Please visit coronavirus.dc.gov for all the latest updates and resources on the coronavirus public health emergency

For Everyone

Tax filing deadline extended: The deadline for D.C. taxpayers to file and pay their 2019 District of Columbia individual and fiduciary income tax returns, partnership tax returns, and franchise tax returns is extended to July 15, 2020. This means taxpayers will have an additional 90 days to file and pay from the original deadline of April 15, 2020. More info.

The Internal Revenue Service has also extended the federal filing and payment deadline to July 15, 2020.

Applying or re-applying for public benefits: Individuals who already receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, DC Health Care Alliance, and other public benefits provided by the Department of Human Services, do not need to take any action at this time to continue receiving existing benefits that would otherwise expire on March 31 or April 30. Those benefits will be automatically extended. 

For new applications for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, Alliance or other public benefits, please go to dhs.dc.gov or visit their Service Centers to pick up a blank application. Applicants can drop off completed applications for benefits at DHS Service Centers and may be contacted by phone as necessary to complete the eligibility process. DHS is forgoing formal interviews for the time being and any subsequent questions will take place via phone.  While there is no interim approval, because of the streamlined process (and the fact that all mid-certification and re-certifications have an automatic process), DHS is  able to process new applications in less than 48 hours.  

New applicants still have some verification requirements. 

  • For Medicaid and Alliance: All verifications are waived except U.S. citizenship and eligible immigration status, which must be verified (for Medicaid but not Alliance).  For all other eligibility factors, the agency accepts self-attestations. 

  • For SNAP and TANF: verifications are still needed (we are working with the feds to obtain a waiver, and then would align TANF with that).   

Residents with questions about their benefits should contact the Call Center at (202) 727-5355 from 7:30-4:45 pm.​

Voting in the June 2 Primary and June 16 Ward 2 Special Elections: District officials are encouraging all residents to request mail-in ballots to ensure they can exercise their right to vote while maintaining social distancing during the ongoing public health emergency.

Voters can request mail-in ballots online by clicking here, via the DC Board of Elections’ mobile app (vote4dc), or by mailing or dropping off in person a ballot request form to the DC Board of Elections, 1015 Half Street SE, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20003. Voters can also call the DCBOE at (202) 727-2525 or (202) 741-5283, but due to expected high volumes of callers, calls may not be answered immediately.

As a result of COVID-19 pandemic guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other health experts, the District of Columbia’s 144 voting precincts, which contain the polling stations where voters cast their ballots, will remain closed on election days in June 2020.

Instead, the 15 early voting centers, where early voting typically occurs, will be expanded to 20 to accommodate additional voters. The BOE strongly urges voters to request a mail-in ballot instead of voting in person.

Click here full information from the DC Board of Elections on how to Vote Safe! 

DC Mutual Aid Network is a relief system where members of the D.C. community come together to support one another during the pandemic. Mutual aid creates a symbiotic relationship, where all people offer material goods or assistance to one another. The mutual aid network is volunteer-run and driven by the needs articulated by community members.

Find ways to access the network in your ward here.

Essential items and food delivery: District residents who have been directed by a medical provider to self-quarantine, or have no other means to acquire essential items can access the COVID-19 Needs Hotline and Web Portal to request food and other essential items be delivered to your homes. Qualifying residents can also call 1-888-349-8323 or visit coronavirus.dc.gov/gethelp to request assistance.

For Students & Learners

Free meals: Families in need of meals for their students may pick up shelf-stable breakfasts and to-go lunches at any of the 20+ locations across the District. ALL students (public, charter, private) are welcome. The following links below are updated daily with new meal sites, including DC Central Kitchen mobile sites, and can be used to find meal locations closest to you.

Please note: Meal sites are operating at different times, look below each location to find out when they are open for meal pick-up.

The Mayor has announced the creation of the DC Education Equity Fund to be used to increase access to the Internet and purchase digital devices for students who need them to complete distance education. Residents can learn more about the Fund and how to give at http://dcedequity.org.

Free & reduced internet plans: Due to the modified schedules and distance education plans for all District schools, Comcast and Spectrum will be offering free internet access to low-income families whose students need remote education access. For more information:

D.C. Public Library closed, but resources available online: All DC Public Libraries are currently closed. The Library will be locking all book drops so please keep borrowed items until the Library reopens. All late fees will be waived and hold expirations will be extended. DCPL invites you to explore their digital offerings by visiting goDigital. goDigital contains over 15 million free online movies, eBooks, music and more from the DC Public Library, all free with your library card. Don’t have a library card? Apply online.

