Georgetown News During the COVID-19 Constraints
By • July 11, 2020 0 2549
We know what to do with cleaning and social distancing to keep infections of the novel coronavirus low — and perhaps not to get it ourselves. Still, Georgetown saw the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Washington, D.C., and experienced an extended period of self-isolation and quarantine. Many of us are reeling from the economic constraints, loss of sociability and general anxiety. Phase Two looks to begin later in June.
D.C. Covid-19 Deaths as of July 10 Stand at 568
Covid-19 Deaths in D.C. Stand at 543 on June 24
Phase 2 Begins; DMV Open for In-Person Visits
Covid-19 Deaths in D.C. Near 500 on June 9
No Covid-19 Deaths on May 25; Phase One Opening Likely May 29
Mayor Bowser Says Stage 1 Reopening Could Begin May 29
D.C. Offers Reopening Waivers to Academic, Book Stores
Mayor Bowser Extends Stay-at-Home Order to June 8
Update from the Office of the Mayor on Coronavirus Date for May 24
Update from the Office of the Mayor on Coronavirus Data for May 12
Please send your coronavirus stories or comments to editorial@georgetowner.com. The Georgetowner will be updating this listing regularly.
Two key websites to check: coronavirus.gov and coronavirus.dc.gov.
Below is a list of news stories and line items by The Georgetowner for its readers and community to stay informed and up-to-date.
D.C. Opens COVID-19 Hospital at Convention Center
Mayor Enlists Big Names for ReOpen DC Committee
Mayor Bowser Extends Health Emergency, Closures Through May 15
COVID Sights: Brooks Brothers Leaves Town; Residents, Businesses Confront New World
Georgetown Looks Like a Ghost Town; Nonessential Businesses Close
D.C. Extends Closures Until April 25, Has First Coronavirus Death
Martin’s Tavern and Other Gathering Places Deal With the New Abnormal
Rev. Tim Cole of Christ Church Recovering; Wife and Son Test Negative
Coronavirus Notes (Latest Shown First):
On April 9, Mayor Muriel Bowser issued an order that shoppers of grocery stores must wear masks or face coverings and continue to practice social distancing of six feet at least. Also, Bowser ordered farmers markets and fish markets closed unless they have waivers from the D.C. government.
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia issue Stay-at-Home Orders.
The Georgetown House Tour, scheduled for April 25, has been postponed to Sept. 26. The Georgetown Garden Tour, scheduled for May 9, has been canceled.
Small Business Loans Available from D.C. Small Business Recovery Microgrants — a $25-million fund — has been set up the District government. Eligibility includes businesses with up-to-date licenses located in D.C. with at least a 25-percent revenue loss due to COVID-19. Tax returns (2017 and 2018) should be available plus schedule of liabilities. Applications available on Tuesday, March 24, at Coronavirus.DC.gov/recovery.
Roads Near Cherry Blossoms Shut Down Vehicular access to the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin was shut down by the National Park Service on March 22 because of the larger crowds arriving to see the peak bloom and not all practicing social distancing. (Access, subject to change by the Park Police.)
- The Memorial Bridge
- Lincoln Memorial Circle
- Potomac River Freeway (all exits to Ohio Drive and Independence Avenue)
- Rock Creek Parkway/Potomac Parkway Drive between Virginia Avenue and Independence Avenue, SW (to include Ohio Drive, SW)
- Independence Avenue between Ohio Drive and 14th Street, SW
- 23rd Street between Constitution Avenue and Lincoln Memorial Circle
- Henry Bacon Drive between Constitution Avenue and Lincoln Memorial Circle
- 17th Street between Constitution Avenue, NW and Independence Avenue, SW
- 15th Street between Constitution Avenue, NW and Independence Avenue, SW
- Maine Avenue between Independence and 12th Street, SW
- All vehicular exits to East Potomac Park and West Potomac Park
= Community Wave at 6 p.m. every day: The Citizens Association of Georgetown and Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Elizabeth Miller call on Georgetowners to go to their windows or doors and open them each day at 6 p.m. — and wave to their neighbors.
= The 2020 commencement for Georgetown University is indefinitely postponed.
= The Ward 2 D.C. Council candidates debate, scheduled for March 23 at St. John’s Church, is canceled.
= The Georgetown-Burleith Advisory Neighborhood Commission meeting, scheduled for March 30, is postponed — as well as that of the Old Georgetown Board on April 2.
= Au revoir: The Georgetown French Market — scheduled for April 24 to 26 — is canceled.
= At 7-Eleven, pastries usually open to all in a cabinet are now individually wrapped.
= Liquor stores are seeing increased sales.
= The DC Circulator bus is now free of charge.
Some Georgetown eateries remain open for take-out. Please patronize these Georgetown businesses.
Check the Georgetown Business Improvement District’s website for updates on restaurants as well as other information.
While places like Martin’s Tavern, Bangkok Joe’s, Cafe Tu o Tu, Chaia, Chez Billy Sud, Dog Tag Bakery and Peacock Cafe provide a carry-out menu for pickup, others, like 1310 Kitchen & Bar, Cafe Milano, Kafe Leopold and Lutèce by Bonaparte, have closed temporarily. Check with your favorite eating place before leaving home.
Georgetown and D.C. retail closures (temporary):
Abercrombie & Fitch: Closed all stores in North America until March 28. The online store will remain open.
Apple Stores: Closed through March 27.
Compass Coffee: Closed.
Lululemon: All North America and European stores closed through March 27.
Lush: All 258 Lush retail stores in the U.S. and Canada closed through March 29.
Macy’s: All stores closed temporarily.
Nike: U.S. stores closed through March 27. Customers can continue to shop on Nike.com and on Nike apps.
Nordstrom: Some stores have special hours, which vary. Check the website.
Patagonia: Stores closed March 13. The company said it will reassess the situation on March 27 and provide an update.
Urban Outfitters: Closed through March 28
Warby Parker: Closed through March 27.
