D.C. Moves Closures to April 27, Announces First Death Due to Coronavirus
By • March 20, 2020 0 1015
Mayor Muriel Bowser announced on March 20 that the District of Columbia government will extend its “modified operating status until April 27, including the adjusted D.C. government operating posture and distance learning at the District’s public schools.”
The first death in Washington, D.C., due to coronavirus (COVID-19), was reported earlier in the day by the D.C. Department of Health, which added, “The patient, a 59-year-old male, was admitted to a local hospital last week, presenting with symptoms of fever and cough as well as other underlying medical conditions. He later tested positive and was included among the District’s reporting data.”
Said Mayor Muriel Bowser: “It is with great sadness that we announce a tragic death and, on behalf of our residents, I share our love and condolences with the patient’s family and friends. As a community, we must continue to support one another during these uncertain times. Everyone must do their part so that we can blunt the spread and protect our families, friends, and neighbors.”
She also extended the prohibition on mass gatherings (50 or more) during a public health emergency until April 25. That means bars, restaurants, theaters, gyms and spas can open on the last Saturday of April, if no new extensions are issued.
“The D.C. government will operate under an agency-specific telework schedule, continuing to deliver essential services and keep critical systems and services operating,” Bowser said. “Some government operations will be performed fully remotely, while other services will continue to be performed at public buildings, but under modified operations.”
As of March 19, there were 71 reported cases of Covid-19 in D.C.
