October 16, 2020
Dear Washingtonians,
As we continue through the fall months, please ensure you are still doing everything you can to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Seven months into this pandemic, people nationwide are experiencing "COVID fatigue"; but we can't let our guards down. By following the science and sticking with the basics - masks, social distancing, and good hygiene - we can protect ourselves and others.
- Masks: Wear a mask (over your mouth and nose) when you leave home. Even wear a mask around your best friends, your favorite coworkers, and trusted neighbors. Also wear a mask when visitors come into your home (and make sure they wear a mask too).
- Social distancing: Remember that masks do not replace the need to social distance; to stop the spread, we need to do both. Avoid crowds and keep six feet of space between yourself and other people when you are indoors as well as when you are outdoors. Remember to social distance even when greeting people and saying goodbye to people.
- Good hygiene: Remember in the spring when people started singing songs to make sure they were washing their hands for the full 20 seconds? Make sure you are still washing your hands frequently and thoroughly.
And, finally, please continue to choose your activities wisely. Limit your exposure to other people. If you feel sick, stay home, call your doctor, and get tested. If your doctor can't test you, visit a public testing site.
Together, we can stop the spread, protect our most vulnerable neighbors, and get through this.
Sincerely,
 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. With breast cancer being the most diagnosed cancer in District women, we are reminding residents to talk to your doctor about your risk and when you should get checked. It is important that even as we stay focused on stopping the spread of COVID-19, we don't ignore annual appointments and other health needs.
The District also provides free breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic follow-ups for eligible women through Project WISH. You can learn more about these free screenings HERE.
Back to Top
 The deadline for Small Business Resiliency Fund applications has been extended! Applications now close on Friday, October 23, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.
The Small Business Resiliency Fund is a part of the District’s continued efforts to meet the existing and future COVID-19-related needs of the small and local businesses community. The fund will provide much-needed capital to assist brick-and-mortar businesses with a $10,000 grant to support business model pivots, continuity plan and infrastructure development (e.g. e-commerce platform procurement), related COVID-19 marketing expenses, and the purchase of personal protective equipment and/or disinfection products for the business.
Learn more HERE.
Back to Top
 Because of the District’s early implementation of the Affordable Care Act, today, Washington, DC has the second lowest uninsured rate in the nation, with nearly 97% of DC residents covered. Since launching DC Health Link, the District's uninsured rate has been cut in half, and in 2020, approximately 100,000 people are covered by private health insurance through the small group and individual markets.
During the pandemic, the District has made it even easier to get coverage. Anyone who needs insurance can enroll and coverage can start immediately - just select COVID-19 as a qualifying event. Additionally, small businesses and nonprofits that can’t afford to contribute to an employee premium can still sign up. Neither residents nor businesses will have coverage terminated for non-payment.
Now, with open enrollment just around the corner (beginning November 1), residents can preview 2021 plans HERE.
Back to Top
 This month, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) launched moveDC 2021, which will help set the long-range vision for the District’s multimodal transportation system. Residents from across all eight wards who drive, walk, bike, or take public transit are asked to provide input that will help shape the moveDC plan.
Take the moveDC survey HERE, and learn more about the planning and engagement process at ddot.dc.gov.
Back to Top
|
