From: Charles Allen <Charles@...>
Date: April 26, 2020 at 8:51:04 AM EDT
To: Antonia Herzog?
Subject: Ward 6 COVID-19 Update: 4-26-20

?

Click here to view this email as a webpage.? If you'd like to unsubscribe from these updates, click . Antonia -- At times, responding to this pandemic has been a bit like building the plane while flying it. Between rapidly expanding unemployment insurance, creating new business grants, and transitioning as many voters as possible from in-person voting to mail-in ballots, there are a lot of unprecedented and big changes happening fast. And, as you've probably noticed, it hasn't always gone smoothly. I know and share how frustrating this is. Trust me when I say these are issues my team and I, as well as thousands of DC government employees, are working to fix as quickly as possible. Please have patience, but also communicate with us about what you're seeing, especially if they are urgent issues for you. I know folks are anxious, are hurting, and may have urgent bills to pay. My whole team has been working hard to address and solve problems. I am confident we'll get these glitches fixed, but I know in the meantime, it's very frustrating and it can add to the anxiety we are all facing each day. Quick Links: Unemployment for Contractors and Gig Workers| Expanded Testing for COVID-19| What the District's Finances Look Like | Free Counseling "Warm Line" |Stay At Home Extended | How to Vote By Mail | Census, Census, Census?|?Volunteer With Neighborhood Groups | Community, Online?| Diapers Help | Groceries Help Unemployment Application for 1099 and Independent Contractors Now Open:?Starting Friday, DC's Department of Employment Services can accept applications for individuals who are self-employed or independent contractors. This comes following the Federal CARES act, which made the change to allow DC to provide unemployment insurance to this group of workers. Still, while the website has launched, it has some steps in the application that are causing confusion. A heads-up on a few issues we've seen:? As a matter of process, you need to fill out first DC's ?and then the??application. Please note, while DC's form will say you are ineligible -- your application will still be processed!? You will need to provide documentation of any 2019/2020 wages, which is a federal requirement. You can submit a 1099, tax return, or pay stub.? If you previously applied and were denied, you will need to re-apply.? PUA is effective January 27, 2020 through December 31, 2020. There's a technical glitch in the DC application when uploading Weekly Certificate Forms as part of enrolling in backpay. It seems like a good workaround is to print-to-PDF each form and upload each week's form as a PDF. Individuals who are typically ineligible for regular UI (i.e.?independent contractors, gig workers, those with insufficient work history) who cannot work due to COVID-19 are eligible for a maximum of 39 weeks of benefits, which includes $600 in Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC). Right now, it takes about 21 days to process unemployment claims and get benefits to residents. DC has brought a second call center online to process the claims, and that time is decreasing. DC Opens a Second Testing Site, Expands Testing to *Some* Asymptomatic Patients:?This week the Mayor announced the opening of a second public testing site in the District at UDC-Bertie Backus Campus is now available for public testing on Tuesdays and Thursdays for free. Additionally, eligibility for testing has been expanded by the Department of Health to include people who are not displaying any symptoms, but have been exposed to someone else diagnosed with COVID-19. Here's how to register for a test (you cannot do on-site registration):? An appointment is required and must be scheduled through the Testing Triage Call Center by calling 1-855-363-0333. The Testing Triage Call Center hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. The Call Center evaluation will include individuals answering pre-screening questions regarding their signs and symptoms. If the individual meets the testing criteria, the individual will receive additional information about testing and what to bring to the site on the day of their appointment. There is no on-site registration at UMC or UDC-CC Bertie Backus Campus. An individual who does not pre-register will not receive a test. Here is a link to all the places in the District offering testing: Update on the District's Finances:?On Friday afternoon, the Chief Financial Officer presented an updated look at the District's finances for the remainder of this year and next fiscal year. With so much of our economy on pause while we flatten the curve, the District is understandably taking a big financial hit. At the same time, we’re creating new spending to mitigate the fallout with expanded unemployment insurance, small business grants, and keeping a limited number of essential District services running. As we approach the budget process this year, it is shaping up to be a painful one. There are many questions with this news, and we don’t have all the answers yet, but I'll certainly be working on ways to engage Ward 6 residents to make sure your voice is heard and reflected in the decisions the Council ultimately makes. Also of