 |
Coronavirus Update: Emergency Legislation, Heat Resources, & Contact Tracing
Dear Neighbors,
On Monday I provided a summary of the major provisions of emergency legislation before the Council on policing reforms. Since then, the legislation has passed, with some additional measures added, and the bill currently awaits the Mayor's signature. While this bill is an important step, I'm interested in working further to examine our systemic over-reliance on the police to make up for our lack of support for adequate behavioral health resources, education access, safe housing, food access, and any area that contributes to the social ills and great inequities experienced in our community. The District, and perhaps our country, is on the cusp of a critical shift in our thinking and approach to societal challenges—all leading to a fundamental review of the areas where we have not invested nearly enough. As this also ties in to the manner in which police departments are budgeted, I encourage residents to tune-in to the Judiciary Committee's MPD budget hearing next Tuesday, June 16th.
An additional piece of emergency legislation that unanimously passed this week was my legislation to require the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to publish, and then implement, a report that creates a connected network for cyclists and other non-motorists in the District. This network will be an important local resource during the public health emergency and recovery period, and is to be made up of protected bike lanes, expanded public spaces (such as sidewalks), and of streets that will be closed to through/non-local traffic. DDOT is required to implement the report on a staggered timeline basis, with 20 miles of progress to be made by September 1st and an additional 5 miles by November 1st. With commuter traffic at an all time low, we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a connected network for vulnerable road users and to expand/prioritize public spaces for residents and local businesses.
Regards,
Mary
|
Note: The Public Health Emergency has been extended to July 24th |
Heat Emergency & Cooling Center Resources |
Numbers to Keep on Hand - We've entered the season where extreme heat will pose a danger to seniors, those in our community who are vulnerable, and our neighbors experiencing homelessness. This also a time where leaving a domestic animal unattended outdoors or in a locked car can have disastrous consequences.
If you haven't done so already, please add the District's 24/hour Shelter Hotline and Humane Rescue Alliance numbers to your phone so that you are prepared to respond if or when you see a neighbor or an animal in need of immediate assistance:
- Shelter Hotline - 202.399.7093
- Humane Rescue Alliance - 202.576.6664
Cooling Sites - Cooling sites at select libraries, recreation centers, and public schools will open to residents when a heat emergency is declared in the District. Heat emergencies are declared when the District's heat index reaches 92 degrees. If you are protesting on a heat emergency day, please call 311 or access the District's cooling site map for a safe space to cool down and access public restrooms.
-
The District's Cooling Center Map is available: here.
Testing Expanded - DC Health has issued new coronavirus safety recommendations for those joining the protests, that resource is available here: Guidance for Mass Gatherings.
-
Reminder: free, walk-up testing is available for those who experience symptoms or believe they have been exposed to COVID-19 (this includes those participating in protest activities).
|
Greater Support for the Restaurant Industry |
|
From the Washington City Paper -
Postmates Still Hasn't Complied With D.C.'s 15 Percent Commission Fee Cap
"The app services are bleeding our local restaurants dry—and we all know restaurants operate on very slim profit margins," says Councilmember Mary Cheh. "That's why I put a cap on what the app services can charge, but now I'm hearing of the devious ways these services are trying to get around the cap or not abiding by it at all. So, like other jurisdictions, I'll be looking for more nuanced ways to permanently rein them in."
Read the Full Story
|
|
|
|
News from the National Zoo |
|
Resident Input Needed -
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is actively planning to restore the historic Reptile Discovery Center (RDC) and update the building's animal habitats and exhibits. While the larger renovation of RDC will come in the future, they are currently in the first phase of the project to remove and restore the sculptural portico entrance and welcome resident input.
You can read more about the history and significance of the project on their website here: Neighborhood News.
Comments on the project may be submitted until June 26th, 2020.
Please send comments to: [email protected]
|
|
|
|
Contact Tracing At A Glance |
New Details from DC Health - The success of the Contact Trace Force will largely influence DC Health's ability to evaluate the extent of coronavirus community spread and the District's readiness to enter into subsequent reopening phases. While it was believed that residents would be able to volunteer with the Contact Trace Force, the City Administer announced to the Council that DC Health will prioritize the hiring of contact tracers and will not be accepting volunteers at this time.
The Mayor's June 10th Situational Updated provided some additional details on how the Contact Trace Force will operate and what residents should expect if contacted by a case interviewer.
Below is excerpt on the contact tracing process provided by DC Health:
|
Support NAACP Emergency Relief Kits |
Fom the NAACP DC Branch - The NAACP DC Branch is continuing to prepare Emergency Relief Kits for DC Protestor's demanding justice and accountability by law enforcement. To date, 750 kits have been prepared and distributed. These Emergency Relief Kits include bottled water, granola gars, saline solution, wash clothes, first-aid products and masks, as available. The NAACP welcomes volunteers who want to help prepare these kits, provide product donations, and/or financially support this effort. This project was originated by an NAACP DC Youth Council Member, DC native, and Harvard University senior completing distance learning back home in the District.
If you would like to volunteer with preparing Emergency Relief Kits or donate products, please contact (202) 658-9441. If you want to financially support this effort, please see: NAACP DC Branch.
|
The National Cathedral, Illuminated |
|
From WJLA -
Washington National Cathedral lights up in support of 'Black Lives Matter'
The Cathedral will be illuminated until 11:59 pm tonight (Thursday, June 11).
