As of 05/05/21
News
DMV Area News
As of Friday November 5, 2021
On November 2nd, federal public health officials cleared children 5-11 to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. According to the White House, enough vaccines have been obtained to protect the 28 million eligible children across the nation. A list of walk-up clinics for children 5 to 11 is available at coronavirus.dc.gov.
Learn more about the vaccine approval for children 5+ years and older here at https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/11/05/kids-5-11-covid-vaccine-faq/.
| 11/05/21 | This Week’s Positive Test Rate | % of residents Vaccinated | Health System Capacity (% of normal operating limits, 7-day average) | Total deaths (all-pandemic) |
| DC | 2.0% (record high was 30.01% April 2020) | 74.9% received at least 1 vaccine dose; 62.4% fully vaccinated | 78.8% of hospital beds full (all patients); 2.3% of hospital beds full (COVID-19 patients only) | 1,193 |
| MD | 2.92% (record high was 100% March 2020) | 67.40% received at least 1 vaccine dose; 61.551%% fully vaccinated | % of hospital beds full (all patients);% of hospital beds full (COVID-19 patients only) | 10,725 |
| VA | 5.6% (record high was 18.45% Jan 2021) | 70.4% received at least 1 vaccine dose; 63.1% fully vaccinated | % of hospital beds full (all patients);% of hospital beds full (COVID-19 patients only) | 14,125 |
Interactive data on DC, MD, VA case rates, health system capacity and community engagement and public health efforts can be found at https://coronavirus.dc.gov/data ; https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/ ; https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/ ; https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/region/us/
Washington DC:
VACCINES AVAILABLE for ALL 5+ YEARS OLD
All DC residents aged 5 and older are now able and encouraged to get a COVID-19 vaccination and aged 16 and older can do so through a walk-up site or through appointment at clinics, hospitals, and many other sites throughout the city. For walk-up sites available each day, check vaccinate.dc.gov.
For more information on COVID-19 Vaccines and how vaccines work, check out our Vaccine section.
MASK REQUIREMENTS
Starting in August, DC again requires facemasks to be worn indoors by everyone over 2 years old – including fully vaccinated individuals. Masks can be removed while eating or drinking indoors. Businesses may refuse service to customers violating the mask mandate.
DC SCHOOLS
Children return to school in DC in-person on August 30 (K-12) and September 2 (PK3 and PK4). All students are automatically enrolled in a weekly COVID-19 testing program. This testing program allows for asymptomatic testing, symptomatic testing, and testing of close contacts.
New air filters have been installed in DC Schools to help reduce indoor transmission of the virus.
RISE IN COVID CASES IN CHILDREN
More than 180,000 new pediatric COVID-19 cases were recorded in the past week at Children’s National Hospital. While children still have less severe illness than adults, CN Hospital now has 13 children hospitalized with COVID.
Sources:
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccine | coronavirus
- New Mask Mandate Issued in DC, Regardless of Vaccine Status
- DCPS Reopen Strong – DCPS Reopen Strong
- New Technology in Place in DC Schools to Stop COVID-19 Spread
- Children’s National Hospital Sees Increase in COVID Patients
DC Travel:
- There is a federal mask requirement in all venues and vehicles of public transportation.
- Domestic Travel
- Fully vaccinated (and those who recovered from COVID-19 within the past 90 days)
- may travel within the US without the need for testing or quarantine as long as they have no symptoms.
- bring your vaccine card with you
- Unvaccinated (or partially vaccinated)
- Must get a COVID-19 test 1-3 days before and after their trip.
- Fully vaccinated (and those who recovered from COVID-19 within the past 90 days)
- International Travel
- All passengers traveling to the US must show a negative COVID-19 test regardless of vaccination status
- Metro: all metro stations are now open for service, while taking stringent COVID-19 precautions.
- Sources:
DC Testing:
- A number of free COVID-19 Testing sites are open in DC
- Pre-registration for COVID testing available at: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/register
- List of COVID testing sites: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/testing
- See the testing section of our website..
