CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) ONGOING MOST RECENT UPDATES FOR DC

DC Government: Through Monday, April 27, the DC Government will operate under an agency-specific telework schedule, in order to continue to deliver essential services and to keep critical systems and services operating. Some government operations will be performed fully remotely, while other services will continue to be performed at public buildings, but under modified operations.  This is a full listing of agencies and related status during this period of  modified DC Government Operations. The DC government plans to resume normal operations on Monday, April 27. Specific updates are as follows:

                    EDUCATION

• DC Public Schools (DCPS) school buildings will remain closed and distance learning will take place until at least through Friday, April 24. Classes are currently scheduled to resume on Monday, April 27. There will be no longer be a Spring Break period in April. DCPS prepared printed packets of materials for every grade level from Pre-K through 8th grade and each graduation requirement course for 9-12th grade. Some students may have already received these materials from their teachers prior to closing for Spring Break. More information will be shared by school principals and teachers. Distance learning materials are also be available online. 
• Charter schools (see their updated list of closures) are advised to conform with DCPS directives and reopen on April 27. Teacher professional development, remote learning preparation, spring break determinations and other activities may vary.
• Meals to students will be provided on weekdays through Friday, April 24, mostly from 10am – 2pm. See meal locations for students (Wilson H.S. is the location for all of Ward 3).

                    TRANSPORTATION

• DDOT has suspended all rush hour parking restrictions but tickets are still being written for safety violations including blocking fire hydrants. Rush hour reversible lanes operations on Conn. Ave.and 16th St. NW are suspended until further notice. Residential street sweeping, booting and towing is suspended during this crisis.
• DMV: Effective Wednesday, March 25, all DC DMV in-person Service Centers will be unavailable to the public. In-person services at Adjudication Services are set to resume on Monday, April 27. All other in-person services at DC DMV locations (e.g., Inspection Station and Service Centers) are set to resume on Tuesday, April 28. DC DMV online services remain available, and customers are encouraged to use online options. DC DMV has extended the expiration date for all documents expiring March 1 through April 28, including driver licenses, identification cards, vehicle registrations, inspections, ticket payments and ticket adjudication responses, until May 15. All driver licenses, vehicle registrations, and vehicle inspections scheduled to expire will be granted a waiver without penalty until DC DMV reopens at full operating capacity. All tickets will stay in their current status until May 15 and no additional penalties will be accessed during this period. Until then the public is encouraged to request adjudication and pay tickets online. Additionally, all driver license suspensions and revocations are paused until DC DMV returns to full operating capacity.  Also, the October 1 deadline for when Americans will be required to have the new Real ID credential to board domestic flights has been pushed back a full year until October 1, 2021.
• Metro (Updated March 29) will be running fewer trains and buses in the coming workweek, as ridership continues to plummet. Metrorail: From Monday through Friday, trains will run 5am to 11pm, every 15 minutes on the Red Line and every 20 minutes on the others.; Stations serviced by multiple lines will see trains arrive every 7-10 minutes. On Thursday, March 26, Metro closed an 17 additional stations following the closures of Smithsonian and Arlington Cemetery stations last week. The 19 stations will remain closed until further notice and trains will pass through without stopping. The following stations within walking distance or close to an adjacent station will be closed: Federal Center SW - use L’Enfant Plaza or Capitol South; Federal Triangle – use Metro Center; Mt Vernon Sq, Judiciary Sq, Archives – use Gallery Place-Chinatown; Greensboro – use Spring Hill or Tysons Corner; Eisenhower Ave – use King St-Old Town; Virginia Square – use Clarendon or Ballston; Cleveland Park – use Woodley Park or Van Ness  -  With Metrorail ridership down 90 percent, the following stations will also be closed due to extremely low-ridership: Grosvenor-Strathmore; Cheverly; Clarendon; East Falls Church; College Park; McLean; Morgan Boulevard; Van Dorn St  -  Metrobus: Buses will run on a modified Sunday schedule all week; Supplemental trips will not operate, however, some routes that provide weekday-only service to essential federal workplaces have been added to the schedule; Visit WMATA  for a list of routes that are – and are not – operating. Buses are running free of charge, and riders can only get on and off through the back door. unless they require use of a wheelchair ramp, which remains available at the front door. For the weekend of March 28-29 metro will only provide service between 8am and 11pm. Customers should expect wait times of up to 30 minutes between trains. For metrobus there will only be a core network of 26 “lifeline” bus routes and they will operate only on a limited schedule. Customers should expect wait times of up to 30 minutes between buses. There will be ZERO service March 28-29 for the L1, L2, E4, E6 and M4 bus routes.  See the Metro website for full info.
• DC Circulator is suspending fares on all routes. Passengers may board the bus from all doors to support physical distancing practices. Additionally, all service on its National Mall route is suspended. On March 27th the DC Circulator suspended late night weekend service on the Georgetown-Union Station, Rosslyn-Dupont Circle and Woodley Park-McPherson Square routes. The modified schedule for these routes is as follows:  Monday-Friday 6am – midnight, and Saturday and Sunday 7am–midnight. 

