Photo by Colleen Murphy

One reader writes: “Might be a good idea to encourage people to avoid the little free libraries. I know everyone is about to be bored out of their mind and stir crazy but safe is better than sorry!”

Thanks to Colleen for sharing these photos from Mount Pleasant: “wipes available for people nervous to touch the books.”

Is it probably best to avoid these or would wiping the books down be sufficient?

For those who wish to avoid remember what we spoke about yesterday “more than 15 million free online movies, eBooks, music and more from the DC Public Library.”.


I’ve been getting tons of photos from folks showing groups of people clustered together in parks, playing sports, etc. Yes, yes, we should get outside and get fresh air. However, when doing so social distancing still must be practiced our WE ARE GOING TO BE SCREWED. So please do enjoy a bike ride, a hike, a jog, a walk but please do it responsibly. [God that’s a sentence I never thought I’d type.]

Here’s a helpful graphic from Montgomery County: (more…)


Longtime readers of the site know my affinity for fish so this one hits home – thanks to Patricia for passing on from Penn Quarter Teaism:

“Well friends… wanted to do a live video but wasn’t sure how to do it on Facebook and Instagram at the same time. If you’re stuck at home with kids who normally like to come watch the fish, you can entertain them with this. (more…)


Yesterday we spoke about the awesome bread (and menu, Claire notes “Had the chicken curry and spring rolls last night and they were SO GOOD!”) Natalia sent us from Emilie’s (1101 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) which prompted this very important query from meredith: “Speaking of bread, is there a roundup of places to get bakery items right now?” So back to that scrumptious looking photo – who else is offering great bread for take out or delivery?!?



Photo by PoPville flickr user Ted Eytan

From the Mayor’s Office:

“As of 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, the District’s coronavirus (COVID-19) data includes 32 new positive cases, bringing the District’s overall positive case total to 71 individuals.

8-year-old male

20-year-old female

22-year-old male

20-year-old female

24-year-old male

25-year-old female

30-year-old female

31-year-old male

31-year-old male

32-year-old male

34-year-old female

35-year-old male

39-year-old male

40-year-old male

43-year-old female

44-year-old female

45-year-old female

46-year-old female

52-year-old male

53-year-old female

55-year-old female

71-year-old male

84-year-old female (more…)



Photo by PoPville flickr user Ted Eytan

“Dear Doctors/health policy people:

I am supposed to move at the end of the month to a new apartment. Do you think a shelter in place order would prevent that from happening? Would my movers be able to operate?”

Matt replied to OPs query: “We’re in a similar situation — my partner is in the process of moving out of her apartment at the end of the month and into mine. I’ve been seeking this information too, and have found that in Italy, at least, moving is considered an essential activity and is permitted”



Dan Silverman, Citizen of the District of Columbia

This new world we’re living in is still taking shape but the realities of what’s coming are well known. It is no secret that a sledgehammer is coming to hit me and other local media too. I have been really lucky in that I have a little safety net due to those who’ve already been Patreon supporters. Since I am a one man show you guys are my only safety net, there is nobody else to fall back on. These past days have been a blur as I try to manage the site, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram…and my kids. But through it all I’ve seen good humor, support and amazing bonds that have been built over 13 years. These past days have shown that we are an amazing community and we have each others back.

For those who’ve already had my back I can’t thank you enough. Times are about to get way tougher. For many obviously. But if you have found PoPville to be a valuable resource, and you have a steady job with a steady paycheck and only if that’s the case, please consider contributing so that our community will not be in jeopardy in the future. Fortunately we are a HUGE community – so if enough of us give only $2 or $5 a month or whatever you feel comfortable giving it will make a huge difference. Like always, we will get through this together. Thank you. Please be safe and hope to see many of you on the other side toasting the insanity we have just endured, together.



Photo by PoPville flickr user hellomarkers!

Ed. Note: Yesterday we noted: Whole Foods Changes Hours, Store is exclusively for those 60 years and older from 7-8am everyday.

From Giant:

Effective Friday, March 20, Giant Food of Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia and Delaware will offer dedicated shopping hours for senior citizens 60-and-older and individuals with compromised immune systems. Every store in our operating areas will reserve 6:00-7:00 a.m., every day of the week for this vulnerable population to shop and practice social distancing. The stores will operate on regular hours of operation during all other times. We continue to work on restocking our shelves and will be ready to serve to the best of our ability.”

And another reader sends from Target:

“Beginning March 18, all stores will close at 9 p.m. local time to allow even more time for teams to clean and restock store shelves

Also beginning March 18, Target will reserve the first hour of shopping each Wednesday at stores nationwide for vulnerable guests – including elderly and those with underlying health concerns. We are encouraging other guests to plan their shopping trips around this timeframe.”

From Safeway:

“As the situation around Coronavirus continues to unfold, Safeway Eastern Division stores in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Delaware are joining Albertsons Companies 2,200+ stores nationwide, to provide special hours for some of our most vulnerable neighbors.

Senior citizens and other at-risk populations, such as pregnant women or those with compromised immune systems, have been advised to avoid leaving home as much as possible, and to avoid crowds.

Safeway Eastern Division stores will reserve every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 AM until 9 AM for those vulnerable shoppers who must leave home to obtain their groceries.

We are asking that our customers help us reserve this shopping time for those most at risk in our communities. We thank our customers in advance for their compassion and understanding toward their neighbors and friends, and in helping us maintain this temporary operations guideline.

Store hours are being updated continuously on our websites. For the best information on when your local store is open, please visit www.safeway.com for your local store’s details and website.”


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