concern, for the last few weeks, I’ve been saying the recovery is likely to take two more years - and the CFO’s analysis seems to support that. Here are a few top line items from the presentation:? The CFO is estimating this will be a two-year recovery on a very broad scale, changing our projected GDP growth from +2% to -3.8%.? Sales tax receipts will see the biggest drop, with essentially 56% of sales tax frozen.? The District is facing a $722 million loss this year and more than $1.2 billion next year. One way to think about this is the drop in revenue we are projecting has basically wiped out the growth the District experienced in the last three years combined. As a reminder, this is an estimated forecast. Like any other estimate, it is based on certain assumptions and predictions and it could change for the better or the worse. .? While this is obviously a very serious financial forecast, the District is entering this crisis in just about the best financial position we could. We had a full reserve fund to help in just such a crisis and carried significant surplus revenue from last year to this year.? Related: I'll be releasing my plan to take public input on the proposed budget for every agency under the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety shortly. Like every other aspect of life, we won't be able to hold traditional public hearings as everything will be streamed online. More to come, but we certainly want to hear from residents and advocacy groups on what the priorities are in a much tighter budget than in recent years. Feeling Stressed, Anxious, And Need to Talk? Talk with a clinician anytime in DC by calling 1-888-7WE-HELP (1-888-793-4397). It's hard right now. Even if you're staying in and working, it's hard. If you've lost a loved one or a friend or a job, it's hard. Talking it out helps. Here's information on how you can reach someone. This is a free service, considered a "warm line" meaning it's available just to help with stuff that might not rise to emergency, but it's certainly bothering you. It's okay to call and talk with someone who can offer a sympathetic ear and sound advice. Reminder - Stay At Home Extended Until May 15, School Year Ending May 29:?The Mayor has extended her Stay at Home order until May 15, which includes the closure and modifications for most businesses not deemed essential. I think we all knew this was inevitable, but it is still hard for all of us. I'd encourage you, as you are able, to keep supporting our local businesses with whatever purchases you need. We want them with us on the other side of this, but it's going to take both government and community support. And let this be a reminder, we aren't out of the woods by any means. Physical distancing is CRUCIAL right now as we head into higher demand on our health care system. Stay home. Save lives. Related: Wearing a face mask does not replace the need to stay six feet away from everyone else when you are out in public. And please limit your trips to essential trips only.?? Request Your Absentee Ballot Today. Glitches Are Being Worked Out:?The District has a Presidential and Local Primary Election coming up on June 2. We've dramatically shifted how DC residents can still vote. You can request a mail-in ballot and vote from your couch! There have been a few glitches that the Board of Elections is working to fix, but I'll flag them here so you know:? Most people are not receiving an email confirmation after requesting an absentee ballot. Your request has still been received. I recommend taking a screenshot of the confirmation page that does pop up after submitting your request. The Vote 4 DC App works much better on iPhones than Android phones. Unfortunately, I don't think that's something that will be fixed in time for this Primary Election. The Track My Ballot feature generally works, but it often takes a week or longer before it is updated with new requests. The Board of Elections has repeatedly assured residents their applications are being received. Ballots will be mailed out in early May. You must be a registered voter to receive a mail-in ballot. Here's where you can register:? If you have an issue, there are a few ways to engage BOE. On Twitter, tag . Over phone, you can call 202-741-5283.?Over email, send a note to?DCabsentee@.... Of course, let me and my team know if you're having issues. Take the Census! Take the Census! Take the Census!?Now that I've asked three times, will you take the Census if you haven't already? So much is at stake in how the Census counts different states' population changes - including funding levels for many federal programs. Take the Census now and ensure you and your family are counted in our community. Right now, ANC 6E (Shaw, Mt. Vernon Triangle) and ANC 6D (Southwest) are a little behind the rest of the Ward in participation - check out the map on participation rates as of mid-April to the right. But we can all do more! , which only takes about 10 minutes, from your home. If you are at home all day, take a moment and call a friend or neighbor, catch up with them, and remind them to do the Census. Community Events Happening Virtually!? Literary Hill Bookfest is Coming Up on May 3: Yes, Ward 6's Literary Hill Bookfest is still happening on May 3 - albeit virtually. !? Pearl Street Warehouse