November 19, 2021
Dear Washingtonians,
Earlier this week, I announced that beginning Monday, November 22, we will shift our guidance around masks. Instead of a citywide indoor mask mandate, we will move forward with risk-based recommendations for the use of layered mitigation strategies. So, what does that mean? In short, it means that DC Health will consider people's vaccination status as well as our community's current experience with the virus and then advise people on which measures they should take to best protect themselves and their families, including the use of masks.
Masks are still required, regardless of vaccination status, in the following settings:
- Inside schools, childcare facilities, and libraries;
- At any private business that wants a mask requirement;
- On public transport like buses and trains, inside train stations, in airports, and while in ride share vehicles;
- In congregate facilities, such as nursing homes/assisted living facilities, shelters, dorms/residences, and correctional facilities; and
- In DC Government facilities where there is direct interaction between employees and the public (e.g., DMV service center; DHS service center, etc.).
It is critical that anyone who is eligible to get vaccinated, gets vaccinated as soon as possible. If you are eligible for a booster, go get a booster. If you have a child 5 or older, get them vaccinated. The data shows us that the vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19.
We will continue to watch the data closely, and DC Health will continue to make data available that residents and businesses can use to assess and determine their individual risk as well as the risk in the community.
We have learned a lot over the past 21 months. We know a lot more about the virus today than we did in March 2020 and, today, we have more tools to protect ourselves than we did this time last year. As we adjust our lives accordingly, I have no doubt that our community will approach this latest stage as we have all the others — with an appreciation for science, data, and keeping each other safe.
Sincerely,
 All eligible people in DC, including children 5 to 11 years old, should get vaccinated as soon as possible. Throughout the week, including on weekends, the District offers free, walk-up vaccination clinics for families with 5- to 11-year-olds.
Recently, additional pediatric clinics were added through the end of November and into December. See the most updated schedule at vaccinate.dc.gov.
Parents who are unable to accompany their child to a clinic can print and sign the Trusted Party Consent and Verification Forms so someone you trust can be present when your child receives their vaccination. Please note that the Trusted Party MUST bring an ID in order for your child to be vaccinated. Please complete one form per child.
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 The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is now offering afterschool meals to young people in DC under the age of 18 at 19 DPR recreation centers. Meals are provided as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child and Adult Care Food Program.
All locations offer meals Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. No ID or application is needed.
Find a list of meal sites at dpr.dc.gov/afterschoolmeals.
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 Last Saturday, Mayor Bowser joined community leaders to celebrate the grand opening of Good Food Markets, which will provide fresh food options and job opportunities to the Bellevue community in Ward 8.
Through the Neighborhood Prosperity Fund, an initiative launched by Mayor Bowser, South Capitol Improvement LLC received an $880,000 grant to support the buildout for the grocer tenant as part of the 225,000 square-foot development that includes a Community of Hope primary care clinic, an office building leased to the DC Department of Human Services, and 190 affordable and permanent supportive housing units.
The Good Food Markets project continues Mayor Bowser’s work to expand food access, create new employment opportunities, and stimulate economic development in neighborhoods east of the river. Most recently, the Mayor created a $58 million Food Access Fund and, just last week, named eight local food businesses that will open or expand in Wards 7 and 8.
Learn more about the Good Food Markets in Ward 8 HERE.
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 This week, DC experienced the first hypothermia alert of the fall/winter season. As the days grow colder, residents are urged to stay vigilant and to help their neighbors experiencing homelessness in need of shelter by calling the Shelter Hotline. You can request transportation for yourself of someone else by calling the Shelter Hotline at (202) 399-7093 or by dialing 311. In cases where you believe there is an immediate medical emergency, call 911.
A hypothermia alert is activated when the National Weather Service forecasts weather is 32 degrees or below, or when the forecasted weather is 40 degrees or below with a 50% or greater chance of precipitation.
When a hypothermia alert is activated, an AlertDC notice goes out. Additionally, an alert is sent out to individuals experiencing homelessness who have signed up for alerts via the HopeOneSource free text messaging app.
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