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Coronavirus Update: The District's COVID-19 Data
Dear Neighbors,
As of today, the District has experienced 15 deaths and 757 confirmed positive cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), including 77 cases in Ward 3. Over 5,500 residents have been tested for the virus and 206 individuals have fully recovered from it. In response to repeated calls for more detailed data on the District's positive COVID-19 cases, DC Health will now share a larger dataset with the public and will post daily updates online. This information includes a Ward breakdown of positive cases as well as cases among essential agency personnel and the growing totals of vital hospital equipment (ICU beds, ventilators in use, ventilators available, etc.). While not a complete demographic dataset, I'm grateful to DC Health for increasing local data transparency for the public.
In addition to publishing the expanded dataset, this morning Mayor Bowser gave a presentation on the District's preparations status for the peak of the outbreak and the subsequent height of the hospital surge. In it, she detailed the District's use of CHIME projection modeling that estimates that the District will experience about 93,676 cumulative cases of COVID-19 and that the peak will likely occur in late June or early July. The range of projected deaths from the disease ranges from 220 to potentially over 1,000 deaths. I have shared a selection of slides from the Mayor's presentation below, to view the document in its entirety, please see: Situational Update. These projections serve as a sobering reminder that the best thing we can all do to reduce the number of deaths in our community is to stay home whenever possible. No one should be placing themselves or others at risk by not practicing social distancing and potentially catching or spreading this virus.
On a related note, on Tuesday the Council will convene a remote Legislative Meeting to pass additional emergency legislation in response to several programmatic and policy needs that have arisen since the start of the outbreak. Among many provisions, the legislation aims to provide additional relief for those who have become unemployed due to COVID-19, establishes a requirement that mortgage companies offer a 90-day deferment program, supports mail-in voting options for the June primary/special election, and creates stronger protections for renters. I'll share more on the bill's provisions once it's finalized on Tuesday and encourage residents to join us by watching the meeting live online.
Regards,
Mary
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For COVID-19 Vendors & PPE Donations
Vendors who are interested in selling or donating goods and services to help aid in the District's COVID-19 response effort are encouraged to reach out to the Mayor's team with your offer through the following email: vendor[email protected].
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From the Washington Post: This is what it's like to be a sanitation worker during the coronavirus outbreak |
Please do not flush disinfecting wipes!
Sewer infrastructure under strain - As more households increasingly use disinfecting wipes in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, many residents have been under the impression that they are safe to flush down the toilet for disposal. However, this practice has recently put a great strain on the District's sewer system, resulting in greater clogs and backups over the past two months.
To read more on how these wipes damage the District's pipes, please see WAMU's recent story: People Are Using More Wipes Because Of Coronavirus, Clogging Sewers. And please, do not flush disinfecting wipes!
(It should also be noted that rubber gloves are not recyclable, so please also throw those away in the trash)
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Vote By Mail with an Absentee Ballot
Vote Safe DC - The DC Board of Elections (BOE) is working on ways to more safely hold elections amidst the COVID-19 public health emergency.
To do this, BOE is looking at ways to minimize crowding at voting precincts and encourages voters to vote by mail using an absentee ballot. Absentee ballots do not require a reason or explanation for their use and may be requested online or through BOE's app. BOE will soon also open a call center for requests by phone.
- Absentee ballots will be distributed on May 1st
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To request an absentee ballot online, please go to: https://www.vote4dc.com/ApplyInstructions/Absentee
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Establish a Pet Plan During COVID-19
Guidance from the Humane Rescue Alliance - The Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) is urging community members to have a plan in place for their pet during the COVID-19 outbreak. Residents may experience a hospital stay or severe sickness, potentially leaving untold numbers of companion animals in need of care. Below is the HRA's guidance for a pet preparedness plan:
1. Find a temporary caregiver to take on your pets if you are hospitalized. The best place for your pet, even if you are sick, is with you in your home. However, you may become too ill to care for your pet. It’s important to identify two potential caregivers and confirm that they’re prepared to care for your pet should they be called to action.
2. Prepare a pet supply kit. It may not seem necessary today, but having proper supplies and information in place in advance is critical. Your kit should include:
- Name and contact information for a person who can care for your pets
- Name and contact information for your back-up in case your go-to is no longer able to help
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Food, treats, a leash, toys and any other supplies necessary to care for your pet for at least two weeks
- A crate or carrier to transport your pet
- Vaccination records
- Collar with ID tags (don’t forget to make sure their microchip information is up to date)
- Medications and prescriptions, along with instructions
- Daily care instructions
- Your veterinarian's contact information
3. Know the facts. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there is no evidence that people can get COVID-19 from pets. The best place for your animal is inside the home they know and love. If you aren’t feeling well but are still able to provide care for your pet, please keep them at home with you where they’re most comfortable.
Fore more, please see the Humane Rescue Alliance.
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MPD Warns Against COVID-19 Scams
During this public health emergency, scammers have taken an opportunity to defraud citizens in various ways. MPD has recently been notified of individuals in the District going door-to-door attempting to sell “Coronavirus insurance.” Those interactions are suspected to be fraudulent.
In effort to keep the community safe, MPD asks the public to avoid the following COVID-19 related scams:
- Individuals offering to sell treatment for COVID-19, such as cures, vaccines, and insurance
- Online sales of high demand medical supplies such as surgical masks
- Telephone calls or emails demanding funds for COVID-19 treatment or other medical services
- Solicitation of donations for those affected by COVID-19
- Phishing telephone calls, text messages, or emails from national and global health authorities asking to provide personal and/or financial information
- Unofficial COVID-19 apps or downloads that can potentially compromise users’ devices and personal information with malware
- Investments claiming to prevent, detect, or cure COVID-19
The Department takes matters such as this seriously and will hold such offenders accountable for their actions. If you have been a victim or have knowledge of a suspected Coronavirus fraud or scams in the District, please contact the Metropolitan Police Department Financial and Cyber Crimes Unit at 202-727-4159 or [email protected].
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Our Office is Open!
Connect with our staff - While Councilmember Cheh's physical office is closed during the public health emergency, she and her staff are teleworking and will remain accessible for residents.
You may continue to email the office directly or reach us via phone through our main line at (202) 724-8062 with legislative ideas, budget requests, and constituent services requests.
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