                    BUSINESSES

• Restaurants and  Bars:  All restaurants and bars in DC are closed for on-site service. This is in effect through Saturday April 25. Delivery and grab-and-go take-out service is still permitted (see adjacent column regarding Chevy Chase establishments).
• Other Business Establishments: The temporary closure of on-site operations of all non-essential business operations has been ordered by Mayor Bowser. This includes tour guides and touring services; gyms, health clubs, spas, and massage establishments; theaters, auditoriums, other places of large gatherings; nightclubs; hair, nail, and tanning salons and barbershops; tattoo parlors; sales not involved in essential business services; retail clothing; and professional services not devoted to assisting essential operations. This is in effect through April 24. 

                    KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

• Department of Employment Services is where to go to start the unemployment compensation process. This should be done online through the Unemployment Insurance Service Center. The UI system is being updated to reflect the recently passed DC legislation that waives work search requirements due to COVID-19. Claimants should disregard any messages received that their claim will be delayed or denied for this reason.
• Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is closely monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) public health situation. To ensure that District residents know their rights, that office has published some important tips for consumers about scams, frauds, and price gouging; tips for workers about paid sick leave; and free health resources about Coronavirus.
• Landlord/Tenant: Landlords may not evict residential or commercial tenants or charge late fees for any month.
• Prescription Drugs: Pharmacists are allowed to refill prescription drugs before the end of the waiting period between refills.
• Price gouging and stockpiling during this public health emergency is expressly prohibited.
• Tax Filing due dates for both DC and Federal Income taxes has been pushed back to July 15.
• Utilities  Are prohibited to disconnect gas, electric, and water utilities during this public health emergency and for 15 days afterward.  Washington Gas and Pepco are suspending disconnections and waiving late fees on customer bills. These actions are automatic and do not need to be requested.  Much more information is available through the Public Service Commission website.

                   POLICE AND COURTS

• DC Court System will limit its operations by having no new jury trials in criminal cases until further notice. Individuals summoned for jury service or summoned or previously selected for grand jury service are not required to report to court or to the U.S. Attorney’s Office until further notice. 
• Metro DC Police: MPD is now taking reports on crimes that do not require immediate response over the phone.  During service calls and interactions, officers will ask to speak outdoors with complainants when possible. These crimes include incidents such as credit card fraud, property damage, identity theft, shoplifting, stolen cars and lost property. Regularly scheduled community crime meetings will be via conference call. 

                    SENIOR SERVICES

• Department of Aging and Community Living will operate modified schedules and programs. Activities at Senior Wellness Centers and Community Dining Sites are suspended.  All seniors meal sites will be converted to home delivery for current participants. The phone number that seniors in this program can call for this delivery service is 202-724-5626.

                    OTHER DC AGENCIES

• Board of Elections is asking people to avoid voting in-person on DC Primary Day, June 2 and on June 16 for the Ward 2 special election. BOE is trying to minimize crowding at voting precincts and they encourage voters to vote using an absentee ballot. Absentee ballots do not require a reason or explanation for their use and may be requested online. Absentee ballots will be distributed on May 1st.
• DC Public Library branches will be closed until Monday, April 27.  Visit http://dclibrary.org/godigital for eBooks, audio books, streaming movies, music and learning resources. Story times will be live on DCPL Facebook. The due date for all physical materials has been extended to April 27. DO NOT return any library materials until then. All book drops are locked during this closure and staff will not be able to empty them.
• Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) Permit, Business License, Residential Center and Home Owner Centers will be closed until April 27. There are online options available in the interim for permit applications and plan reviews. Business, professional and vending licenses set to expire during D.C.’s state of emergency will be given a 45-day extension after the emergency ends. Applications or renewals of business licenses, registrations of corporations, or the creation of an LLC can all be completed online. 2020 biennial reports and trade name renewals filed between April 2 and June 1 will not be charged a late fee. DCRA inspectors will continue to perform construction and home site inspections. Abatement services will be limited. They will also continue investigating consumer protection complaints.
• Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) facilities including all Recreation Centers, Community Centers, Aquatic Centers, and Playgrounds, as well as Gated Parks and Athletic Fields will be closed until April 27.  Dog parks, skate parks, trails and open green spaces remain available for use by residents during normal hours.
• Department on Behavioral Health (DBH) has 24-hour telephone access to a mental health clinician at (202) 673-9319 and a 24-hour suicide prevention lifeline at 1(888) 793-4357.

