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Coronavirus Update: Emergency Extension & ReOpen DC Metrics
Dear Neighbors,
Mayor Bowser has extended the District's the public health emergency and stay-at-home order through Monday, Jun 8th. While this will maintain the social distancing mandate and closure of non-essential businesses, the Mayor indicated at yesterday's press briefing that she has the ability to be flexible with the Order's requirements should the District see strong indicators of reduction in community spread. That is why it is so important for us to remain diligent with social distancing and mask wearing; the more we do now to help reduce the spread of coronavirus, the earlier we may begin to transition back to pre-coronavirus operations.
Among the four main metrics that the Department of Health will evaluate before approving the reopening of the District (listed below), a primary indicator will be 14 consecutive days of reduction in community spread. This is, in part, why the Contact Trace Force will be so valuable in assessing the District's preparedness to reopen. Excluding positive cases in congregate settings, we need to identify the extent of community spread based on the travel/exposure of positive cases before those residents displayed symptoms.
The four main reopening metrics include:
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COVID-19 Case Decline - This includes a 14-day sustained decrease in community spread with a transmission rate of fewer than 1.0 for three days
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Testing Capacity - The District will need the capacity to test all of the following groups: symptomatic individuals, at-risk health care workers, essential workers, and the close contacts of all new positive cases
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Health Care System Capacity - Without a medical surge, the District's health care system must be at less than 80% capacity over a seven-day period
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Public Health System Capacity - Contact tracing capacity needs to attempt to trace new cases within one day and to contact trace a patient's close contacts within two days
Until the above criteria are met, the District will need to strictly adhere to the Mayor's Order. The Council will also continue to do our part to support this mission through emergency legislation and policy recommendations. In the Transportation Committee, for example, I'm interested in seeing how we may be able to expedite the process of reclaiming roadway space for pedestrian and cyclist use during the remainder of the emergency. And, in the immediate aftermath of coronavirus, I would like to work closely with our Main Streets to identify ways to further support our business corridors (such as expanding outdoor restaurant seating areas for added distancing space).
Recovery will take many forms and, unfortunately, it will not be immediate. That is why I would like to thank you for sticking with us and for adhering to the restrictions in the Mayor's Order.
Regards,
Mary
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Please see coronavirus.dc.gov for the latest District updates & resources on COVID-19
Today's Coronavirus Data: 6,736 positive cases, 966 recovered, & 358 lives lost
To receive these updates directly, please sign up through marycheh.com or by emailing [email protected]
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New Mask Requirement on Metro Trains, Buses, & Stations
WMATA Announcement - Effective Monday, May 18th, face coverings will be required on Metro trains, buses, and in stations. For more on Metro's new rider requirements, please see Metro's press release available: Here.
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PPE Should Not Be Littered or Discarded in Public Bins
Reminder - Littering is never acceptable, but littering personal protective equipment (PPE) is especially dangerous for the public and our Department of Public Works sanitation team.
PPE should also not be discarded in open public trash cans, especially as we've experienced a number of very windy days. Used PPE should always be discarded in secured, closed, or tied trash bags. None of it is recyclable or flushable.
For example, the photos below were taken in Glover Park on Monday.
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The SNAP Online Purchasing Program has Launched
Buy Groceries Online - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in the District may now use their benefits to buy groceries online through Amazon.com. Previously unavailable/unapproved by the USDA, this type grocery delivery is a new innovation and a critical food access measure amid the coronavirus public emergency. This modification enables SNAP recipients to access grocery deliveries just as any other customer.
To purchase groceries online for delivery through Amazon, please follow the following link: Amazon SNAP.
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Legislative Highlight: 15% Cap on Delivery App Commissions |
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From the Washington City Paper -
The Commission Fee Cap on Food Delivery Companies Took Effect. Now What? Here's what to do if you suspect a violation.
"We’re going to need the customer to be the police here, to say what they’re seeing on their bill, and we need the restaurants to be very vigilant because I suspect that these big companies have lawyers looking into how they can [get] around [the cap]," says Ward 3 Councilmember Mary M. Cheh..."That’s not the spirit that we have for this. We want to put a cap on it so that the margins for restaurants, which are already so thin, are not further eroded."
Read the Full Story
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Emergency Funding for Water Bills during COVID-19
Apply for Water Bill Relief- Funds are now available to provide emergency relief to residents struggling with unpaid DC Water bills during the coronavirus public health emergency and 105 days thereafter. Funds will be applied to help pay all or part of an outstanding water bill balance and for ongoing monthly CRIAC discounts. The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) will review and approve assistance requests and DC Water will apply those credits to customer’s water bills.
To apply, please submit copies or pictures of the following to DOEE:
- Recent DC Water bill
- Recent proof of income (pay stub, Social Security statement, etc.) or proof of termination or unemployment
- Government-issued, photo identification (license, passport, etc.)
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Complete and signed CRIAC Residential Relief Application available at https://doee.dc.gov/service/criac
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Join the DC Contact Trace Force
COVID Response - District Government is now hiring and accepting applications for volunteers for the DC Contact Trace Force to assist with the District's coronavirus response and reopening preparations. Positions include investigators, lead investigators, and program managers.
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Ending this Update on a Happy Note:
Local Business Stepping Up for the Community
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Corewood Care, a home care provider in the DMV area with close ties to Ward 3, has donated over 50 gallons of hand sanitizer to District organizations in need (such as IONA, Seabury, and a local group home for adults with intellectual disabilities).
Pictured right is Corewood Care staff member Cady preparing a 5 gallon delivery for Friendship Place.
A very special 'thank you' to Mary O'Donoghue, Kyle Kane, and Cady Ugolini for your incredible generosity!
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Our Office is Open!
Connect with our staff - While Councilmember Cheh's physical office is closed during the public health emergency, she and her staff are teleworking and will remain accessible for residents.
You may continue to email the office directly or reach us via phone through our main line at (202) 724-8062 with legislative ideas, budget requests, and constituent services requests.
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