December 23, 2021
Dear Washingtonians,
As we go into the final days of 2021, I want to wish you a safe and happy holiday season. Whether you already celebrated Hanukkah or whether you’ll be celebrating Christmas and Kwanzaa, I hope this season brings you plenty of joy and time with loved ones.
Let’s close out 2021 strong. Make sure all the people five and older in your circles are vaccinated. Spread the word: boosters are best. Fully vaccinated people who are boosted are the least likely to get COVID-19, the least likely to get hospitalized due to COVID-19, and the least likely to die from COVID-19. Use testing to know your status and the status of the people you're gathering with. Choose your activities wisely. Wear masks. When you go out or visit with family, understand your risk and the risk of the people around you and act accordingly.
We've learned a lot over the past two years—vaccines prevent severe illness and death, boosters are important, masks work, testing is an important tool for stopping the spread, outdoors is safer than indoors, and staying home when you're sick is important. Use all of these lessons to protect yourself and your loved ones.
The vaccines are one of the greatest gifts we’ve received over the past year. And the more people who get vaccinated and boosted, the more proof we have that they are working to save lives and keep people out of the hospital. So, let’s keep doing what we need to do to stay healthy, to protect each other, and to protect our healthcare system. And, together, we can go into 2022 ready to double-down on the comeback DC deserves.
Have a safe and very merry Christmas, DC.
Sincerely,
This week, Mayor Bowser announced a seven-point COVID-19 action plan to address the recent surge in COVID-19 cases.
 This week, DC expanded access to free at-home PCR tests and free rapid antigen tests. Mayor Bowser also directed DC Health to order more than six million rapid antigen tests. On Wednesday, DC Health distributed approximately 24,000 rapid antigen test kits and 22,000 PCR test kits to residents.
After using a rapid antigen test, residents should report their results to DC Health at coronavirus.dc.gov/overthecounter.
Learn more at coronavirus.dc.gov/testing.
 Mayor Bowser has reinstated the indoor mask mandate until January 31, 2022 at 6:00 a.m.
 All employees, contractors, interns, and grantees of DC Government will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and boosted. There will be no test-out option.
 The District is creating COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Centers. Theses centers will give residents more certainty in where and when to find testing and vaccines and allow DC Health to flex hours as needed. The goal is to start opening centers in the second half of January, with at least one center per ward. The District is calling on property owners with potential sites to work with the DC Government to use those sites as Testing and Vaccination centers. Property owners interested in participating can reach out to DC Government at retailspace.dc.gov.
 Mayor Bowser and Chancellor Ferebee announced that DC Public Schools will be closed for instruction on Monday, January 3 and Tuesday, January 4. Staff and families will use those days to pick up rapid antigen tests.
 Everyone should do their part to protect themselves, our community, and the healthcare system. Get vaccinated and boosted. Take advantage of DC's robust testing system. Wear masks indoors, even at small gatherings. If you feel sick, stay home. If you test positive for COVID-19, isolate yourself. And, of course, choose your activities wisely.
 Beginning Saturday, January 15, 2022, at 6:00 a.m., certain establishments will be required to verify that patrons ages 12 and older have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Proof of vaccination will be required at:
- Restaurants, bars, nightclubs
- Indoor cultural and entertainment facilities
- Indoor exercise and recreational establishments
- Indoor event and meeting establishments
Learn more HERE.
 On Saturday, January 1, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., Mayor Bowser will kick off the New Year by hosting her 8th annual #FITDC Fresh Start 5K. This year’s race will take place at the scenic Anacostia Park.
The Fresh Start 5K is free and open to people of all ages. As always, Mayor Bowser will be in attendance to welcome eventgoers and participate in the 5K. Each participant will receive a #FITDC Fresh Start t-shirt, runner’s bib, and other giveaways courtesy of the 5K presenting partner, AETNA.
Register for the 5K at fitdcfreshstart5k.com
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