March 24 Coronavirus Response Update - Small Business Grants Open, the National Arboretum Closed, and DC Gov Limits In-Person Services

From: Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie 

Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2020 6:50 PM
Subject: March 24 Coronavirus Response Update - Small Business Grants Open, the National Arboretum Closed, and DC Gov Limits In-Person Services

View this email in your browser Below are today's updates on the District's response to the coronavirus pandemic. For the latest and most comprehensive information always visit http://coronavirus.dc.gov. Small Businesses Grants Open DC to Close All Nonessential Businesses USDA Closes Public Access to U.S. National Arboretum District Closes In-Person Customer Service Centers to Protect Residents and Government Workers Mayor Bowser, DC Education Leaders Highlight the Start of Distance Learning and Launch Digital Equity Fund Grocery Stores Keeping Senior Hours Applying for Unemployment Assistance DC Medical Reserve Corps Food Pantry this Thursday, March 26 Small Businesses Grants Open DC to Close All Nonessential Businesses Mayor Muriel Bowser said she will order the closure of nonessential businesses such as salons, barbershops, tattoo parlors and tanning salons, similar to orders issued Monday in Maryland and Virginia. USDA Closes Public Access to U.S. National Arboretum In a continued effort to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service will close public access to all areas of the U.S. National Arboretum. Effective today, the grounds and outdoor garden collections will be closed, and all activities and tours have been cancelled until further notice. The Administration Building/Visitor Center along with the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum were closed as of March 14. Employees will have access to the facility to continue the important botanical research and to care for the arboretum’s gardens and collections. District Closes In-Person Customer Service Centers to Protect Residents and Government Workers Today, the Bowser Administration announced new modifications in the operations of three District Government agencies in order to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). In-person customer service centers at the Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, and Department of Transportation will be closed effective Wednesday, March 25. Mayor Bowser also extended deadlines for government documents, inspections, and other requirements. Mayor Bowser, DC Education Leaders Highlight the Start of Distance Learning and Launch Digital Equity Fund Today, the first day of distance learning at the District’s public schools, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a new DC Education Equity Fund. The fund is a collaboration between Education Forward DC, the DC Public Education Fund, and the Greater Washington Community Foundation, and will assist with providing resources and support to students, educators, and schools during distance learning. The fund will be used to increase access to internet access and purchase digital devices. Grocery Stores Keeping Senior Hours Applying for Unemployment Assistance DC Medical Reserve Corps The mayor is asking for volunteers for the DC Medical Reserve Corps! The District of Columbia (DC) Medical Reserve Corps (DC MRC) supports the DC Department of Health (DC Health) in its role as lead for public health and medical emergency preparedness. The DC MRC is open to medical and non-medical volunteers 18 years of age and older. Whether you are retired, active in your profession, a community member, or a student, we need your assistance in the DC MRC. Volunteers receive free training. There is a growing need for volunteers with medical experience. More information is available here: https://dchealth.dc.gov/mrc Food Pantry this Thursday, March 26