Free Streamed Shows: Itching for some live music? Pearl Street Warehouse has a schedule of streamed performances:? Folger Shakespeare Library Marked 200th Birthday Online: If you missed it, Ward 6's own Folger Shakespeare Theater had a day-long virtual celebration of Shakespeare's 200th birthday, including some very interesting conversations you can still find here. COVID-19 Resources in Ward 6: My staff and I are keeping a running list of resources available for Ward 6 residents on my website. That includes information on free daily meals for students and senior residents, free groceries and diapers, how to volunteer, how to get tested if you are symptomatic, and more.?If there's something you'd like to see added or corrected, reach out to Erik Salmi on my team (esalmi@...): ? Here's Who To Support Financially or By Volunteering: I know many folks are looking for ways to be helpful during these hard times. If you find yourself with a lot of time and you are healthy and able to volunteer, these are groups that can put you to work. I cannot emphasize enough, however, that if you are not feeling well at all, please do not volunteer. And if you are fortunate enough to be in a position to make donations, these are organizations helping put food on the table and meet other needs for your neighbors right here in Ward 6 and across the District: : Started by Ward 6 neighbor Allison McGill, this is a great effort pairing volunteers with residents who need help with a range of needs, including just someone to run to the store for them. : Started by Ward 6 neighbor Maurice Cook and Serve Your City, this is a group collecting and redistributing food and other essential items for neighbors.? : Organized by the DC Government, here's a way to help out as our medical response scales up. ?In need of volunteers to help keep running their many meal sites for kids in DC during school closures! Please fill out the linked survey. ?In critical need of volunteers to help sort?and pack?food in their warehouse and assist at their offsite food distributions ?In urgent need of extra volunteers throughout the coming weeks.?There are two volunteer opportunities, food preparation and packaging and meal and grocery delivery ?Volunteers with vehicles?needed to pick up and deliver food from businesses to DC residents in need ?Looking for volunteers to help feed the homeless each Saturday ?Volunteers needed to help prepare and bag food for their emergency food sites across the city ?Volunteer to deliver groceries to seniors.? ?Volunteer to drive groceries to seniors, immunocompromised, and other DC neighbors who are homebound. Volunteer?. ?Aunt Bertha’s network connects people seeking help and verified social care providers that serve them by zip code. Contact your local shelter to see what help and/or items may be needed Free diapers:? Greater DC Diaper Bank: Long a staple of the region (and founded by a Ward 6er), the Greater DC Diaper Bank helps low-income families meet the need for diapers.?. You can donate or support their work here: Free groceries for residents:? Ten DC School Sites Distributing Free Groceries Each Week: I mentioned this above, but sharing here as well. Ten DCPS meal locations are now distributing groceries as well as student meals. Every Monday is Eastern High School's day to distribute in Ward. Martha's Table: Daily grocery distribution at 2nd and H Street, from 5:15-5:45 pm. Donate here to support their work: ? Capital Area Food Bank: Behind many good nonprofits is the CAFB, supplying many groceries from bulk purchasing to food pantries across the region. Help them today:? Father McKenna Center Grocery Pantry Now Open: One of the programs partnering with the Capital Area Food Bank is the Father McKenna Center at 900 North Capitol St., NW. . H Street Food Drive for Ward 5-6 Neighbors: Contactless food/groceries available for neighbors who need some extra assistance. They?also offer contactless food delivery for anyone in the area that needs it, especially elderly, single parents, those with special needs.?Drop off or Send Non-Perishable Food Deliveries To:??| Attention: H ST. NE FOOD DRIVE |?1351 H ST. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002.?Send all monetary donations To:?PayPal:? |?Venmo:? Pick up at Maketto: 1351 H Street, NE Monday – Saturday: 7:30am – 9:30pm Sunday: 7:30am -5pm If in need of delivery assistance text 202-681-3532. Please Call 911 If You have Serious Health Emergencies: One of the challenges we are seeing is many people are hesitant to call 911 if it isn't related to COVID-19. Please, if you need emergency medical care, do not hesitate to call 911. .? Related: I can't believe I have to say this, but after the President floated the dangerous and wrong idea of injecting or consuming cleaning supplies or bleach to treat COVID-19, please, please, please do not put any cleaning products in your body. I don't care if he says he was being sarcastic, there's no excuse for that kind of reckless language. There is no known cure or vaccine and you won't find it under the kitchen sink.? Stay safe! Charles Allen ? -=-=- Councilmember Charles Allen · 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Suite 110, Washington, DC 20004, United States This email was sent to avherzog@.... Created with , software for leaders.

