Thread by @theHillisHome

Here we go:

https://twitter.com/MayorBowser/status/1473697540281413643

Would like to note that the link that the Press Sec tweeted does not automatically go to this conference, so please follow here.

Locally, only 25 confirmed cases of Omicron, might have 50 additional ones. Only a matter of time until Omicron is dominant variant. Jump in rates is mostly winter surge.

Hospitalizations rates staying same as well as death, but they are lagging indicators. However, data around the world confirms we're not in for a large surge in hospitals/health care

Tremendous demand for testing. Despite large capacity, turnaround time has gone up. Facilities working around the clock to make available. 17k Test Yourself kits out in community plus Test Yourself Express starting today.

Surge in younger individuals can be seen here. Want people to limit activities and parties to prevent as much spread.

Older population has lower case rate, which is positive.
Breakthrough is up but not nearly as large.

Unvax adults are EIGHT times more likely to end up in hospital nationally. (Numbers in graph are DC area)

BOOSTED adults are 2.5 less likely to get COVID than unbolted adults, as well.

Get boosted as you will have highest degree of protection.

Data says: Younger people need to get vaccinated AND boosted!

360k rapid tests are on hand and many of those are earmarked for schools/child care centers.

Please only take kits you need. Nat'l Guard is helping assist at warehouse and w/logistical support on Test Yourself.

Modifying operations to virtual events for seniors. Call 202-727-5626 to know about senior programming and whether it's in person or online

It is NOT 2020-- we have the vaccine for 5+ and vax keep people from dying. We don't need shutdowns but NEED more people to get vaxxed. DC Gov mandate now will include 3 shot requirement w/NO test-out option

Starting 1/15/22 certain establishments need to verify patrons 12+ have received at least one shot:

Places that require vaccination status are as follows. You will need a printout or digital record. Guidance is coming.

Students will also need to be immunized starting 3/1/22

This means ALL students will need to be vaccinated, adding it to regular list of immunizations already required for children to enter school.

Outdoor activities are safer than indoor
Avoid crowded, both indoor and outdoor
Wear a mask even in private settings
Avoid poorly ventilated indoor spaces
Choose less popular times
Test yourself and report if using Test Yourself *Express*

Q: Business exemptions for vax mandate?
A: Grocery stores would be exempt, as looking for places where people congregate
Not an employer mandate but a vax requirement

Will negative test alone be enough? Not there yet. Still working out guidance.

Places of worship, museums-- not covered either.

Offices go into a level of detail that needs more guidance, which will come next week.

Would an outdoor entertainment venue be covered?
Focus is on INDOOR venues, but again, guidance is forthcoming.

Re: pushback-- what to say to church vs bar congregants?

We all have a responsibility to keep our community safe. Businesses have to do more, but it's beneficial

Re: why wait two days?
Were considering on Monday but policy needed more time to be fleshed out.

Re: museums

Engaging with stakeholders to be able to go forward with plans.
Museums are more akin to shopping malls than to restos/bars in terms of activity and risk

DC is lagging in Omicron and we haven't seen as much. Sequencing also takes 5-10 days and samples keep coming in. About 50 prelim. results coming in and number will grow.

Re: Equity concerns?
Low vax rate neighborhood vs high vax rate- challenges?

We all have to lean into getting more people vaccinated and boosted, but "feel pretty right in making sure that opportunities for people to gather are as protected as they can be."

What might enforcement look like?

Lead with education and how process will roll out/stakeholder engagement.
Make it clear for people to know, through signage, etc.
Want businesses to partner with gov to comply.

@falcicchio: DC is at "leading edge" of the pack of cities implementing, but working with partners so it can be met by 1/15

MMB: We'll do "everything in our power" to keep schools open and we'll look with regret at how long schools will be closed.
Approaching school year with mindset that, as long as we can keep open, we will. Also focusing on school-by-school basis.

Q: Will there be a need to pull out your vax record when you buy a Big Mac? Is it an intrusion of Big Brother?

Will have to revise for quick trips. MMB does not want Big Brother to intrude but she understands that there is a greater need. Dialing up/dialing back is appropriate

Q: Why all this focus for a variant that is not as lethal?
A: May not be as lethal, but can be highly disruptive and need to prepare accordingly.

Mandates are good bc they make sure more people get vaccinated. Mandates have the ability to move people to be vexed and has great health benefit.

VAXXED NOT VEXED

Lower hosp #s is testament to how effective vaccinations are

Will MyIR be accepted as well as proof of vax? Yes, Mayor called it by a diff name, but will work. Not asking businesses to be snoop but trying to make sure people are compliant.

Re: Highest case rate in country. How much is testing?
Can you explain?

MMB: We are being hit hard and have had a lot of testing but ALSO a lot of transmission

This is the Nation's Capital-- message to those visiting who may not feel welcome bc needing to prove vax status?

Important to making decisions to travel. Mayor is advising DC *residents* to keep safe

Re: Vaccinations

Supply has not been an issue since the summer. There is no excuse not to get vaxxed.

Masks?
For District-supported activities, might make N95s available.(Such as schools, congregate sites)

FEMS and MPD have been working a lot of overtime for over 20 mos. How are other agencies are handling staffing issues?

Not all agencies have as much staffing capacity as FEMS and MPD, but there is a process in place to check staffing issues.

Q: J6-- making preparations? Any concerns?

Have an internal review checklist and J6 is on the list.
Nat'l Guard already activated for test kits but for protection would be additional request.

Test Yourself Express started today. There is plenty of supply. Can get tested if you want to. Emphasize that testing is not a free pass.
Know your status but take precautions -- @Pash_DC

Is DC-CAN working properly?
Yes. Had issue w/high volume of text messages that triggered spam. Worked it out with vendor and was not a significant act of people affected.

School reports-- number of cases may be underreported

MMB: doesn't think so. Anecdotal reports may feel that way. Looking into schools all the time.

Will team offer more support to library support? (For TYEx)

Looking at crowd control support and distribution.
Looking at other delivery methods for seniors as well

Q: Re-- Watkins staff member.
A: @DCPSChancellor addressed on Monday and he'll report it. Only want personnel who make good decisions.

Any concern on people who want to take advantage of the TY or TYExpress?

Have consumer protections in place and people who attempt to resell will be in "a lot of trouble"

1yr Ann'y for Chief Contee-- words on his performance?

Happy Ann'y says MMB-- has laser-focus on DC and has had many jobs w/in MPD. He has trust and confidence of DC residents.

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