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Coronavirus Update: Changes for Walk-Up Vaccination Sites
Dear Neighbors,
There are some newly announced changes to the District's vaccination program that I would like to flag particularly for those who are not yet vaccinated and families interested in vaccination opportunities for those aged 12 and older.
The first update is that DC Public Schools is opening four walk-up vaccination clinics at Ida B. Wells Middle School (Ward 4), Luke C. Moore High School (Ward 5), Eastern High School (Ward 6), and Anacostia High School (Ward 8). As the first Councilmember to call for a school-based walk-up vaccination clinic program, I am disappointed that this first round of sites does not include Wilson High School in Ward 3 (by enrollment, Wilson is also the largest school in the District). However, it is important to note that these school-based walk-up clinics are open to everyone, and I hope you will help spread the news to students and families that these vaccination resources are available. I will continue to press DCPS for a school-based clinic in the Ward for our middle and high school students.
The second vaccination program update is the upcoming closure of several of the District's walk-up vaccination sites, including Ward 3's clinic located at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) (at the former Walgreens site). The UDC clinic will close on June 24th and, from today through its closure, the UDC site will be distributing the single shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The District's vaccination metrics continue to improve, with about 40.4% of District residents and 41% of Ward 3 residents being fully vaccinated. Importantly, 76% of our Ward 3 seniors are fully vaccinated. If you know of anyone who requires an in-home vaccination, please connect them to our homebound vaccination program by calling 1-855-363-0333.
And finally, I would like to share some of the strategies my staff have found successful in helping residents book appointments at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). While the DMV has shifted many of their services online (full list: here), there are a number of services that must be conducted in person, and the agency aims to resume enforcement of expired licenses and tags on July 1st. Here is what to keep in mind when booking online:
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New DMV appointments are released every Tuesday at 3:00 pm and often appear on the site between 3:00-3:10 pm, so periodically refresh the page until appointments appear
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You may not be able to book an appointment at your preferred location, but there are often appointments available at DMV locations further afield in the District, so please check all the DMV locations
- It is also recommended that you select 'First Available Time' in the portal in order to receive the most appointment options
The best strategy in booking an appointment is to be flexible in your preferred date/time and, most importantly, in your location. Of course, if you should need further assistance in navigating the appointment portal, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office at 202-724-8062.
Regards,
Mary
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Councilmember Cheh on the Importance of Minor Access to Vaccines |
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From The National Geographic - Can teens get vaccinated if their parents object?
“Even though you’re a teenager, you are your own person, and you’re entitled to be concerned about your health and to protect your health,” says Mary Cheh, the councilmember who introduced the D.C. bill. “A young person shouldn’t be trapped by ideas that might cause them grave harm, with which they don’t agree, and it’s not just about them and their health—they could transmit it to other people.”
Read the Full Story
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Rent & Utility Help is Available: Apply for STAY DC Today |
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Update on the Connecticut Avenue Reversible Lanes |
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From The Forest Hills Connection - Connecticut Avenue reversible lanes were to resume operations on June 1. Then, they were not.
The reversible rush hour lanes on Connecticut Avenue have been suspended since March 19th, 2020. For a while on Monday, it looked like that was about to change...
“There is no demonstrated need for the reversible lanes, they are unsafe, and we are in the midst of considering two alternative designs for reconfiguring Connecticut Avenue, BOTH of which discard the reversible lanes,” Cheh wrote...
Monday evening, Lott replied to Cheh: “DDOT will not be resuming the reversible lane on Connecticut Ave. on June 1.”
Read the Full Story
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Call 311 for Bike Lane Sweeping |
Clear Bike Lanes = Safe Bike Lanes - The Department of Public Works (DPW) has launched a new bike lane sweeper to help clear bike lanes of debris, trash, and sand! Please tag DPW on social media or call 311 to report a lane in need of clearing. |
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Reminder: Ticketing & Street Sweeping to Resume on June 1st |
Restarting Enforcement - Beginning June 1st, the District will restart several government functions—such as all parking enforcement, towing of illegally parked vehicles, and street sweeping—that had been suspended during the public health emergency.
On June 1st, the following will resume:
- All parking enforcement
- Towing of vehicles violating parking zones (plus associated fines)
- Street sweeping and SWEEP enforcement
- New tiered residential parking permit fees
- Parking, photo, and/or minor moving violation tickets issued after June 1 will be subject to adjudication hearing timelines listed on the back of the ticket
Take Advantage of the Ticket Amnesty Program:
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Four Months of Ticket Amnesty - A four-month amnesty program has been launched to give drivers the opportunity to pay outstanding tickets for parking, photo enforcement (including speed, red-light, and stop sign), and minor moving violations.
During the amnesty period, drivers are still obligated to pay the original ticket amount; however, all penalties will be waived. At the end of the amnesty period, all penalties will be added back on all tickets.
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Travel Guidelines Updated Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend |
New from DC Health - After receiving resident and Council feedback, DC Health is no longer requiring a 7 day quarantine after domestic travel. Instead, the agency is promoting coronavirus testing upon return. For the fully updated travel guidance, please see: DC Health International & Domestic Travel Guidance. Below is the guidance posted for those engaging in domestic travel:
Fully Vaccinated People
- Fully vaccinated people (or people who tested positive for COVID-19 in the previous 90 days) may travel within the United States without the need for pre-or post-travel COVID-19 testing or travel-related quarantine, as long as they do not have symptoms of COVID-19
- It is recommended to bring your vaccination card with you while traveling in case documentation is requested
- People who have tested positive for COVID-19 more than 90 days ago and who are not vaccinated should follow directions for Unvaccinated or Partially people
Unvaccinated or Partially Vaccinated People
- Get a COVID-19 test 1-3 days before leaving on their trip AND
- Get a COVID-19 test 3-5 days after returning home from their trip
- Quarantine at home until test results return
- If you are experiencing symptoms, isolate at home until test results return
- If no test is done, unvaccinated people must self-quarantine for 10 day safter returning home
- Avoid being around unvaccinated people at high-risk for severe COVID-19 while your test result is pending or during your quarantine period if you choose not to get testing
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Ending this Update on a Happy Note:
The Fletcher's Cove Parkrun returns! (with Dr. Fauci!)
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Parkrun is Dr. Fauci-Approved - Last weekend marked the return of the Fletcher's Cove Parkrun (a free weekly community 5k run in Ward 3) with special guest, Dr. Anthony Fauci! The Fletcher's Cove Parkrun is held every Saturday morning at 9:00 am. To join the next run, volunteer, or learn more, please go to Fletcher's Cove Parkrun. |
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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 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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