BUSINESS INFO FOR CHEVY CHASE DC

Restaurant Take-out Delivery Service

Many people have asked about take-out/delivery service from restaurants during these extraordinary times. Here is the list of those located in Chevy Chase DC with current (as of March 27) details. Please continue to support your local establishments.  See delivery precautions.

The Avenue and Capital Crab & Seafood, 5540 Conn. Ave NW, 202-244-4567 

http://www.theavenuedc.com

Menu (combined) - https://www.facebook.com/theavenuedc/photos/a.209762589448489/864189804005761/?type=3&theater

Open daily from 11:30am-8:30pm. Curbside-to-go carry-out. Park in rear parking lot and have food delivered to your car. Or non-contact delivery available (within 1 mile) for all orders. Includes delivery of beer and wine (in sealed containers) when sold with food. 

Blue 44 - 5507 Connecticut Ave NW, 202-362-2583

http://www.blue44dc.com/

Menu -  http://www.blue44dc.com/menu/curbside-delivery/ 

Open daily from 4-8pm for non-contact, curbside pick-up or delivery within a 1 mile radius. Includes delivery of beer and wine (in sealed containers), when sold with food. Transactions and gratuities to be issued over the phone.

Little Beast - 5600 Connecticut Ave NW, 202-741-4599

https://www.littlebeastdc.com/

Menu - https://www.littlebeastdc.com/menu

Open Monday-Friday from 11am-9pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9am-9pm for curbside or delivery service. Food delivered directly to cars that stop for a few seconds on McKinley St. All major delivery services - Caviar, Grubhub, Yelp plus from 4:30-8:30pm daily, guests will be able to call LB directly and place a "contact-free" delivery order.  An LB employee will deliver your order and leave it outside your door (or designated spot). Includes delivery of beer and wine (in sealed containers) when sold  with food.

Macon Bistro - 5520 Connecticut Ave NW, 202-248-7807, Text: 240-205-3279

http://maconbistro.com/

Menu -  http://maconbistro.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/TakeOut-Menu_17March2020.pdf 

Open daily from 4-8pm. Carry-out and delivery through Uber-eats only. No waiting inside the restaurant and avoid grouping outside the premises. Includes delivery of beer and wine (in sealed containers) when sold with food. 

Parthenon - 5510 Connecticut Ave NW, 202-966-7600

http://parthenon-restaurant.com/

Menu - http://parthenon-restaurant.com/menu.php

Open daily from 11am-8:30pm. Take-out and delivery available. Includes delivery of beer and wine (in sealed containers), when sold together with food. 

Bread & Chocolate - 5542 Connecticut Ave NW, 202-966-7413 

http://breadandchocolate.net/retail_locations 

Open for carry-out or curbside service only.

Jetties - 5632 Connecticut Ave NW, 202-364-2465

http://jettiesdc.com/

Menu - https://jettiesdc.com/menu/

Open Monday-Friday 11am-8pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am-9pm. Pick-up from storefront and delivery through Doordash.

Starbucks - 5500 Connecticut Ave. NW,  202-244-9705

From 7am - 2:30pm daily place your order via the Starbucks mobile app, https://www.starbucks.com/coffeehouse/mobile-apps, and pick it up at their walk-up window.  The only such window at a Starbucks in DC.

Subway - 5616 Connecticut Ave. NW,  202-966-0402

https://order.subway.com/ 

Orders for pick-up, delivery (Uber Eats, Grubhub, Postmates, Doordash) only.

To support the above establishments by purchasing gift cards/certificates please call them directly.

Modifications To Normal Business Operations (as of March 27)

Chevy Chase Farmers' Market - Located at Lafayette Elementary School (catty-corner from Broad Branch Market) plans to continue operations by being open Saturday's from 9am-1pm. Updates will be posted on their Instagram feed.

Broad Branch Market - New hours (8am - 7pm), limited to 10 shoppers at a time, and curbside and delivery service available.

Child's Play - No indoor shopping, but delivery is available for orders over $20 to the following zip codes. In DC - 20001, 20007, 20008, 20009, 20010, 20011, 20012, 20015, 20016. In MD - 20815, 20816, 20851, 20852, 20895, 20901, 20902, 20911, 20912. 

