor’s Order that puts in place several steps to protect vulnerable residents from the coronavirus. This order extends the public health emergency to May 15th and expands the list of individuals who are required to wear a mask or mouth covering during this pandemic.  

In case you missed it, starting last Saturday, the National Park Service (NPS) and the United States Park Police (USPP) will close Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park and roads in Anacostia Park and Fort Dupont Park to vehicle traffic so that residents can access these roads for essential exercise with more space to maintain social distancing.

Because of an emergency bill the DC Council passed on March 17th, the Mayor was able to grant 75 days of additional good-time credits to eligible residents in the DC Jail. Good-time credit is earned for the good behavior that an incarcerated resident shows while serving their time and reduces their time in incarceration. In the coming weeks, we expect the release of more of incarcerated residents to address the alarming spread of coronavirus within the DC Jail. 

The District's Department of Health is offering free testing for DC residents who are experiencing coronavirus symptoms. You must call ahead to make an appointment. If you are experiencing symptoms such as a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, have an order from a doctor , and would like to be tested, please call one of the hotlines listed below Monday-Friday between 8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.

There is also a help hotline if you do not have a doctor, in English, call 1-855-363-0333, or one with help in English or Spanish, call 1-844-796-2797.

Distance Learning will continue for the remainder of the school year. DCPS has committed to sharing information about the summer and the start of the next school year by May 15th.

The Department of Employment Services (DOES) is working through claims and decreasing processing time. It usually takes 21 days to process claims, but DOES is hoping to decrease the processing time to 14 days and will keep the community updated.

To apply for unemployment benefits, please visit   https://does.dc.gov/page/ui-benefits-claimants . 

To apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, click here: https://dcbenefits.dhs.dc.gov.

If you are currently uninsured or you recently lost your employer health care coverage, you can enroll in private coverage or Medicaid right now through the DC Health Link at  DCHealthLink.com .

The Crime Victims Compensation Program is still helping innocent victims of violent crime and their families with crime-related expenses. This program provides financial assistance and reimbursement including, but not limited to, funeral and burial costs, medical and mental health expenses, lost wages, loss of support, crime scene clean up, and temporary emergency shelter and relocation.

Crime Victims Compensation staff conduct interviews to determine needs, process claims, and provide referrals to other victim service agencies in the District. To learn more, visit  https://www.dccourts.gov/services/crime-victims-compensation-matters.

In partnership with Martha’s Table and DC Central Kitchen, Mayor Bowser launched 10 grocery distribution sites at District schools to help families access meals and other resources during the coronavirus public health emergency.

The sites are available to residents and are open Monday – Friday, 12:30 P.M. – 2:00 P.M. Residents can pick up pre-packed grocery bags, which include fresh produce and dry goods. Groceries are being distributed on a first come, first served basis.

DC residents who need to request that food and other essential items be delivered to their homes, and have been directed by a medical provider to self-quarantine, or who have no other means to acquire these items can visit the online web portal at https://coronavirus.dc.gov/gethelp . Eligible residents can also call 1-888-349-8323.

Below is a list of the distribution sites:

The Department of Aging and Community Living hotline is available to any senior in need of information or assistance. Please call 202-724-5626 and the call center will conduct a quick assessment and connect you to the appropriate service.

 

Below is a list of stores with dedicated shopping hours for vulnerable populations. 

WMATA is asking all customers to follow Center for Disease Control guidance and wear cloth face coverings while riding buses, trains, and MetroAccess vehicles, as well as in rail stations, bus terminals and other transit facilities.

 

While the use of cloth face coverings is strongly encouraged on Metro, you will not be denied transportation if you refuse to wear one. The same guidance applies to WMATA employees, who are encouraged, but not required, to wear face coverings. Face coverings are not provided by Metro, so please plan ahead. Keep in mind that many essential businesses, such as grocery stores, already require the use of face coverings in order to enter their business.

To learn more, visit https://www.wmata.com/service/status/details/covid-face-covering.cfm.

DC Health Matters joined the DC Behavioral Health Association, Children's National [I think there’s more to their name], and the Early Childhood Innovation Network to develop an informational flyer for DC residents.

 

Below, you will find the flier, which includes essential phone numbers and guidance for accessing services during the public health crisis. Some of these services provide telehealth if you are feeling distressed and need someone to talk to, or if a child or adolescent needs help because they are feeling suicidal.

I'm joining members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Xi Zeta Omega Chapter and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Omicron Lambda Alpha Chapter as they present Phirst Pham: Story Time.

 

We will read bedtime stories to PreK3-Grade 3 scholars during the coronavirus public health emergency and offer parents a break every Wednesday at 7 P.M. from April 22nd until June 10th! Register in advance for this event.

The American Heart Association has a new program called, "Move More", which provides resources to help everyone stay active and move more while we stay home.

The link below includes live and recorded home workouts, infographics, posters and flyers to guide home physical activity, and other materials to give kids, parents, seniors, and everyone else tips on how to move more, to stay active, and stay healthy.

https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/move-more-month

I look forward to continuing to receive your feedback which helps me and my team better serve you.

Warm regards,

Robert

PERSONAL OFFICE STAFF







COMMITTEE OFFICE STAFF