WASHINGTON, DC -- DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced this morning that the District of Columbia has seen its thirteenth day of a downward trend in new coronavirus cases, and if the trend continues through tomorrow, she will move up the date for the District's move into phase one of reopening.
Currently the plan to move Washington, DC into phase one of opening which would include a measured reopening of non-essential businesses is set for June 8th. In a press conference this morning, Bowser said she's seen a downward trend of new COVID-19 cases, and if that is the case tomorrow, she may move the date up.
Today she reported 109 new COVID-19 cases in the District, bringing the total number of cases up to 8,334.
The mayor is continuing to monitor the healthcare capacity and the number of contract tracers to help contain the virus. Today she reported her team is onboarding 50 new contact tracers.
Starting Monday June 1, there will be two new testing sites available to the public: 2241 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue which will replace the testing site at United Medical Center, as well a new walk-up testing site at 5th Street and G Street (near the National Building Museum).
Phase one of the District's reopening plan would allow restaurants to offer outdoor seating and non-essential retail shops would be able to offer grab-and-go or curbside pickup options. Businesses can find more information and a checklist at DC.gov.
Business improvement districts will also be offering care packages for reopening that include essentials like masks and hand sanitizer for the public. To sign up for a free care package visit DC.gov.
Bowser is also sourcing supplies to create a stockpile for non-essential businesses.