Magruder's - Open as usual plus Curbside & Parking Lot pickup available.

Monarch Paint & Design - Curbside service only.

Periwinkle - Fulfilling special orders but not letting customers into the store and will accept orders which can be passed to customers for pick-up.

Safeway - At a minimum, every Tuesday and Thursday will be reserved from 7- 9am for at-risk customers to shop. Safeway is defining at-risk as “pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems (who have been advised to avoid leaving home as much as possible)” and senior citizens. 

Connecticut Avenue Chevy Chase Business Corridor Brick and Mortar Closings (as of March 27)

Some businesses may be providing alternatives to their usual business model and many have modified operating hours so call them (see directory) for updates.  These establishments are closed: Avalon Theatre & Cafe, Balanced Fitness Studios, Catch Can, Chevy Chase Arcade Barbershop, Chevy Chase Personal Training, Circle Yoga, Core 72, Harmonic Studios, Long and Foster Realtors, Opening Heart Mindfulness, Park Story,  Relaxed Nails & Spa, Salon Familia, State Farm Insurance, 5606 Nail Spa and The Fishery Seafood Market.

HEALTH SPECIFIC ITEMS

DC Looking for Volunteers for DC Medical Reserve Corps (DC MRC)

DC MRC is open to medical and non-medical volunteers 18 years of age and older. Volunteers receive free training and then are asked to be available on an as-needed basis. You could be asked to volunteer on weekends, late at night, or first thing in the morning. DC volunteers may be deployed to events on the National Mall, to a District recreation center or shelter, or to a public health site. Volunteers are needed to: Provide medical screening and support in mass care settings; Assist with patient tracking at planned events; Support medical countermeasures (MCM) distribution and dispensing activities; and, Provide assistance with planned and unplanned public health activities. For more info and to register please visit their website.

Hospital Capacity in DC

Hospitals in the District of Columbia are operating at roughly 68% capacity, which is actually lower than average. DC Health is working to increase capacity in a number of ways. 

1. By cancelling elective surgery and discharging non-acute patients, room is being freed up for those who need it the most.
2. Using regulatory waivers, space in hospitals is expanding by utilizing previously unlicensed locations.
3. DC Health is exploring the use of existing facilities such as nursing homes and unused hotels that can quickly be converted into medical facilities in the event of a patient surge.
4. The Bowser Administration has been working with our federal partners to secure additional resources.

As of March 25 the following is the available hospital ventilator status for DC.

Total Ventilators: 405

In-Use Ventilators: 147

Available Ventilators: 258

Children's National Hospital & Kaiser Permanente Providing Drive-up /Walk-up COVID-19 Test Collection

Children’s National Hospital is providing drive-up/walk up COVID-19 testing, at a site donated by Trinity Washington University, only for pediatric patients who are up to 22 years old and who have a physician’s referral. If you think your child needs to be tested, please ask your child’s physician for a referral. Share these instructions, with your child's physician so they can make a referral. The other drive-thru/walk-up option is through Kaiser Permanente (for members only) near their Capitol Hill Medical Center. Test results are typically received in 3-7 days. Individual doctors can also decide that a COVID-19 test is warranted. If that is the case the doctor has the ability to swab the appropriate areas and send the swabs to a private lab for testing or to work with DC Health to send it to the District’s Public Health Lab. More information is available at DC Health.

COVID-19 Test Results for Washington DC (Updated March 29)

The reported number of tests (through March 29 at 7:45pm) that have been taken in Washington DC since they began on March 13 are 3085. The reported number of positive results received are 401. That converts to a 13.0% rate of positive test results received for the presence of the COVID-19 virus of those who have taken the test. Over the past 7 days, on a daily basis, the number of reported positive results received (from those taking on an earlier date) and the number of people taking the test (on that given day) have been: 

                  Positive      Tests

                  Received    Given 

March 23     21               82 

March 24     46             228 

March 25     48             203 

March 26     36             271  

March 27     37             350

March 28     38             296

March 29     59             273

More info can be found at: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/page/coronavirus-data 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources and Toolkits

DC - A toolkit has been put together by the DC government that is constantly being updated for Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - They have many resources available for the population in general, for different population groups and for healthcare professionals. This includes a full symptoms page.

World Health Organization (WHO) - Many resources available including extensive Q&A section, guidance, mythbusters, and a worldwide dashboard.

Johns Hopkins University -  Many resources available including basics, protection techniques, and an interactive worldwide map.

Allergy, Cold, Flu, or Coronavirus? - A handy chart that describes the general differences between these 4 conditions.