Mayor Bowser’s March 4 Situational Briefing – Hints at “Loosening Up” & New Preregistration

Mayor Bowser’s March 4 Situational Briefing – Hints at “Loosening Up” & New Preregistration

by Larry Janezich

Posted March 4, 2021

At today’s briefing, Mayor Bowser pointed to the lifting some of the restrictions on travel for those fully vaccinated and announced a tentative date of March 15 for a phased in resumption of high school sports.  Bowser also hinted at a broader loosening of restrictions.  DC Department of Health is expected to make recommendations mid-month for those needing lead time to think about reopening.  “Knock on Wood that things go well”, Bowser said, “I think by mid-month some things might be loosening up.” 

Guidance for travel:    Travel related quarantine and testing requirements may be waived for:

• Those fully vaccinated against COV-19 AND
• Travel is within 90 days of the last required dose AND
• Who do not have any Covid symptoms

See here:  https://bit.ly/2Pv7LRT

It is recommended to bring your vaccination card with you while travelling in case documentation is requested.  Those not fully vaccinated still need to be tested before coming to DC

Bowser announced that this is the final week using the current system to book appointments.  Next week (date TBA) DC DOH launches a new pre-registration system for making vaccine appointments.  Eligible individuals can visit the website portal or call the DC Call Center.  The website portal will be open 24/7/365.  The Call Center will be open 9 – 7, M-F, and 9-4 on weekends.  https://coronavirus.dc.gov/vaccinatedc

• Those who are registered will be notified by phone call and/or text when they have an opportunity to make an appointment.
• When making an appointment, residents will be offered a selection of vaccination sites which will list which vaccine is available at those locations.
• Preregistration does not mean every senior will be offered an appointment before those in a population with lower eligibility.
• Timing of registration is weighted least in terms of priority for scheduling appointments. DC Health hopes residents who are not in an eligible population will not attempt to preregister until their population is eligible. 
• There are other opportunities for making vaccine appointments by calling health care providers, DC health care centers and dialysis centers. For a list, click on link above.
• Appointments will continue to be set aside for residents living in top priority zip codes.

DC DOH is working to open or expand high capacity vaccine sites administering the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.  Residents will need an appointment through: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/vaccinatedc   

Other highlights:

• Walter E. Washington Convention Center (new)
• Providence Health System (already open – will expand)
• Entertainment and Sports Arena in Congress Heights (already open – will expand)
• Children’s National Hospital is vaccinating DC residents 16 or 17 with qualifying medical conditions. https://coronavirus.dc.gov/vaccine 
• All teachers and staff who work for a school or child care facility are eligible for vaccination and are encouraged to use the DC pre-registration portals.
• 1011 people have been vaccinated at 11 out of 12 DC Housing Authority Sites
• Nesbitt said that large walkup sites are not being considered because standing in queue for “hour upon hour to be told that the site is out of vaccine is not a good experience and not what the customer wants”.
• No thought is being given at present to a vaccination passport.