Source: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/
Maryland:
VACCINES AVAILABLE for ALL 5+ YEARS OLD
All Maryland residents above the age of 5 are now eligible and encouraged to get a COVID-19 vaccine. To search for a location near you, go to this website: https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/pages/vaccine or go to the vaccination site list here. Pre-registration is no longer required for vaccination.
MD Hospital and Nursing Home staff must be vaccinated or tested regularly to continue working.
MASK REQUIREMENTS
Mask and face covering policies are set at the local level. The Maryland Department of Health strongly recommends but does not require that unvaccinated individuals continue to wear face coverings indoors outside of their homes.
MARYLAND SCHOOLS
The first day back in school for MD students is August 30th.
The Maryland Board of Education voted in favor of a statewide mask mandate in schools.
This regulation will go before a legislative committee for review, and if approved will go into effect.
DC and VA already have mask requirements in schools.
Sources:
- Maryland Department of Health
- https://governor.maryland.gov/coronavirus/
- Maryland Board of Ed Votes in Favor of Statewide School Mask Mandate
MD Testing:
A number of free COVID-19 Testing sites are available in Maryland https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/pages/symptoms-testing
See the testing section of our website.
Virginia:
VACCINES AVAILABLE for ALL 5+ YEARS
In Virginia all residents above the age of 5 are eligible and encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccine. To find vaccine distribution sites and make appointments, go to this website: https://vaccinate.virginia.gov/ or call 877-829-4682. Pre-registration is no longer required for vaccination.
More information can be found at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-vaccine/
MASK REQUIREMENTS
Virginia has no official mask requirements, but the Virginia Department of Health recommends following CDC guidance to mask in areas of high transmission (including indoor settings outside your home).
Masks are required in healthcare settings, in public transportation settings, and in K-12 schools.
VIRGINIA SCHOOLS
On August 12, Governor Northam announced a Public Health Emergency Order requiring universal masking in all indoor settings in Virginia’s public and private K-12 schools.
Sources:
- Current COVID-19 Topics – Coronavirus
- Using Masks to Slow the Spread of COVID-19 – Coronavirus
- VDOE :: State Snapshot: Virginia School Operational Status
VA Testing:
- A number of free COVID-19 Testing sites are open in Virginia https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-testing/covid-19-testing-sites/
- Arlington County is partnering with Quest Diagnostics to offer free mobile testing.
- The tests are completely free and do not require an appointment.
- Arlington County is partnering with Quest Diagnostics to offer free mobile testing.
See the testing section of our website.
Archived DMV Area News:
- Virginia officials update COVID-19 guidance to schools, as more districts move toward reopening classrooms
- Maryland’s Hogan lifts caps on dining, retail and religious establishments
- Many Maryland schools set to reopen Monday
- 1k Baltimore County Teachers get J&J Vaccine as Schools Reopen
- First Case of B.1.351 COVID-19 Variant Identified in Eastern Virginia – Newsroom
- Maryland Identifies First Case Of COVID-19 Brazil Variant
- University of Maryland COVID-19: Students told to isolate | wusa9.com
- State Superintendent Call on Maryland Schools to Reopen for In-Person Learning by March 1
- DC Expands Vaccine Eligibility To Grocery Store Staff, Others
- Mayor Bowser Announces New Populations Eligible for Vaccinations: Grocery Store Workers, Outreach Workers, Manufacturing Workers, and Food Packaging Workers
- DC Will Open Vaccine Access To People With Certain Medical Conditions
- DC Reports Four Cases Of More Transmissible Coronavirus Variants
- How to More Safely Protest in a Pandemic
- Reopening Maryland: What’s Open, What’s Closed County-by-Count
- COVID In Maryland: How Each School District Is Responding To An Uptick In COVID-19 Cases
- D.C. Public Schools Ending Semester Three Weeks Early, Will Remain Entirely Remote
- Governor Hogan Issues Order Requiring Face Masks in Retail Establishments, On Public Transit, Northam Extends Virginia Shutdown Order to May 8
- Mayor Bowser Extends D.C. State of Emergency to May 15