On 20 Mar 2020, at 17:02, Martha Stracener Dantzic <martha.dantzic@...> wrote:

?A useful email from ?Amber Gove, a Maury mom and the ANC6A04 rep. ?Maybe I’ll see you on the stoop in a few?!?

Begin forwarded message:

From: Amber Gove <amberanc6a@...>

Subject: ANC6A04 Update, with a few requests

Date: March 20, 2020 at 4:24:36 PM EDT

To: Amber Gove ANC6A04 <6A04@...>

Dear Neighbors,

I hope all are well and you are managing to get through this trying time. I don't want to add to your information overload but do want to ask a few things of you:

1) Check on your neighbors. Our neighborly networks are critical right now and not all of our residents are on the list-serves, Twitter or even email. If you are able to help, drop them a paper note with your contact information. I've had my mom (hi mom!) isolated from her grandkids since early last week. It is challenging for all of us, but absolutely necessary. One way you can socialize is to head out to your porch/front steps *tonight* at 5 PM for a socially distant happy hour.?

2) Stay home if at all possible. When you do go out, keep your distance. Keep kids off playground equipment (the city is working to close them all now)-- the virus can live for several days on playground surfaces. Instead try family bike rides, neighborhood walks and hikes. COVID-19 is already in our neighborhood--Maury parents received communication today that a student tested positive for the virus. DCPS is now closed through April 27.

3) Don't spread misinformation. There are lots of (perhaps too many) sources of information these days. You can see DC's official information at?? You can also sign up for email updates from our Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen:? ? If you find my emails are helpful, please let others know they can email me (AmberANC6A@...) to be added to my list.

4) Support our local small businesses by ordering for curbside delivery or take-out. If your financial situation permits, consider a gift card-- which works just like a no-interest loan from you to the store. Here are just a few shops that have been a lifeline for us:

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5) If you have N95 masks at home, please consider donating to one of our local hospitals.? Below is a note from a neighbor who works as an ER doctor. I'd be happy to collect from you to pass on to her--let me know.

Hi Amber!

Nice to see you tonight! I appreciate you willing to send a message out on the list serve for supplies. The local hospitals (and I’m pretty sure it’s nearly every hospital at this point) need N95 masks for the healthcare workers.? I’m certain donations would be graciously accepted if simply dropped off. If folks don’t feel comfortable with that I am happy to arrange to drop them off. I currently work at Inova Mt Vernon and Kaiser in Capitol Hill. I am certain my colleagues at Medstar, GW, Howard, Sibley, Suburban, Holy Cross etc would all be willing to take any donations as well. I have friends working at several area facilities and the story is the same everywhere - we need PPE (personal protective equipment). I encourage the public to donate any they may have sitting around from household projects and hobbies. Thank you for assisting with helping our healthcare workers!?

Wash your hands, don't touch your face, and be well.

Best,

Amber Gove

Chair, ANC6A

Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, ANC6A04

@AmberGove

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On Mar 14, 2020, at 10:38 AM, antoniaherzog2004 via Groups.Io <antoniaherzog2004@...> wrote:

? In case you don’t get Charles Allen’s updates. See below.

Plus consider using this group?list for any block?specific needs or updates in the coming weeks.

Stay well!

Antonia?

