May 21, 2021
Dear Washingtonians,
On Saturday, May 1, more than 1,000 volunteers came out to help neighbors across DC make a plan to get vaccinated. Tomorrow, we will canvass the city again — at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. — and we want you to join us. Now that we have enough vaccine for every resident who wants one, we know that many vaccinations will happen because of conversations between friends, family, and neighbors. Joining us for the Day of Action is an opportunity to share your experience with getting vaccinated with neighbors who might still have questions or concerns.
While we're out, we'll make sure people know:
- All people 12 and older are eligible to take the vaccine
- The vaccines are safe, free, and available at walk-up sites across DC
- Now that most capacity limits and restrictions have been lifted in DC, being vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 while enjoying all DC has to offer
We will also share information about how residents can get help paying rent and utility bills through the STAY DC program. We need any resident struggling to pay their bills to know that through STAY DC they can get:
- 12 months of back rent paid
- 3-6 months of forward rent paid
- utility (gas, water, and electricity) bills paid
If you want to help us spread the word, go to bit.ly/dayofactiondc and sign up for a canvassing shift.
Sincerely,
 Previously – before we had a vaccine – the best way to protect yourself was to wear a mask, social distance, and wash your hands frequently. Now, the best way to protect yourself is to be fully vaccinated.
As of this week, in DC, fully vaccinated people only need to wear masks or social distance in places where it is required.
However, even if you are fully vaccinated, continue to take a mask with you when you leave home. And respect the signs at the places you’re visiting. If a business posts a sign indicating that masks are required, then you must wear a mask.
If you are not yet vaccinated or not yet fully vaccinated, protect yourself and other people by continuing to wear a mask when you leave home.
For now, all people are still required to wear a mask in the following places:
- On the Metro, on buses, and in taxis and ride shares
- Also, on an airplane or at a transportation hub such as an airport or train station
- Schools and childcare facilities
- Healthcare settings
- When required to per workplace or establishment policies
- DC Government buildings
- Homeless shelters
- Correctional facilities
Read DC Health's full mask guidance HERE.
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 On June 1, the DC Public Library will increase occupancy at all open locations. Customers will be allowed to browse the collection and sit at a table or in lounge areas to read, study, or work. The Library will also expand the number of public computers available and extend the sessions from 45 minutes to 70 minutes.
Learn more HERE.
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 This week, during Mental Health Awareness Month, Mayor Bowser announced that the District is launching a pilot program to shift 911 calls for emergency mental health services from an automatic police dispatch to a dispatch inclusive of a mental health crisis response.
The pilot is a partnership between the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, the Office of the City Administrator, the Office of Unified Communications, and the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH). During the pilot, DBH’s Community Response Teams will serve as specialized, rapid response units to be dispatched to mental health-related 911 calls instead of automatically deploying police officers.
Learn more HERE.
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