Bowser: 53 Deaths; New Resources, Testing
By • April 13, 2020 0 577
Mayor Muriel Bowser announced on April 13 that a total of 53 persons have died in the District of Columbia due to COVID-19. Midday, the number of those infected stood at 1,955 with 80 new cases. That is roughly a death rate of 2.7 percent.
The mayor also added that she would likely announce on April 17 any revisions or updates to the closures that expire after April 24. D.C.’s health emergency has already been extended 45 days past April 27.
Over the weekend, the National Park Service agreed to Bowser’s request to close Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park to vehicular traffic. Also on the closure list, to give people more space for walking and exerting: roads in Anacostia Park and Fort Dupont Park. A few farmers markets, as well as the Fish Market at the Wharf, were reopened after new social distancing procedures were approved by the D.C. government, along with face coverings.
Two new resources were announced at the April 13 press conference. There are 10 new grocery pickup sites — open 12:30 to 2 p.m. — for DC Public Schools. For those homebound, support is available by calling 888-349-8323 or visiting coronavirus.dc.gov/gethelp to request assistance.
The grocery distribution sites are being launched in partnership with Martha’s Table and DC Central Kitchen, according to the mayor. Residents can pick up pre-packed grocery bags, which include fresh produce and dry goods. Groceries are being distributed on a first come, first served basis.
Breakfast and lunch are still being distributed at these schools and other sites across the District. Visit here for a comprehensive schedule and list of distribution sites.
The mayor also launched a COVID-19 Needs Hotline and Web Portal for residents to request food and other essential items be delivered to their homes if they have been directed by a medical provider to self-quarantine, or if they have no other means to acquire these items.
Jenifer Smith of the Department of Forensic Sciences said COVID-19 testing capacity has reached 500 per day.
On Good Friday, April 10, Bowser led a moment of silence at Gonzaga College High School for those who have succumbed to the virus. The school’s president, the Rev. Stephen Planning, S.J., was on hand, as was Metropolitan Police Chief Peter Newsham. Among the first in D.C. to contract COVID-19, Planning has fully recovered; he expressed gratitude to the D.C. Department of Health. The loss of two MPD officers earlier in the week was also noted.
