COVID

The District on Tuesday opened four new walk-in COVID-19 centers where residents can get vaccinated and tested, with four more planned to open next week across the city.

Why it matters: As the pandemic enters its third year, officials see the need to continue opening permanent vaccination and testing sites. The facilities debut as the case rate in the nation's capital declines after briefly leading the country.

The District is prepared to enforce its new indoor vaccine mandate, officials said on the weekend the new rules took effect, but educating small businesses about the guidelines is the city’s first priority.

Why it matters: The proof-of-vaccination requirement to dine indoors, enter gyms, and go inside many other businesses was introduced to boost vaccination rates and prevent the spread of COVID-19 when going out.

A group of about thirty unionized nurses and labor rights activists gathered yesterday outside the Howard University Hospital, toting signs calling for action to address nationwide staffing shortages — which they say pre-date the pandemic and have since only gotten worse.

Why it matters: Health care workers across the country are burnt out as the pandemic wears on, exacerbating staffing shortages as those workers, including nurses, quit due to overwork and stress.

As Omicron rages through the DMV, we continue to see drastic variations in COVID response from D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

Why it matters: The Washington region is interconnected in how we live, work, and play, but varying approaches from local officials have created a hodgepodge of pandemic rules.

With many public health experts predicting that the current wave of Omicron will peak later this month, it’s not a time to let your guard down. Get vaccinated and boosted and encourage your loved ones to do the same to protect from severe illness and hospitalization.

And, if you do test positive, here’s what to know:

D.C., Maryland, and Virginia have all declared public health emergencies to help hospitals better manage demand driven by a surge in COVID-19 cases, but hospital associations across the region say they’re still stretched thin.

Driving the news: On Tuesday, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a limited public health emergency until Jan. 26, citing a rise in COVID-19 cases, hospital visits, and medical staff shortages.

Across the DMV, the pandemic's sickening of workers is leading to scaled-back bus service, reduced hours for government offices, and trouble keeping schools open with dwindling staff. 

Why it matters: Unlike early in the pandemic when government restrictions shuttered much of public life, the sheer number of employees sidelined this time by the coronavirus is upending industries and governments.

D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine's office is cracking down on unauthorized COVID test sellers on Craigslist and other similar websites.  

Why it matters: Unauthorized tests may be way overpriced, and could be fraudulent and or inaccurate.