DC Government

“Mayor Bowser Announces Expansion of COVID-19 Testing Infrastructure for DC Public Schools Students and Staff”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Diane Krauthamer

Ed. Note: Also a request for Rapid COVID-19 tests? “Wondering if anyone knows of any places in DC to get a rapid COVID test? I know Preston’s Pharmacy in Arlington offers the test, but curious to know what some other options might be.”

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Mayor Bowser outlined new asymptomatic coronavirus (COVID-19) testing protocols for students and staff participating in DC Public Schools (DCPS) in-person programming. This pilot for schools with CARE or In-Person Learning Classrooms will include in-school testing for students and mailed testing kits for staff. The pilot will begin next week, and tests are at no cost to students or staff.

“We are proud of the very robust testing system we have built in DC, and now we can use that infrastructure to support this program,” said Mayor Bowser. “There is a sense of urgency to get more students back in school with their teachers, peers, and school community, and we are hopeful that these new protocols move us one step closer to reopening.”

DC Health will manage on-site testing of students who attend CARE Classrooms at their schools. Students may receive a PCR nasal-swab test, administered by DC Health medical staff, approximately every 10 days. (more…)

“Trash Hauling Company Must Pay $78K For Operating in DC Neighborhoods Before 7AM”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Hannah F

From the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia:

“Attorney General Karl A. Racine today announced a settlement requiring Bates Trucking Co. Inc., a solid waste disposal company, to pay $78,702 to the District for illegally collecting in residential neighborhoods, including Dupont Circle and Logan Circle, late at night and early in the morning. (more…)

“Have you heard any news on the 2021 VPP program?”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Have you heard any news on the 2021 VPP program (Visitor Parking Pass)? I think they usually start registration by now.”

Ed. Note: Been starting to get a few queries about this, I’ve emailed DDOT and will update when I hear back but I assume that because we are still in Phase Two, with most parking restrictions suspended, things have been pushed back. When registration does go live, I’ll be sure to do a new post.

Update From DDOT: “Changes are coming to the Visitor Parking Pass program for 2021! In the meantime, please keep your 2020 pass if you have one.”

Oh, the anticipation.

“we have made the decision to stay open.”

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to all who passed on the letter from [solidcore]:

“To our valued DC [community],

As you know, we’ve adhered to local regulations and increased safety protocols since we re-opened our studios in June. We are proud that over the last six months of operating in studios all over the country, we haven’t had a single documented instance of COVID community spread within our spaces. Your safety always has been and continues to be our number one priority.

With the new Phase Two restrictions announced by Mayor Bowser, which allow traditional gyms to stay open, but require group classes to close, we have made the decision to stay open. We continue to adhere with all Phase Two safety measures such as capacity restrictions, mask requirements, and physical distancing. (more…)

“Statement from Councilmember Allen on resignation of Police Chief Peter Newsham”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Elvert Barnes

Ed. Note: The Washington Post reported last night: “D.C. Police Chief Peter Newsham is leaving the force to take over the police department in Prince William County, Va., ending a three-decade career in law enforcement in the nation’s capital.”

From Councilmember Charles Allen’s Office:

“The following is a statement from Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6), Chair of the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety:

“I want to thank Chief Newsham for his many years of service with the Metropolitan Police Department, and I wish him well in Prince William County.

This is a critical moment for policing, public safety, and justice across the country and right here at home. The Chief of the nation’s police force is a unique position, with city, county, state, national, and even international responsibilities. But most importantly for the residents of the District of Columbia, the leadership of a Chief of Police is consequential in ways few other positions are. The nation is changing, and law enforcement in the District – and what we expect from a Chief of Police – must evolve, as well. (more…)

Phase Two Adjustments: Effective December 14, the maximum indoor capacity of restaurants is reduced to 25% and other changes

By Prince Of Petworth

From Mayor Bowser’s Coronavirus Situational Update:

“Phase Two Adjustments:

-25 person limit for outdoor gatherings
-10 person limit for indoor gatherings
–Restaurants open until 12 am. Alcohol sales, service, and consumption must end at 10 pm except carry-out and delivery. Indoor capacity: 25%” (more…)

“Are these privacy screens considered fences?”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

We are looking at purchasing a house in Brentwood that is a corner lot – the long side is RIGHT alongside Rhode Island Avenue. There is the usual 3 ft high chain link fence next to the sidewalk, and the current owners put up a 7′ fence the requisite distance back from the sidewalk to block the noise. We’re not a fan of this look and we’d prefer to be able to use the entirety of the yard – that’s why we’d love to buy an end unit! We are not usually fence people; we love being able to chat with our neighbors from the front porch and we generally think tall fences take away a lot of neighborhood charm. (more…)

“Mayor Bowser Announces $100 Million “Bridge Fund” to Support Hospitality, Entertainment, and Retail Industries”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Jim Havard

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) announced the Bridge Fund, a $100 million investment in businesses and workers grappling with the COVID-19 public health emergency in the hospitality, entertainment, and retail sectors. (more…)

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