Coronavirus Update: A Note on the Days Inn

Dear Neighbors,

Yesterday, as I was walking along Connecticut Ave, I was stopped by a reporter seeking comment on a neighborhood hotel being used as a site for homeless residents who are self-quarantining due to coronavirus. This was, unbelievably, the first I had been told of the Days Inn being used for this purpose. Needless to say, being informed through a chance encounter with the press is certainly not the way that I expect to be updated of such a significant community development—I expect greater transparency for residents and for myself as the Ward 3 Councilmember.

While I still have many outstanding safety and operational questions about the site, here is what has been detailed to me so far:

The District is using five hotel sites to enable homeless residents to self-quarantine due to coronavirus. Four residents experiencing homelessness in the District have died from coronavirus so far, so this intervention is desperately needed. Patients that are located to a hotel may have already tested positive, be awaiting test results, or even be self-quarantining in accordance with exposure protocols. Where many of our shelters operate with multiple residents to a room, the private room structure of hotels allows residents to self-isolate more safely. Importantly, these locations are not operating as medical facilities and patients will be transported to medical care as needed. We may also see patients come and go from these sites to seek care for other medical needs that persist in addition to a positive coronavirus diagnosis. So, there will likely be an increased ambulance presence along the corridor.

Once it was reported that personal protective equipment (PPE), bed linens, and waste were improperly disposed of in the alley behind the hotel, the Department of Public Works (DPW) immediately responded to properly clear the area. The Director of the agency was also on the scene to provide guidance and supervision of the disposal. Moving forward, the site must be strictly managed to not increase the risks we face and to ensure that this location is safe, sanitary, and does not pose a threat to public health. I'm following up with the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Department of Health (DC Health) for answers to additional safety-related questions. These include additional safety protocols for patients and the public, whether patients continue to receive DHS services and health counseling, who is operating the site, the types of PPE provided to personnel and patients, etc.

The manner in which the self-quarantine site became public knowledge has undoubtedly eroded public trust. And perhaps proper communication at the outset could have prevented much of the fear and alarm felt by many. But, there is one thing that I would like to emphasize for residents: we are long into the period of community spread in the District, so all public spaces and businesses that remain open are likely to already be exposed to coronavirus. It is by staying home when possible, proper social distancing, mask and glove wearing, and hand washing that we are able to help keep ourselves, our families, and others safe.

And so, as we continue to fight coronavirus together, please join me in extending our best wishes, prayers, and compassion to those who are fighting this disease.

Regards,

Mary