District and MOAPIA News
Public Testing Sites for COVID-19
The District of Columbia is offering free, appointment-required testing for DC residents, individuals that work in a healthcare facility located in DC, and first responders of DC Government that are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, congestion, body aches, chills, runny nose).
Do I need to make an appointment?
- Yes. An appointment is required and must be scheduled beforehand.
- 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. An individual who does not pre-register will not receive a test.
Grocery sites at select locations across the District will serve students and their families
Mayor Muriel Bowser launched 10 weekday grocery distribution sites at District schools to help families access meals and other resources during the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency.
The sites are available to all families and are open Monday – Friday, 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Residents can pick up pre-packed grocery bags, which include fresh produce and dry goods. Groceries are being distributed on a first come, first served basis.
The Mayor also launched a COVID-19 Needs Hotline and Web Portal for residents to request food and other essential items be delivered to their homes if they have been directed by a medical provider to self-quarantine, or if they have no other means to acquire these items.
Eligible residents can call 1-888-349-8323 or visit coronavirus.dc.gov/gethelp to request assistance.
Social Distancing Protocols are required at all Retail Food Sellers
Guidelines for all "retail food sellers" in the District
- Post signs at the entrance telling customers to: wear a mask or mouth covering, avoid entering if they have symptoms of COVID-19, keep 6 feet apart from people who aren't in their household, cough or sneeze away from others and into a tissue or elbow, not shake hands or engage in unnecessary physical contact, quickly shop alone or with family
- Signs should also encourage people to shop online and give information for curbside and home delivery options
- Limit the number of people allowed inside at one time
- Require customers to stay 6 feet apart and create markers where there are lines to go inside or checkout
- Where possible, mark paths and require store aisles to be one-way
- Provide hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes at entry and exit ways
- Tell customers that if they can, they must fill their own bags at checkout
- Implement regular disinfection procedures for cleaning high-touch surface areas and post the procedures at the entrance
- Cease use of any hot-bars, salad bars or buffet-style stations
- Minimize bare hand contact with food and place signs encouraging customers to only touch what they intend to purchase
DC Residents Can Claim Unemployment Insurance
With Mayor Bowser adjusting the District of Columbia’s operating status in response to coronavirus (COVID-19), District residents may file for unemployment compensation at dcnetworks.org.
Getting Started: Qualification Scenarios for Unemployment Compensation During coronavirus (COVID-19) Event
To begin the process of filing for your unemployment benefits, you will need to have the following information available:
- Your social security number
- Your most recent 30-day employer's name, address, phone number and dates of employment
- Your Alien Registration Number, if you are not a US Citizen
- Your DD214, if you are ex-military
- Your Standard Form 8 or Standard Form 50, if you are a former Federal Employee
- Severance pay information (only applicable if you did or will receive severance pay)
- Pension
Start Your Unemployment Compensation Process
Claimant's Rights and Responsibilities Handbook (English, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese)
DC Businesses Can Now Apply for SBA Disaster Assistance Loans
DC businesses can apply for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster assistance loans. The SBA will provide targeted, low-interest loans to Washington, DC small businesses that have been severely impacted by COVID-19. The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to help qualified small businesses and private nonprofit organizations overcome the temporary loss of revenue as a result of the COVID-19 virus outbreak. These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.
Apply Online
Apply for Assistance What You'll Need to Apply
DC businesses can start the process by clicking here and then “Apply for Assistance.” You can prepare to apply by reviewing the “Three Step Process” of SBA Disaster Loans to understand what to expect in the application process.
Have Questions?
MOAPIA and DC Department of Behavioral Health presents COVID-19 Mental Health Workshop
The Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Community Development and MOAPIA hosted a joint Webinar event with the DC Department of Behavioral Health on April 10 to stress the importance of taking care of one’s mental health during this unprecedented time.
For those who missed the event, or would like to view it again, we have uploaded the event on our Facebook page and Youtube channel.
Please submit your feedback through this link.
 OHR Open and Operating Virtually Amid
COVID-19 Emergency
The DC Office of Human Rights (OHR) is still operational during this public health emergency. As of March 18, OHR is offering virtual services to the public throughout the duration of the District’s state of emergency. If you feel like you've been discriminated against in employment, housing, public accommodations or an educational institution based on 21 protected traits you can file a complaint online, by mail or by email.
COVID-19 does not discriminate, so neither should we. By upholding #DCValues, we can overcome this situation. Stay healthy and safe DC!
2020 Census Corner
Complete the 2020 Census Now!
Don’t wait! Complete the #2020Census today. It has never been easier to self-respond. Take a few minutes now to help shape DC’s future. Visit http://2020census.gov or call 1-844-330-2020 to #GetCountedDC!
 Language Assistance from the Census Bureau
Phone: Telephonic language support is available in English and 12 non-English languages, including Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Japanese, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. Through a toll-free Census Bureau phone number for each language, callers can get more information on the census, ask questions, and complete their census form over the phone.
Online: There also will be an option to complete your census form online. While the paper form is available in English and Spanish only, the internet self-response form is available in 12 non-English languages including Chinese (Simplified), Japanese, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. Check out the Language Guides.
|