Learning about coronavirus: PBS has a guide for caregivers on how to talk to your kids about coronavirus and NPR published a comic about coronavirus just for kids to learn about the ongoing pandemic.

For Families

Families seeking access to additional food resources during the public health emergency can now acquire groceries from any of the 10 weekday grocery distribution sites at District schools in partnership with Martha’s Table and DC Central Kitchen. Residents can pick up pre-packed grocery bags, which include fresh produce and dry goods.

Please note that groceries are being distributed on a first come, first served basis.

Distribution sites are available to all families in need of food access and are open Monday – Friday, 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.:

Monday:

  • (Ward 5) Brookland Middle School,  150 Michigan Avenue, NE

  • (Ward 6) Eastern Senior High School,  1700 East Capitol Street, NE

 Tuesdays:

  • (Ward 7) Kelly Miller Middle School, 301 49th Street, NE

  • (Ward 8) Stanton Elementary School, 2701 Naylor Road, SE

 Wednesdays:

  • (Ward 4) Coolidge High School/Ida B. Wells Middle School, 6315 5th Street, NW

  • (Ward 7) Woodson High School, 540 55th Street, NE

Thursdays:

  • (Ward 8) Anacostia High School, 1601 16th Street, SE

  • (Ward 7) Kimball Elementary School, 3375 Minnesota Avenue, SE

Fridays:

  • (Ward 8) Ballou High School, 3401 4th Street, SE

  • (Ward 1) Columbia Heights Education Campus, 3101 16th Street, NW 

For Tenants and Homeowners

Evictions and utility cut-offs prohibited: The Council has passed legislation prohibiting evictions and utility cut-offs for electric, gas, and water services during the public health emergency. Tenants, homeowners, and consumers should report violations of these new protections to the Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection by:

For Seniors

The Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) remains operational: They will continue to provide service, however, there may be changes to how some services are provided. If you need assistance, you may call (202) 724-5626 to learn more about DACL’s operating status, programs, and services. Click here for more info.

Local groceries reserving hours for seniors to shop: Local grocery stories have set aside operational hours for seniors and other individuals who are vulnerable to coronavirus to shop.

  • Giant: 6am-7am daily is for "seniors and other vulnerable folks" (starts Friday 3/20).

  • Safeway: 7am-9am Tuesday & Thursday.

  • Target: 8am-9am, daily.

  • Whole Foods: 7am-8am, daily, for those 60 years of age or older.

For Workers

Unemployment benefits expanded: Workers whose jobs have been affected in some way by the public health emergency may be able to claim unemployment insurance with no waiting period and no requirement to be actively searching for work. You can apply for unemployment online through the D.C. Department of Employment Services or via phone at 202-724-7000. Councilmember Silverman, who chairs the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development, has put together a handy resource guide for unemployment insurance.

For excluded workers who are not eligible to receive unemployment insurance: We recognize that some workers have been excluded from the unemployment benefits eligibility, but various community organizations have come together to serve street vendors, sex workers, hospitality workers and more who cannot access funds at this time. Below is a list of organizations and their resources for those in need of support during the public health emergency, as well as ways to help communities in need.

For Domestic Workers
 
The National Domestic Workers Alliance has established the Coronavirus Care Fund to provide emergency assistance for home care workers, nannies and house cleaners to support them in staying safe and staying home to slow the spread of the coronavirus, and to care for themselves and their families.
 
You can learn more about COVID-19 resources available to domestic workers here.
 
For Hospitality Workers
 
DC Virtual Tip Jar: Local community members and fellow service workers have a “virtual tip jar” to help bartenders and servers from their favorite establishments. There is a public spreadsheet with the names of workers and where they are (or were) employed. Hospitality workers who want to be added just need to fill out this simple questionnaire.
 
Another Round Another Rally is helping hospitality workers facing unprecedented hardship by supplying relief grants. If someone holds any type of hospitality role - chef, server, bartender, dishwasher, sommelier, manager- and has lost their job or had their hours slashed in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, they are eligible to apply.
 
Learn more about how to participate here.
 
