Dear Ward 8 Residents,
Starting today, April 3rd, the District will begin drive-thru testing (drive-thru and walk-up testing for COVID-19 will begin on Monday, April 6th. Testing will be available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Residents are asked to arrive no later than 1:30 p.m. The times of operation include:
Starting April 6, the District will test (drive-thru and walk-up appointments) on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Residents must have an appointment to get tested. Contact your primary care physician to receive a referral for a test, then scheduled through the Testing Triage Call Center by calling (855) 363-0333.
I ask that you continue to seek information from the DC Health's website
coronavirus.dc.gov ([link removed]) and tune in daily to the Mayor's press conference each morning at 11:00 am (time subject to change). We will get through this together.
Regards,
Trayon White, Sr.
Councilmember, Ward 8
MORE INFORMATION ON COVID-19 TESTING ()
Where is the test site?
Testing will be in the parking lot of United Medical Center (UMC) at 1310 Southern Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20032. Vehicles should enter via 13th Street, SE and be prepared to wait between 45-75 minutes (please plan accordingly, bathrooms will not be provided on-site). Starting Monday, April 6, individuals walking up should enter from Southern Avenue, SE.
When will walk-up testing begin?
Walk-up testing will begin on Monday, April 6 and every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday thereafter. Pre-registration is still required for walk-up testing.
What is the process for COVID-19 testing?
You will receive a nasal swab. During this test you may feel some discomfort, including nose irritation or minor bleeding. All are normal.
What should I do while I wait to be swabbed?
* Drive-thru testing: Stay in your car at all times and keep your windows rolled up, unless asked to roll your window down for testing.
* Walk-up testing: If you are walking, please remain 6 feet from other individuals while you wait and cover your cough and sneeze.
When will my results be ready?
After testing, an individual will learn results within 3-5 days. After the test, the individual will receive a letter with the information on how to receive your results.
Who will be processing this information?
The DC Public Health Laboratory is processing the tests taken at this site. DC Health will have access to your test results. For patient privacy, results will NOT be available via phone.
What should you do while you wait for results?
Because your results are unknown immediately after testing, it’s critical you stay home. Staying home until your results are known helps stop potential spread in our community.
* Do not go to work or spend time in public places. Work from home if you can. Do not go to restaurants to pick-up or carry out food, avoid visits to essential businesses, etc.
* Separate yourself from other people and pets in your home. Stay in a specific room and if possible, a designated bathroom away from others in your home.
* Wear a facemask when around other people or pets, at home and outside.
* Wash your hands, multiple times a day, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
* Avoid sharing household items like dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, and bedding.
* Maintaining your mental health while you wait is important. Certified clinicians are available 24/7 through the DC Department of Behavioral Health’s mental health hotline: 1-888-793-4357.
How is testing prioritized?
After a doctor’s evaluation, only individuals exhibiting signs and symptoms that have pre-registered will be tested. If you are not symptomatic, there is much less of a risk that you are spreading the disease and, if you are carrying COVID-19, testing could result in a false negative. Those showing signs and symptoms must be rapidly identified so that they can take the appropriate actions, including preventing further spread in our community.
Is this the only testing option?
No. This testing site expands options available within the District, and it does not replace existing testing offered by many local healthcare providers. We still encourage you to contact your medical provider by phone or online if you have symptoms. Only a doctor can refer you for testing, but remember, not everyone needs to be tested and most people can recover at home.
Why isn’t everyone being tested?
Resources for testing are limited (testing kits, staff, personal protective equipment for medical providers). Testing must be prioritized. For people who have mild symptoms, a positive test result would not change how they should handle their illness. There is currently no vaccine or cure.
If your symptoms worsen, please seek prompt medical attention. Call 911 if you have a medical emergency such as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, bluish lips or face.
COVID-19 UPDATES AS OF APRIL 3, 2020 ()
The District reported data for Friday, April 3, 2020, included 104 new positive coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, bringing the District’s overall positive case total to 757. The District reported three new COVID-19 related deaths, bringing the District’s total to 15.
[link removed]
Please click to download the Situational Update ([link removed]) as of Friday, April 3, 2020.
RESOURCES FOR KIDS ()
** Distance Learning
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* Find distance learning resources for your grade level or course ([link removed])
* Connect with DC Public Library for online resources and materials ([link removed])
* Connect with Thrive by Five DC for online, early learning resources ([link removed])
#DCPSatHOME
New learning at home videos for K-2 school that run on weekdays from 9:30am to 11am and rerun from 1pm to 2:30pm on the following channels:
* youtube.com/dcpublicschools
* Comcast Channel 99
* RCN Channel 18
* Verizon Channel 12
* Watch Live at bit.ly/DKNLive
** For Parents
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A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus: National Public Radio, collaborating with experts in social work and mental health, developed a cartoon explaining what kids might want to know about the new coronavirus discovered in China. To hear or read the original NPR story visit this link ([link removed]) . Print and fold a zine version ([link removed]) of this comic here. Here are directions ([link removed]) on how to fold it (video).
* Parent/Caregiver Guide for Coping with COVID-19 Coronavirus ([link removed])
** WideOpenSchool.org
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Wide Open School is a free collection of the best online learning experiences for kids curated by the editors at Common Sense. There is so much good happening, and we are here to gather great stuff and organize it so teachers and families can easily find it and plan each day. Check it out today: wideopenschool.org ([link removed])
** School Resources
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* FAQs for Parents ([link removed])
* How to Clean and Disinfect Schools to Help Slow the Spread of Disease ([link removed])
* Meal Sites for All Students ([link removed])
VOLUNTEER TO BE A DRIVER ()
Councilmember Trayon White is looking for volunteers who are willing to deliver hot meals to seniors in Ward 8. Interested? Click here to sign up now. ([link removed])
CHECK CORONAVIRUS.DC.GOV EVERYDAY ()
Please visit [link removed] ([link removed]) daily for the most reliable
citywide updates.
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** Website ([link removed])
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Ward 8 Outreach
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