today's Ward 5 Report: Ward 5 Comes Together in the Face of Crisis

From: Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie <kmcduffie@dccouncil.us> 

Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2020 2:33 PM
Subject: Ward 5 Report: Ward 5 Comes Together in the Face of Crisis

View this email in your browser Neighbors, The events of the two weeks have been unsettling and challenging. We are facing an unparalleled public health crisis. In the face of it, the city has taken unprecedented action to keep our residents safe and slow the spread of the coronavirus. While it is true that we find ourselves in uncharted territory, I have found hope and optimism in seeing all branches of government, community members, and businesses come together to find solutions during this time of crisis. We are stronger together as a community, and we will continue to draw on our shared commitment to our community as we pull through this crisis. In service, Kenyan For details and the latest updates on the District's response to coronavirus, visit http://coronavirus.dc.gov.  In this issue of the Ward 5 Report: Latest on Coronavirus Response The Ward 5 Office is Teleworking Legislative Update Kenyan in the Community Kenyan in the News DC Public Schools Distance Learning Update Meals for Seniors Meal Sites for Students DC Library Digital Resources Stay #FITDC from Home Latest on Coronavirus Response The Metropolitan Police Department announced a series of operational adjustments in light of the public health emergency.  On Wednesday, March 18, 2020, the DC Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board voted to suspend the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Restaurants are now permitted to sell sealed beer, wine, and spirits through carryout and delivery if ordered with food. Click here to register to sell beer, wine, and spirits through carryout/delivery. Unemployment Insurance is open to District residents impacted by the public health emergency. To begin filing for unemployment compensation, visit http://dcnetworks.org.  The Ward 5 Office is Teleworking During this time of social distancing, Councilmember McDuffie and staff are teleworking to the largest extent possible. However, they remain hard at work on behalf of Ward 5 residents. You can still call (202) 724-8028 or email any staff.  Legislative Update Among other provisions, the COVID-19 Response Emergency Amendment Act of 2020 includes: Prohibit evictions and the disconnection of gas, water, and electric service for the duration of the mayor’s public health emergency. Expand unemployment insurance to include both workers who are quarantined, self-quarantined, or if their employer has ceased or reduced operations at the recommendation of the DC Department of Health. Tax relief for business currently facing a March 20 tax payment deadline. The legislation will allow for taxes that businesses are required to remit to the District to be paid up to 90 days late without penalty. Create a Public Health Emergency Grant Program for eligible small businesses. Businesses that demonstrate financial distress caused by the reduction of business as a result of the public health emergency would be eligible for grants to cover employee wages and benefits, including benefits & health insurance; operating costs of the business; and repayment of loans obtained through the United States Small Business Administration. Loosening of time restrictions of prescription refills so residents can access larger quantities of their medications. Kenyan in the Community Kenyan in the News In the past week, Councilmember McDuffie has dialed in to talk with Angie Ange, Joe Clair, and DJ Quicksilva. He is providing updates on what the District is doing to mitigate the impact of coronavirus and what residents can do to keep themselves and our communities safe. In addition, Councilmember McDuffie was included in the following reporting: WAMU: “There’s no way we’re going to be able to meet the vast needs of every worker and business,” said Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (D-Ward 5). “Our goal here is not to pick winners or losers, simply to help as many people as possible with the limited resources that exist.” Washington Informer: “While it is true that we find ourselves in unchartered territory, I have found hope and optimism in seeing all branches of government, businesses, residents, and staff come together to find solutions during this time of crisis,” said McDuffie, also chair of the D.C. Council Committee on Business and Economic Development. Jonetta Rose Barras, The DC Line: “While many of [the] provisions will undoubtedly go a long way in supporting residents, employees and employers, I know that, unfortunately, this emergency measure cannot meet the vast and varied needs of every worker or every member of the small business community,” said Council Chairman Pro Tempore Kenyan McDuffie, echoing the sentiments of his colleagues.  Small Business Spotlight: Small Business Resources DC Public Schools Distance Learning Update Distance learning will start next week on Tuesday, March 24 after Spring Break (March 17 to March 23.) DCPS prepared printed packets of materials for every grade level from Pre-K through 8th grade and each graduation requirement course for 9-12th grade. Some students may have already received these materials last week from their teachers prior to closing for Spring Break, but we will have official times to receive printed packets this week. DCPS families can pick up hardcopies of distance learning materials at their school on the following days between 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.: Thursday, March 19 Friday, March 20 Monday, March 23 More information will be shared directly by your school principal and teachers. Distance learning materials will also be available online starting Friday, March 20. For the latest information and complete details, visit: https://dcps.dc.gov/coronavirus. Meals for Seniors Information on how seniors can access meals is available here. If you have questions, you can call the Department on Aging and Community Living (DACL) hotline at (202) 724-5626. This is where seniors should call about meals. Right now DACL is focusing on our most vulnerable folks and the folks who normally rely on them for a meal; however, the call center will do a quick assessment with the caller and connect them to either the meal program or other programs. Meal Sites for Students Meals are available for all students every weekday at locations throughout the city. See Ward 5 and nearby Ward 5 locations listed above or visit https://coronavirus.dc.gov/mealsites. DC Library Digital Resources The DC Public Library is hosting special online programs and events over the next three weeks to help people remain connected as the District encourages social distancing. There's a book club centered on Elizabeth Acevedo's novel "With the Fire on High" and over 15 million free online movies, eBooks, and more.  Stay #FITDC from Home Mayor Bowser and DPR will be broadcasting #FITDC workouts every weekday at 9:00 am on DCN Channel 16 and Mayor Bowser's Facebook page.