July 24, 2020
Dear Washingtonians,
As we continue through this public health emergency, I want to thank you for the sacrifices you continue to make and for our community's collective effort to stop the spread of this virus. I also want us to always remember our goals:
- We need to protect vulnerable people, including residents in congregate care settings.
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We need to prevent loss of life. This virus has caused a tremendous amount of anxiety, grief, and trauma, and every person who has succumb to the virus is a loss to our community and will be missed dearly by their friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors.
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We need to get our young people back in school. We don’t know what impact being out of school for months is having on children, but we know it can’t be good – academically, socially, or emotionally.
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We need to save small and local businesses – these businesses are the backbone of our economy and they represent the hopes and dreams of DC residents.
We must also remember that – collectively and individually – we are not helpless to stop the spread of the virus. By working together, we can contain the virus. Health experts agree that there are steps we can each take to protect ourselves and others:
- Wear a mask when you leave home (or if you have guests in your own home).
- Restrict your activities – just because you can do something doesn't mean you should.
- Always practice proper social distancing.
- Practice good hygiene, including washing your hands frequently.
This week I issued two Mayor's Orders that are intended to help us reach our goals and get this virus under control. The first Mayor's Order requires people in DC to wear a mask when you leave home (with a few exceptions). The second Mayor's Order, which I issued today, requires anyone coming into DC from a high-risk area who was not traveling for essential activities to self-quarantine for 14 days. Beginning Monday, July 27, DC Health will publish a list of high-risk areas on coronavirus.dc.gov and update it every two weeks. Travel to and from Maryland and Virginia is exempt from the order. You can read both Mayor's Orders at coronavirus.dc.gov/phasetwo.
Thank you for doing your part, DC. We will get through this together.
Sincerely,
 For the rest of the summer, the Anacostia, UDC-CC Bertie Backus campus, and Judiciary Square testing sites will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. (If the heat index hits 100 degrees, these sites will close.) Firehouse testing sites will continue to operate from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.
Residents are reminded: If you do not feel well or believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, you should call your health care provider, get tested, and, then stay home while you wait for your results to come back. Staying home while you wait for your results protects our community and will help stop the spread of the virus. Testing should not be used as a replacement for staying home.
Find a schedule of public testing sites HERE.
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 Mayor Bowser created the District of Columbia Facilities and Commemorative Expressions Working Group (DC FACES) to evaluate named public spaces in Washington, DC and provide recommended actions, including removing, renaming, and/or contextualizing buildings, public spaces, and monuments.
The working group will review the legacy of namesakes of District assets to determine if the individual, in an individual capacity or as part of a group, participated in the oppression of African Americans and/or other communities of color, or contributed to the nation’s history of systemic racism and other biases. The process includes a community engagement survey and outreach to external partners. The Working Group will present formal recommendations to the Mayor before Fall 2020.
Have an idea? Complete the survey HERE.
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 We need every person living in Washington, DC to get counted.
Fill out the Census and learn more at my2020Census.gov
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