Begin forwarded message:

From: Charles Allen <Charles@...>
Date: March 14, 2020 at 8:00:17 AM EDT

?

to view this email as a webpage. To unsubscribe from future updates, click . Antonia -- As promised, I'm reaching back out with the latest information as the District takes steps to mitigate the spread and impact of coronavirus on our community. The actions and announcements over the last few days likely have many of us on edge and feeling anxious. During the coming week, our neighborhoods and city will feel different for each of us. Many of the decisions made have been hard to make and will require significant changes and sacrifices to your plans, family budget, and daily life. But each one of them is grounded in science and public health, and they are aimed not just at slowing the spread of COVID-19 but in saving lives. We will get through this -- don’t let fear of the unknown overwhelm you. I’ve already seen neighbors coming together, not through fear or panic, but with an urgent commitment to look after the family member, neighbor, or stranger who is more vulnerable than themself. We will need that spirit in the days and weeks to come, but I’m proud of what I’ve already seen on display. I won’t pretend to have all of the answers yet either, but I am committed to providing leadership and information as we face this challenge together. That being said, apologies in advance for the length of this email... DCPS Announces Closures Beginning Monday, March 16 thru March 31 This is a big update I know many parents have been anxiously waiting to hear about. . Here's how those days breakdown: DCPS will keep Monday, March 16 as a professional development day. Spring Break will move up from April to take place March 17-23.? March 24-31 students will participate in distance learning. I know many Ward 6 families also have DC Public Charter School students. Each school will be making their own decisions, but the Mayor has urged every LEA to follow DCPS's schedule for simplicity. . During the closure period, there will be daily meals for students served at multiple schools, including three in Ward 6.? Jefferson Middle School (801 7th St., SW) Eastern High School (1700 East Capitol Street, NE) Walker-Jones Education Campus (1125 New Jersey Avenue, NW) Full list:? **These meals are available for ALL students, regardless of what school they attend. There is no need to present a student ID.** Finally, passing on this offer from Comcast that is offering two months free for the Internet Essentials service for low-income families, seniors, and veterans. . Updates on Coronavirus Testing and Response Since my last note, a lot has changed as more and more organizations and government agencies have taken steps to either close or significantly reduce gatherings of people in order to slow the spread and .? As it has been , the US is far behind in the availability of full test kits and processing, challenges that are beyond the control of the District or any other states largely, though the private market is quickly stepping in with testing. This means we have a lagging indicator of just how widespread the coronavirus is. In the coming days we will see the picture get more clear as more and more private labs get online and testing results speed up - as you see confirmed cases grow, know this is why we've taken so many steps to minimize spread through social distancing.? The website??will continue to be the central site to follow for data updates. If you want to share information in your organization, community, or otherwise, the is helpful and has downloadable fliers and graphics. For now, exercising caution and sound judgment is the best course of action along with great hand-washing, surface cleaning, sneezing and handshake protocols. You should absolutely contact your primary care doctor if you are concerned about your symptoms.? As far as planning and operations for many city services, such as trash pick-up, policing, fire and EMS, DC Jail, and our Courts - these functions will not cease, but there are ongoing plans around how these core services are delivered to ensure staff and public safety. Update on District City Services All of this can change quickly, but here is where we stand on essential and regular city services:? Trash and Recycling Collection: Will continue as normal, DPW employees will be wearing gloves and masks. Please ensure your trash is self-contained and easy to transfer from the bin to the truck.? Police, Fire, and EMS: We are taking steps to ensure personal protective equipment is available for all of our first responders. Right now, there are supply chain issues globally on some of these items, but we are working to help agencies resolve those issues as fast as possible. I have been in very regular contact with our first responder agencies and union representatives to make sure they are getting all of the support they need. WMATA: Beginning Monday, WMATA will transition to a reduced hours schedule for both Metrorail and Metrobus. . DC Public Libraries: DC Public Libraries will be closed as well beginning Wednesday, April 1. Here's what DCPL has provided: "All DC Public Libraries will close on Monday, Mar. 16 and reopen on Wednesday, Apr. 1. The Library will be locking all book drops so please keep borrowed items until the Library reopens. All late fees will be waived and hold expirations?will be extended. We invite you to explore our digital offerings by visiting . Please continue to visit our website for updates to our operating schedule. You can also follow the