Read the Full Story
|
|
|
|
A Review: Public Health Emergency Protections |
Know Your Rights - Since the outset of the public health emergency, the Council has established several protections for residents and businesses through emergency legislation. While the exact duration of the public health emergency will ultimately be determined by the Mayor, the housing and utility protections created by the Council will extend beyond the emergency period. And, as extensions to the public health emergency are being made on a rolling basis, there is no date certain for the duration of these protections. However, it is important to keep the information below on hand so that residents are aware of their rights. At this time, the public health emergency is extended to July 24th.
Housing:
Eviction Prohibition
- Evictions are prohibited during the public health emergency + 60 days
Foreclosure Moratorium
- May not be initiated or conducted during the public health emergency + 60 days
Tenant Payment Plans (Residential & Commercial under 6,500 sq ft)
- Term length is 1 year, minimum
- Offered to tenants for the public health emergency + 1 year
Rent Increase Prohibition (Residential & Commercial Properties)
- No rent increase during the public health emergency + 30 days
- Previous rent increase notices are void if (1) the effective date is during public health emergency + 30 days, (2) notice provided to tenant of increase during the public heath emergency, or (3) notice provided to tenant prior to public health emergency of rent increase during or after the public health emergency ends
Mortgage Deferment Program
- Offered to borrowers for the length of the public health emergency + 60 days
- Must grant at least 90-day deferment on monthly payments
Tolling of Tenant Deadlines
- Any deadline for tenants or tenant organizations to exercise rights under our housing code is tolled for the length of the public health emergency + 30 days
- Tenant has the same number of days to vacate as the tenant had on the date the public health emergency began
Involuntary Discharge of Long-Term Care Residents
- No facility may involuntarily discharge a long-term care resident for the duration of the public health emergency + 45 days
Utilities & Public Benefits:
Shut-Off Prohibition
- Electric, gas, water, cable, and telecoms services may not be shutoff for the length of the public health emergency + 15 days
Utility Payment Plans
- Term length: 1 year, minimum
- Must be offered for the duration of the public health emergency + 6 months for: Electric, Gas, & Water
- Must be offered for the duration of the public health emergency + 60 days for: Cable & Telecoms
Access to Public Benefits
-
The Mayor is authorized to extend eligibility period for individuals receiving public benefits, including TANF and SNAP, for the duration of the public health emergency + 60 days
License and Registration Extensions
-
For the length of the public health emergency + 45 days, the Mayor may prospectively or retroactively extend the validity of any license, registration, permit, or authorization, and waive any deadlines
Family and Medical Leave
- An employee may use no more than 16 weeks of family and medical leave during the public health emergency
- Applies to employees who have worked for the employer for at least 15 days prior to the request for leave
Debt Collection
- Debt collection efforts are prohibited for the duration of the public health emergency + 60 days
|
Horizons Greater Washington Needs Our Help! |
Stop the Summer Slide - Horizons Greater Washington is a local organization that prepares students from low-income families to succeed by building academic and life skills outside of the traditional school year. Knowing that the threat of summer slide looms even larger this year and that families in their program urgently need additional support, Horizons reinvented their summer programming and invested in new technologies to enable local children to safely learn, explore, and grow during the summer months.
This is a challenging time for all nonprofits, and Horizons is working to make up the loss of income associated with the cancellation of their 20th anniversary Spring Splash. If you would like to learn more about this fantastic program and contribute to their mission, please see: Horizons of Greater Washington.
|
Breast Care for Washington is Open! |
|
From Breast Care for Washington -
Breast Care for Washington's (BCW) mission is to reduce breast cancer mortality in the Washington, DC area by promoting access to breast cancer screening, diagnostics, and treatment to all women regardless of their ability to pay.
BCW is now seeing patients after spending significant time and resources to ensure that both patients and staff will have the safest experience possible during the coronavirus emergency. BWC invites residents to visit their website to learn about the new safety protocols in place and to contact BCW staff at 202-465-7164 to schedule your annual mammogram.
|
|
|
|
Attorney General Files Suit Against DC Housing Authority |
Seeking Accountability - This week, Attorney General Karl A. Racine filed a lawsuit against the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) for endangering over 5,000 tenants at 10 public housing properties—as well as the surrounding communities in Wards 1, 5, 6, and 7—by failing to confront drug- and firearm-related nuisances at the properties. DCHA is an independent District agency that provides housing for low- and moderate-income residents.
-
Learn more about the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) work to preserve affordable housing and find resources to help renters on OAG’s Tenant Resources page
-
Learn more about OAG’s efforts to fight discrimination, including housing discrimination, from OAG’s Civil Rights Brochure
|
On Mask Wearing - Mask wearing is required when using public transportation and when visiting essential businesses (such as grocery stores). Wearing one is strongly encouraged when out of the home. To date, the District has lost 502 residents to coronavirus and currently has 9,589 known positive cases. This virus is still prevalent in our community, so please continue to be diligent and cautious in protecting yourself and others by properly socially distancing and wearing a mask when in public. |
Ending this Update on a Happy Note:
A Neighborhood Hawk & Community Rescue
|
Backyard Wildlife - The District is home to a robust and recovering natural habitat, and nowhere is that more apparent than with the resurgence of large birds of prey. The above photos of a nesting red shouldered hawk were taken from the balcony of a Ward 3 resident's home. Earlier this year, neighbors rallied together to rescue this very same hawk from deadly entanglement in a fishing line.
For more on the local hawk rescue, see the Washington Post's story, When a hawk got tangled in fishing line, humans came together to rescue it.
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
