Stop the Spread of COVID-19

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@TeamMuriel
 
Muriel Bowser Ward 4
 
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John A. Wilson Building

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004

 

Phone: (202) 727-2643
Email: muriel.bowser@dc.gov

Chief of Staff:
John Falcicchio

City Administrator:
Rashad Young

Director of the Mayor's Office of Legal Counsel:
Ronald R. Ross

Senior Advisor:
Beverly Perry
 
Director of Mayor's Office of Community Affairs:
Lamont Akins

Director of Mayor's Office of Community Relations and Services:
Julia Irving

Scheduling Requests:
mayor.dc.gov/page/invite-mayor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 15, 2020

Dear Washingtonians, 

This week, I extended our Stay-at-Home Order through June 8. As we continue to monitor the data, I can revise this order at any time to reflect a phased reopening. In extending the Stay-at-Home Order, I also shared more information about the metrics we are using to determine when we can begin a safe and sustainable reopening.

One of the metrics we are monitoring closely is the spread of COVID-19 through our city. To get to the point where we are ready to reopen, we need to see a sustained decrease in community spread for at least 14 days. Today, we reported that we are at five days

We are making progress, but we still have more work to do to stop the spread of the virus, and each of us has a role to play in reaching 14 days of sustained decline. I know that as the weeks go on, it can be frustrating to continue staying home. But staying home is saving lives, and if we stay home now and get control of the virus, then we can have a safer and more successful reopening later. What we don't want to do is open prematurely and erase all the progress we have spent weeks making. We have sacrificed too much to go backward.

So, how can you help?

  • Continue to stay home. Get fresh air, but do so close to home and avoid crowded areas.
  • Get in the habit of wearing a mask. Masks will now be required in all essential businesses, rideshares, and on public transportation. Public health experts tell us that the use of masks and face coverings can help stop the spread of the virus. That means that wearing masks can save lives, move us closer to reopening, and, once we do reopen, masks will help us stay open.  
  • Continue to practice social distancing and continue to wash your hands frequently. Remember: wearing a mask is not a substitute for social distancing. 
  • If you feel sick, call your doctor or the COVID-19 testing hotline.
  • If you have tested positive for COVID-19, isolate yourself properly, including from other people in your home. If you cannot properly isolate at home and need a safe place to stay, call us at 1-888-349-8323.

DC, I know we are all eager to get to the other side of this – to see our friends and family, get back to work, and get our children back to school. I want you to know that I am proud of our city’s response. If there is a city or state with the values and resiliency to get through this and come out stronger, it is Washington, DC.

Stay safe and stay healthy.

Sincerely, 

Muriel Bowser