- D.C. Grocery Stores Are Now Instructing Shoppers To Wear Face Masks
- Events DC Announces $18 Million Hospitality and Tourism Relief Package Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
- Record set for single-day covid-19 deaths in D.C., Maryland and Virginia at 53; black residents hit hardest
- Federal Government Designates Baltimore-Washington Corridor as Hot Spot in Coronavirus Pandemic
- DC Council Passes COVID-19 Relief Bill with Rent Freeze, Consumer Precautions
- Coronavirus update: Md. Gov. Hogan says Local Health Boards can close ‘Unsafe’ Businesses, Calls Baltimore-Washington Area ‘Emerging Hot Spot’
- Norton Calls for the Jefferson, Lincoln Memorials to Close
- D.C. could see 93,000 Coronavirus Infection with Mid-Summer Peak, Bowser Says
- Face Coverings recommended, but Trump says he won’t wear one
- D.C. Council Petitions to have Grocery and Pharmacy Workers Declared as ‘First Responders’
- Hogan to Sign Bills to Make Telehealth Easier in Maryland
- Van Hollen DC Emergency Funding Letter
- Unemployment Claims Skyrocket in the Washington Region
- Mayor Bowser Issues Stay-At-Home Order
- Northam Issues Stay-At-Home Order for Virginians
- The State of Maryland Executive Department, Order of the Governor
- D.C. Opens Testing Site For First Responders
- Mayor Bowser Orders Closure of Non-essential Businesses
- DC police restrict access to Tidal Basin cherry blossom tree
- D.C. government further curtails operations in response to coronavirus
- D.C. mayor tells council extending school closure is possible, but no decision is imminent
- Trump signs $2 Trillion Coronavirus Bill Into Law
- Maryland coronavirus updates: All non-essential businesses in Maryland closed, Maryland school closures extended a month due to coronavirus threat
- Gov. Ralph Northam announces schools closed for remainder of academic year
- Metro takes additional steps, coordinates with public health authorities on COVID-19
Facility Closures
As of Tuesday, March 9th, 2021
Washington DC
Authorized, indoor activities are limited to 10 people or less. Organized outdoor activities are limited to 25 people or less.
More information can be found here https://coronavirus.dc.gov/page/stay-home and here https://washington.org/dc-information/coronavirus-event-attraction-information#
Schools and Educational Facilities
- Beginning in February all DC schools are offering in-person learning for students along with access to school-provided meals. Free grab-and-go meals are also available for DC youth not enrolled in DC public schools. See https://dcpsreopenstrong.com/resources/meals/ for more information.
- DC public libraries are offering limited services at the Anacostia, Bellevue, Benning, Capitol View, Chevy Chase, Cleveland Park, Francis A. Gregory, Georgetown, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Mt. Pleasant, Northeast, Palisades, Petworth, Shaw, Shepherd Park, Tenley-Friendship, West End and Woodridge locations.
- DC public library continues to offer digital services at https://www.dclibrary.org/godigital
- For more information visit https://www.dclibrary.org/reopen
- Museums can now open with no more than 250 people on each floor and no guided tours.
Restaurants and Beverage Services
- Starting Friday, January 22 restaurants can allow indoor dining at 25% capacity or no more than 250 people, whichever is fewer people.
Parks and Athletics Facilities
- DC parks, athletic fields, walking paths, hiking trails/tracks, dog parks, and tennis courts as well as National Parks are now open with social distancing safeguards and a mask requirement in place.
- Authorized, indoor activities are limited to 10 people or less.
- Organized outdoor activities are limited to 25 people or less.
- Field and Court permits are being granted by DC Parks and Recreation for outdoor activities limited to 25 people or less with a sufficient safety plan
- High-contact sports are prohibited
- Registration and reservation has now opened for individual access to select recreation centers and indoor pools.
- More information can be found at: https://dpr.dc.gov/page/dpr-phase-two-operating-status-indoor-outdoor-recreation
Services
- DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is operational.
- Many deadlines have been extended for renewing drivers licenses, paying tickets, and more.
- Many services are available online, visit: dmv.dc.gov.
Maryland
As of Friday 3/12/21 at 5pm ET, capacity limits will be relaxed across Maryland.
