From DDOT:
“The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will begin the annual spraying of the female ginkgo street trees on April 20, 2020. The spraying will occur overnight from 9:00 p.m. through 6:00 a.m., weather permitting.
The annual spraying serves to reduce the formation of mature ginkgo fruit, which emits an offensive smell when it falls on sidewalks and roadways. DDOT will use the same spray it has used for the past 20 years, Shield-3EC 24(C). (more…)
Photo by PoPville flickr user Tim Brown
From the Mayor’s Office:
“Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will temporarily extend sidewalks near grocery stores and other essential retailers to allow pedestrians enough space to practice social distancing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. Sidewalk extensions will be located in all eight wards of the District, based upon DDOT’s evaluation and suggestions from the public. (more…)
“Dear PoPville,
I saw this MPD officer at WAWA on 18thtoday in Adams Morgan ordering coffee and putting the store employees at risk of infection. Despite having a mask hanging from his one ear, the mayor’s order, and a sign on the door that instructed customers to wear a mask, he claimed: first responders don’t need to wear a mask and that the mayor’s order didn’t apply to police. (more…)
Photo by PoPville flickr user small craft
From the Mayor’s Office:
“n coordination with the Bowser Administration, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, has issued a design/build contract to Hensel Phelps Construction Co., to convert the Walter E. Washington Convention Center into an alternate care facility to support the District’s response to coronavirus (COVID-19).
“While our goal is to never use the Convention Center, we must have the capacity to support a potential increase in COVID-19 patients,” said Mayor Bowser. “We thank the Army Corps, FEMA, and Events DC for their continued partnership during this public health emergency.”
Through a phased construction approach, 500 beds will be set up by the first week in May with the remaining 1,000 beds completed by the end of May. The plan converts the Convention Center’s three halls, approximately 473,000 square feet, into a facility to treat low-acuity patients. Low-acuity patients are non-ICU patients that do not require a ventilator. (more…)
4400 Connecticut Ave, NW
Brittany asks:
“any idea why there are ambulances and firetrucks (no sirens) outside of the Days Inn in Van Ness literally all hours of day and night? This is the third time today they’ve been there and most days this week have been there multiple times. Is this COVID-19 related?”
Another reader writes: “The Days Inn on Connecticut Ave is apparently housing overflow from homeless shelters in DC. Also, ambulances arrive there maybe once an hour.”
Photo by PoPville flickr user Victoria Pickering
From the Mayor’s Office: “Today is DC Emancipation Day — we commemorate the anniversary of the abolition of slavery in D.C. Unfortunately, 158 years later, DC residents are neither fully free nor equal. So today, we celebrate Emancipation Day by fighting for DC Statehood.” (more…)
Photo by PoPville flickr user Tim Brown
“Dear PoPville,
For several years now, I’ve been annoyed by the inability to buy alcohol in grocery stores before 9a when DC law allows it after 7a.
See, say, Section 25-722
In normal times, no big deal, I’d go elsewhere. But in COVID-nation, I try to minimize the times I go out – and minimize the chances of encountering larger groups when I do go out. So, I’ve been grocery shopping around 7-8a on Fridays at the Giant in Columbia Heights. But the Booze Barricade is always up. (more…)
Photo by PoPville flickr user Bekah Richards
From the Mayor’s Office:
“Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser issued Mayor’s Order 2020-063 to extend the state of emergency and public health emergency for Washington, DC through May 15, 2020, as the District continues to fight the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Mayor extended the emergencies and issued new health and safety requirements in an effort to protect vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The new order clarifies that face masks are required for: (more…)
Thanks to Ron for passing on this letter Mayor Bowser sent District employees yesterday:
“Dear DC Government Employees:
Thank you for continuing to answer the District’s call during a time of need and serving our city’s residents. Since the beginning of the public health emergency, there have been many changes and I would like to thank you for quickly adapting to the evolving situation.
Almost overnight, we transformed many District government operations so our neighbors may continue to access the services and support that they need in this difficult time. As public servants, we play a critical role in serving, guiding, and protecting those who rely on us.
While many of you are working remotely, there are employees performing essential duties that must still leave their homes and come into work, often for extended shifts. We know that disruptions in public transit are making it difficult to get to work and accessing grocery stores during their operating hours can prove challenging right now.
To help alleviate these disruptions, I am authorizing a $14 a day per diem for employees who physically report to work to fulfill these duties. (more…)
“Dear PoPville,
This was taken around 10pm [Ed. Note still taken from a video showing lots of rats] last night in the alley behind the restaurants (mostly closed) located in the 2300 block of 18th St NW and Champlain St NW. Although this has always been an issue, we have seen increased numbers and aggressive behavior from the rats. The city has provided the black boxes and visits by abatement trucks but the situation has worsened. The rats have caused excessive damage to the car engines parked in the alley block. We have tried high frequency sonar, moth balls, oils etc to no avail. Looking for any suggestions of who/where to turn for proven results?”