Chef Edward Lee’s Restaurant Workers Relief Program - Chef Edward Lee and his partners at Knead Hospitality have transformed their Penn Quarter restaurant Succotash on 915 F St., NW into a relief center to help restaurant workers who’ve been laid off or had their hours and pay slashed.

Every day from 5 to 8 PM, the program is offering free to-go meals, fresh produce, and other supplies such as diapers, aspirin, and canned foods. Around 250 meals will be available every evening with a limit of two per person. To participate, bring an ID and proof of recent restaurant employment (such as a paystub).
 
Those wanting more information can email Christina Perdomo at christina@kneadhd.com.
 
Hook Hall hospitality industry assistance center- The Park View Hook Hall location is providing restaurant and bar workers with free meals and emergency supply kits containing everything from toilet paper to canned soup. Together with the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, they created a coronavirus worker relief fund that will aid those efforts.

You can learn more about the fund here.
 
For Street Vendors
 
Many Languages One Voice is using donated funds and resources to support local street vendors who are most in need. The funds will be used to buy gift cards that people can use for groceries and food. You can check out their work and resources here.
 
For Sex Workers
 
Relief Fund for Sex Workers: No Justice No Pride, HIPS and other #DecrimNow organizations are collaborating on a relief fund to D.C. and DMV-based sex workers impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. As has been reported, sex workers are facing unique challenges with the pandemic. Funds acquired from relief donations will be used to provide emergency microgrants to be given to transgender sex workers - for food, bill and travel assistance, for cleaning, hygiene, sanitation and other related essentials, housing, and replenishing supplies provided by DecrimNowDC Groups that are currently in high demand by community members.
 
You can learn more about this fund here.

For Businesses

Unemployment benefits expanded: Workers whose jobs have been affected in some way by the public health emergency may be able to claim unemployment insurance with no waiting period and no requirement to be actively searching for work. You can apply for unemployment online through the D.C. Department of Employment Services or via phone at 202-724-7000. Councilmember Silverman, who chairs the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development, has put together a handy resource guide for unemployment insurance.

 Local grants and loans for small businesses, nonprofits, individual contractors, and the self-employed: Pursuant to the “COVID-19 Response Emergency Amendment Act of 2020” effective March 17, 2020 (D.C. Act 23-247), the DC Small Business Recovery Microgrant Program will offer grants to small, local businesses, individual contractors, self-employed individuals, and nonprofits to meet their short-term financial needs. The grant can cover employee wages and benefits (including fringe benefits associated with employment, such as health insurance), accounts payable, fixed costs, inventory, rent, and utilities. Learn more and apply here.

Federal small business loans: Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has accepted the District of Columbia’s declaration for assistance in the form of economic injury disaster loans following the advent of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and DC businesses can start applying now. More info and how to apply:  https://coronavirus.dc.gov/recovery

Tax payment due dates for businesses extended: The hotel property tax installment due date from March 31, 2020 to June 30, 2020. Other DCRA-licensed vendors required to file February 2020 and March 2020 returns for sales taxes must now file returns and pay in full the gross sales receipt taxes by June 30, 2020.

Restaurants can serve closed container alcohol to-go: Emergency legislation has authorized restaurants switching to carry out or delivery to serve closed-container wine, beer, and spirits along with food. Before an eligible restaurant may sell beer, wine, and spirits for carry-out and delivery, they must submit a brief online registration form. Registrants will receive an automatically generated email confirmation within minutes of their submission. Upon receiving written confirmation from ABRA, no further action is required and there is no fee to register or participate. More info from ABRA.

For Individuals Experiencing Homelessness

Low-barrier, emergency, family, and youth shelters will remain open.

Monday, March 16th through Wednesday, April 1st, low barrier shelters are extending daytime hours and serving meals.

The Virginia Williams Family Resource Center is closed for in-person interviews until April 1.

Families seeking emergency shelter should call the DC Shelter Hotline at 202.399.7093 or 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. More info.

For Immigrants and Undocumented Residents

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has instituted exceptions to the public charge rule in order to encourage immigrants to get tested and treated for COVID-19 without fear of negative impacts on their visa extensions or green card processes.  To help ensure that all of our residents understand their rights, the District of Columbia has released new FAQs regarding the Public Charge Rule and COVID-19.

