July Newsletter

District of Columbia sent this bulletin at 07/29/2020 06:10 PM EDT

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July 2020

Summer Sizzle

Mayor Bowser recently announced that the District is in Phase Two of its reopening plan in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) Public Health Emergency. The Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV) is operational. We have implemented an online scheduling system to enable customers to make an appointment with DFHV Client Services to apply for or renew a Face ID, renew Company Operating Authority, submit One Stop Vehicle Registration, submit a DTS Application, or access Lost & Found services. Safety protocols are in place including a mask requirement, protective shields and complimentary hand sanitizer. DFHV is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday (except holidays). To make an appointment just go to DFHV.dc.gov/appointment. You can reach us on (202) 645-7300 or send email to DFHV.ClientServices@dc.gov.

A quick reminder to drivers that if you have not yet completed our Taxi Driver Survey, please take a few minutes to let us know how COVID-19 has impacted your business. We continue to monitor the for-hire industry and develop plans to support safe transportation options to serve the city’s residents and visitors during this unprecedented time.

Taxi drivers should stay tuned for DTS Open Season which runs from August 1 to August 31. Vehicle owners are able to choose from among the approved Digital Taxicab Solutions (DTS) Providers that service District taxicabs with digital taximeters. Vehicle owners are advised to carefully evaluate the options and terms to find the DTS Provider that best fits their business needs.

Summertime has arrived in the District and the heat is on! The recent string of 20 consecutive days of temperatures of 90 degrees or more tied the previous record. When the temperature or heat index in the District reaches 92 degrees, the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA), implement the Heat Emergency Plan and activate cooling centers for residents to seek relief. Residents and visitors are reminded to take extra steps to beat the heat by staying in the shade or air-conditioning, drinking plenty of water and visiting a cooling center.

Finally, please continue to care for each other as the virus still exists. Follow these guidelines - wear masks in for-hire vehicles and in public places, practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently, and stay home when you are sick. We need all of us to help.

Stay safe. Stay informed. Visit coronavirus.dc.gov

Driver Resources

DFHV is taking steps during to support for-hire drivers, vehicle owners, and businesses in the for-hire industry. You can take advantage of useful free resources including financial and unemployment assistance, food delivery opportunities, health care, legal services, and more. Click here to learn more

Are you interested in getting a protective barrier? Click here

Safe Riding

Mayor Bowser issued Mayor’s Order 2020-080 to require all for-hire drivers and their passengers to wear a cloth face covering at all times. Customers should handle their own baggage and use contactless payment options when possible. Remember to wash hands with soap and water frequently and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Drivers should carry tissues in their vehicle.

If customers refuse to comply with safety measures, drivers may report this concern to your taxi company operator, your app rideshare company, and/or the authorities, as appropriate. If you feel uncomfortable with providing transport to a visibly sick customer for safety reasons, you can choose to refuse transport. However, discrimination against customers on the basis of race, national origin, or other reasons as described in your company’s policies, local, state, and federal law, is not allowed.

For further guidance visit coronavirus.dc.gov/healthguidance

Free Testing

Please be advised that any DC residents, 6 years of age and older, experiencing any COVID-19 symptom (fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, congestion, body aches, chills, runny nose) or with known exposure to COVID-19 should get a COVID-19 test. You DO NOT need a doctor's note for any of the walk-in sites. Remember that testing and quarantine go together. So, while waiting for results, protect our community by staying home.

Stay up to date with the latest information at coronavirus.dc.gov

Department of For-Hire Vehicles

2235 Shannon Place, SE, Suite 3001

Washington, DC 20020

202.645.7300

dfhv.dc.gov