December 31, 2021
Dear Washingtonians,
Going into 2022, I want to thank our healthcare workers, teachers, and all the unsung heroes who have helped us keep our city going — DPW workers, food service providers, and so many others. Through all the ups and downs of the pandemic, our community has stuck together and we go into the new year ready to make the comeback DC deserves.
To start the year off strong, next week, all DC Public Schools students and staff will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test before returning to school on Wednesday, January 5.
And we're making it easy for families to pick up rapid tests and submit their child's results:
- First, families will be able to pick up an iHealth rapid antigen test at any DCPS school on Monday or Tuesday. Tests will be available for pickup at schools on Monday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Second, families will administer the rapid test on Tuesday, January 4. Only tests administered on Tuesday, January 4 will be accepted.
- Third, families will submit a photo of their test results to dcps.dc.gov/safereturn on Tuesday, January 4 by 4:00 p.m.
If families want to get a head start on picking up a rapid antigen test, tests will be available at four firehouses on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from noon until 4:00 p.m.:
- Engine 4 at 2531 Sherman Avenue NW
- Engine 8 at 1520 C Street SE
- Engine 31 at 4930 Connecticut Avenue NW
- Engine 33 at 101 Atlantic Street SE
On Monday, the Southwest Library will also open as the ninth library that will distribute rapid antigen tests.
So, whether you have kids in DCPS or you just want to support a safe return to school, help us spread the word about where and when to pick up and administer a rapid antigen test.
Celebrate tonight safely. And if you're not yet vaccinated or not yet boosted, make that your first New Year's resolution.
Happy New Year, DC.
Sincerely,
 The annual Fresh Start 5K on New Year’s Day, originally scheduled to be held in person at Anacostia Park, is now virtual! Pick any spot across DC to walk or run a 5K.
Find suggested 5K routes at fitdcfreshstart5k.com.
Back to Top
 According to recent CDC data:
- Fully vaccinated people with boosters are 10 times less likely than unvaccinated people to get infected with COVID-19.
- Fully vaccinated people with boosters are 2.5 times less likely to get infected with COVID-19 than fully vaccinated people without boosters, and 4 times less likely to die from COVID-19.
-
Fully vaccinated people with boosters are 20 times less likely than unvaccinated people to die from COVID-19.
Additionally, now, anyone 65 and older can move to the front of the line at all District-operated walk-up sites listed on vaccinate.dc.gov.
Find more places to get vaccinated or boosted at vaccines.gov.
Back to Top
 Between January 3 and February 28, the Department of Public Works (DPW) will collect Christmas trees and holiday greenery from homes that receive DPW curbside pickup. Trees and greenery can be left at the normal point of collection for trash and recycling or at the curbside. Items collected during this period will be composted; in the spring, the mulch will be provided to residents at no cost.
Learn more HERE.
Back to Top
|