We’ve reached out to United We Dream who indicated that any adverse financial effects because of COVID-19 would not count for a public charge determination. When applying for a green card, individuals should write a statement explaining how they were affected and include that in your adjustment of status application (this includes DACA recipients as well). If you have additional questions, Claudia Quinonez, Local Field Manager for United We Dream, has offered herself as a resource and can be reached at claudia@unitedwedream.org. Check out this helpful infographic from United We Dream.

While we understand that many undocumented individuals cannot access public benefits or health insurance, DC Health maintains a list of free, low-cost, or community health care centers located across the District of Columbia should you need medical attention. Check it out here and learn more through United We Dream's Healthcare access for Undocumented Folks in the Time of COVID19 Guide​.

Ayuda is providing a wide range of immigration legal services to the immigrant populations in the DC metro area. The organization has created a fund for low-income immigrant neighbors during the COVID-19 health emergency that covers immediate needs such as food, emergency housing, medical care, and direct cash assistance.
 
To learn more about how to support or be supported by the fund visit their website for more information.
 
The Betancourt Macias Family Scholarship Foundation has created a resource guide for undocumented families who are navigating the COVID-19 public health emergency. To receive support or find additional information, you can visit their website. 

For Health and Wellness

Protect everyone’s health through social distancing: To “flatten the curve” and stop the spread of the virus, public health experts advise against hosting social gatherings, mass congregations and engaging in any crowds. At this time, it is important to remain 6 feet apart from others, to limit germs being spread. You should also:

  •  Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds multiple times a day. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used if soap and water are not available

  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

  • If feeling any type of symptoms, call your primary care provider and keep track of symptoms as they come. Listen to your doctor’s instructions before going to a healthcare facility and be sure to self-quarantine.

  • If coughing or sneezing into a tissue, throw the tissue in the trash

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (door knobs, faucets, countertops)

Everyone who can should be staying home and only going out for essential trips  for food or medicine.  This is especially true for “high risk” individuals (older adults and those with preexisting/chronic medical conditions).

Protecting your mental health: Social distancing can be a difficult time for those experiencing depression and other mental health challenges. If you need someone to talk to during this time, the Department of Behavioral Health’s 24-hour hotline with telephone access to a mental health clinician and 24-hour suicide prevention lifeline (1-888- 793-4357) is always available and ready to serve. Learn more here: https://dbh.dc.gov/services. In the case of an emergency, the Community Response Team will continue to respond to adults in psychiatric crisis in the home or community for counseling and transportation to emergency treatment if needed.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline also provides a 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. To access the hotline, call 1-800-273-8255 or chat online. 

Accessing adequate supplies of prescription medications: Under emergency legislation, pharmacists may prescribe and dispense a one-time refill of patient prescription medications prior to the expiration of the waiting period between refills to allow residents to maintain an adequate supply of medication. CVS Pharmacy is waiving charges for home delivery of prescription medications. More info on that here.

Accessing domestic violence and sexual assault organizations: The COVID-19 public health emergency, social distancing, and stay-at-home orders can escalate an already abusive situation. For those experiencing any type of abuse at this time, advocates are working 24/7 for you.

 For more information, including resources for victims looking to speak directly with an advocate, please contact the DC Victim Hotline (1-844-443-5732), access the organization’s online chat or find additional resources on the D.C. Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s website readily available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is also ready to serve with their 24/7 hotline at (1-800-799-7233), however if survivors need a discreet form of contact, they can also access the organization’s website or text LOVEIS to 22522 for help.

 For those experiencing or looking to report suspected child abuse of any kind, please contact D.C. Children and Family Services Agency's hotline at 202.671.7233 or visit Safe Shores DC at safeshores.org for access to resources and advocates.

For Medical Marijuana participants

The D.C. Department of Health and Mayor Bowser are now allowing District-registered dispensaries to provide medical marijuana to District residents registered as qualifying patients through delivery, curbside pickup, and at-the-door pickup options.

Medical marijuana dispensaries are considered essential businesses as healthcare and public health operators necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of District residents.

To qualify, dispensaries must comply with specific requirements outlined in the rulemaking found here. 

For Volunteers

Serve DC – The Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism & Partnerships – is the District of Columbia Government agency dedicated to promoting service. Visit their website for information about volunteer opportunities.

The District of Columbia (DC) Medical Reserve Corps (DC MRC) supports the DC Department of Health (DC Health) in its role as lead for public health and medical emergency preparedness, response and recovery by recruiting, training, and deploying medical and non-medical volunteers to assist with planned events and emergencies. Learn more and apply here.

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