library on social media including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram." DC Courts and Jury Duty: for anyone with business at the Superior Court, including potential jurors. Corrections, Elections, and Other Judiciary Committee Agencies: We are in frequent communication with every agency under the Judiciary Committee’s oversight, including our elections and criminal justice agencies. In terms of the D.C. Jail facilities, the current status is operational, and the Department of Corrections is screening all visitors and at intake and increasing cleaning of its facilities for residents and staff. More information is about the Department’s safety procedures. In terms of our elections, we are speaking with the agency at least daily about potential changes necessary for the upcoming June elections. Emergency Legislation Coming Tuesday On Tuesday, the Council will convene to vote on emergency legislation to make immediate adjustments in response to the coronavirus emergency. I'll highlight some of the broad goals below, but some of the specific details are subject to change ahead of Tuesday. And please keep in mind this is only the first of many steps that the Council will likely take to help District residents in the coming months.? Protections for workers Ensures that someone who self-quarantines, or whose hours are reduced because of COVID-19—including when a business?shuts?down—can receive unemployment insurance. Allows all employees who are told to self-quarantine or who test positive for COVID-19 to receive benefits under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Currently?only employers with 20 or more employees have to provide this leave. This is not necessarily paid leave, but it does mean employees gets up to 16 weeks of medical leave (every 2 years) without fear of losing their job. Small Businesses Allows all businesses to delay?monthly sales tax filing by up to 90 days. Sales taxes still must be paid in full by the end of the year. Creates a “public health emergency grant program.” Under this program, the Mayor would give grants to small businesses that lose business due to COVID-19 closures and restrictions. Grants can be used for employees’ wages and benefits, operating costs, or to repay SBA loans. Consumer protections Allows the Mayor to prohibit price gouging during the COVID-19 emergency. Prohibits disconnection of electric, gas, and water service during this emergency. Prohibits evictions during this public health emergency. Allows folks to get a large enough supply of necessary prescription medication to get through the COVID-19 public health emergency. The Boards of Medicine and Pharmacy will need to create rules for pharmacists, so this may not be available right away. Allows the Mayor to waive any provisions of law necessary to ensure folks don’t lose public benefits during a public health emergency. Allows the Mayor to waive requirements to re-certify licenses in person—including driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, and professional licenses. Government operations Allows ANCs, Boards, and Commissions to cancel required monthly meetings during a public health emergency. Gives the Mayor more time to transmit her proposed budget to the Council. As you may know, the Council was about to receive the Mayor's proposed budget. The Council is legally required to approve the budget about 3 months later. Given the need to respond to coronavirus, it didn’t make sense to prioritize the budget over the next few months. We will take up the budget when we have been able to appropriately respond to the COVID-19 emergency. Allows remote voting for Council meetings. In the event that Councilmembers cannot or should not meet in person, this would allow the Council to still take care of official business. Public health emergency clarifications Clarifies legal protections for healthcare providers who help?implement the District’s response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Allows the Mayor to declare a public health emergency that lasts 30 days and, with the Council’s approval, to extend the emergency by 30 days at a time. Currently, that’s only 15 days. Finally, a number of folks want to know how they can volunteer and help. , which is being organized by Ward 6ers separate of any local government activity. It’s inspiring to see folks step up, and I encourage you get involved. They are organizing efforts in a way to help vulnerable or older neighbors that need help; and they’re using strategies to ensure low and no contact where warranted. Thank you. The situation will continue to evolve rapidly and our response will continue to move with it. Please stay tuned to local news. My team and I will also do our best to share new info on our office social media accounts:? Contacting Me and my Team:?On Friday, my team and I tested our office’s ability to work remotely and still serve Ward 6 in anticipation of needing to transition more of the Council’s regular functions to tele-work. There is still official business that will take place at the Wilson Building, but we’ve got things set up so that you can still call the main office line 202-724-8072 to reach a staff member immediately during normal business hours or . Charles Allen ? -=-=- Councilmember Charles Allen · 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Suite 110, Washington, DC 20004, United States This email was sent to avherzog@.... To stop receiving emails, . You can also keep up with Charles Allen on . -=-=- Created with , software for leaders.