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Below are today's updates on the District's response to the coronavirus pandemic. For the latest and most comprehensive information always visit http://coronavirus.dc.gov.

Small Businesses Grants Open & Updated
The application for the DC Small Business Recovery Microgrant Program has been updated since it was initially launched. The eligibility criteria initially didn't measure some of the economic harm done by the public health emergency. In response, the application has been updated to include estimated future earnings in lost revenue and allow businesses to calculate economic injury from March 11, the beginning of the public health emergency.

The application portal has reopened, and you are encouraged to start a new application if you tried before and did not complete it.

If possible, complete the form by using Google Chrome or Firefox. Contact [email protected] if you have questions about your materials before submitting. If you have technical difficulties with the application, email [email protected].

DC to Close All Nonessential Businesses

Yesterday, to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Mayor Muriel Bowser issued Mayor’s Order 2020-053: Closure of Non-Essential Businesses and Prohibition on Large Gatherings During Public Health Emergency for the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). This Mayor’s Order requires temporary closure of the on-site operation of all non-essential businesses and prohibits gatherings of 10 or more people.

The intent of the Order is to temporarily cease all non-essential business activities, including tour guides and touring services; gyms, health clubs, spas, and massage establishments; theaters, auditoriums, and other places of large gatherings; nightclubs; hair, nail, and tanning salons and barbershops; tattoo parlors; sales not involved in essential services; retail clothing stores; and professional services not devoted to assisting essential business operations.

The Order goes into effect on March 25, 2020, at 10 pm, through April 24, 2020.

Phone Alert at 8:00 pm Tonight

WMATA Closes Additional Stations and Entrances
Metro’s Pandemic Task Force announced the strategic closing of 17 additional stations, effective Thursday, March 26, 2020, in an effort to conserve critical resources and protect the health and safety of Metro employees and the public. This follows drastic measures already taken to reduce travel on Metro to essential trips only, leading to a Metrorail ridership decline of 90 percent.

These steps will help reduce the risk of exposure to employees and save critical cleaning supplies for the remaining stations. While Metro increased its on-hand warehouse inventory of essential supplies, such as hospital-grade disinfectant, wipes, hand sanitizer, and other items used by Metro’s frontline employees, suppliers are experiencing delivery delays. Metro is taking action to make its current 2-3 week warehouse supply stretch until massive orders placed in late January are received.

Grocery Stores Keeping Senior Hours

Applying for Unemployment Assistance

DC Medical Reserve Corps
The mayor is asking for volunteers for the DC Medical Reserve Corps! The District of Columbia (DC) Medical Reserve Corps (DC MRC) supports the DC Department of Health (DC Health) in its role as lead for public health and medical emergency preparedness.

The DC MRC is open to medical and non-medical volunteers 18 years of age and older. Whether you are retired, active in your profession, a community member, or a student, we need your assistance in the DC MRC. Volunteers receive free training. There is a growing need for volunteers with medical experience. More information is available here: https://dchealth.dc.gov/mrc

Food Pantry this Thursday, March 26
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