However, local jurisdictions reserve the right to enforce stricter rules and business reopening and operations are flexible and community-based. Masking and physical distancing is still required across the state. A series of Best-Practice guidelines have been released by the Maryland governor’s office. Facility closure or reopening decisions will be made by local jurisdictions.
For more information see https://open.maryland.gov/backtobusiness/.
Schools
- Maryland Public Schools have begun to reopen for hybrid in-person learning starting March 1, 2021.
Restaurants and Beverage Services
- Capacity is limited to 50%
- As of 3/12/21, this limit will be removed with physical distancing between patrons still required (no crowding at bars)
- No longer required to close at 10pm
Sports and Athletics Facilities
- Social gatherings at sporting venues (i.e. “tailgating”, “pre-gaming”, etc.) are prohibited within 1000 feet of the venue
- Outdoor sports
- Social distancing required at spectator events
- Attendees must stay in their seats
- Social distancing required at spectator events
- Indoor sports
- Capacity limited to 50% or 100 people, whichever is less.
- Swimming pools are open with capacity limited to 50% and 6 foot social distancing enforced
- Proper cleaning and disinfection protocols must be followed
Entertainment
- As of 3/12/21, outdoor and indoor entertainment and amusement parks may resume activity at 50% capacity with appropriate social distancing and safety measures.
- A series of best practices are available to guide safe operations: https://open.maryland.gov/backtobusiness/
Virginia
Indoor and outdoor in-person gatherings are limited to 10 people with the exception of religious gatherings (which must still follow other guidelines).
More information can be found here: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/situation-summary/
Schools
- Virginia continues to update guidelines for its school districts to begin their reopening process. Many Virginia counties have now begun in-person instruction a few days a week.
Restaurants and Beverage Services
- No capacity limits on indoor or outdoor seating but distancing of at least 6 feet is required
- Parties of over 10 people are prohibited
- Alcohol sale, consumption, and possession is prohibited on-site after 10:00pm and bar seating is prohibited
Sports and Athletics Facilities
- Gyms are operating at 75% capacity
- Group exercise classes cannot exceed 10 people and attendees must maintain a distance of 10 feet.
- Indoor sports
- Spectators limited to 25 per field
- Outdoor sports
- Spectators limited to 2 guests per player
- Total spectators limited to 30% occupancy limit
Entertainment
- Indoor venues
- Limited to 30% max capacity or 250 patrons, whichever is lower.
- Outdoor venues
- Limited to 50% of max capacity
- Face mask required
Public Transportation
As of Tuesday, March 9th, 2021
- The CDC now requires facemasks covering both the mouth and nose to worn by travelers at all transportation hubs (e.g. airports, train and bus stations, etc.) and while a passenger on any public mode of transportation (e.g. airplanes, ships, trains, buses, taxis, ride-share, etc.).
- DC Metro has all stations open but requires riders to wear facemasks. See the following website for up to date station and service information https://www.wmata.com/service/status/details/covid-station-closures.cfm
- Metro rail and bus users can visit wmata.com/timetables for schedules. Source: https://www.wmata.com.
- DC circulator bus continues to run as normal with no fee to ride.
- MARC Trains undergo daily disinfecting and require masks on board. There are some operating reductions, up to date timetables and more information can be found here: https://www.mta.maryland.gov/coronavirus
- Amtrak Trains are operating at limited capacity allowing for physical distancing. Masks are required and enhanced cleaning and sanitation is performed in between trips. More information and timetables can be seen here: https://www.amtrak.com/coronavirus
- Ride-sharing platforms such as Lyft and Uber continue to be operational while taking extra precautions to ensure rider and driver safety. Riders should not utilize these services if they feel sick. Group ride options are suspended.
- To learn about precautions taken by Lyft: https://www.lyft.com/safety/coronavirus
- To learn about precautions taken by Uber: https://www.uber.com/us/en/coronavirus
- The CDC recommends using the following precautions while utilizing ride-sharing services: keep windows open when possible, increase ventilation, wear a facemask and regularly disinfect surfaces.
0 Comments