Neighbors,
I hope that this finds you safe and healthy during this most difficult time. I send my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the people who have lost loved ones due to COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live and will have a lasting impact on our families and community. The District has a sustained low positivity rate, hospital capacity low enough to accommodate a COVID-19 surge, and the ability to conduct contact tracing, however the reality is that COVID-19 remains a threat to our public health. COVID-19 has shown a disproportionate impact among residents of color specifically black people with a 49% positivity rate and 74% of the COVID-19 related deaths being black people.
I encourage all residents to continue to follow the guidance of DC Health and safely share information about COVID-19 related resources with neighbors. The Mayor has issued an order requiring residents to wear mask or face covering when in public unless residents are vigorously exercising, actively eating or drinking, or 3 years old or younger. The District now has free public testing available for District residents 7 days a week. Additionally, District residents who are home bound because of COVID-19 can request support from the District for food and other essential items by calling 1-888-349-8323.
When the public emergency began in March of this year, I don’t know that many of us anticipated how long it may last, and we still do not have that answer. The Mayor’s current order takes us through October 9th. For so many this has been both a health crisis as well as an economic crisis, with many out of work, under-employed, small business owners struggling and challenges with childcare and education access for our children.
I remain focused on these concerns and ask that you to reach out to our office so that we may continue to work together to tackle these challenges.
For more information on the Districts response to COVID-19 please visit coronavirus.dc.gov.
In service,
Kenyan |