Updated February 4, 2021

Welcome to the landing page for Northwest Neighbors Village members, volunteers, staff, and our community. Our goal is to alleviate the stress of our Village community by providing a central location of up-to-date information from trusted resources and communication about policies related to the spread of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and vaccine distribution in the greater Washington, DC region.

We encourage you to visit this page regularly. Information will be updated throughout this rapidly changing period. While we are doing our very best to stay current on information provided on this page, we recommend contacting service providers directly for an accurate account of their availability.

Monday through Friday - 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Members and volunteers are encouraged to call the temporary office line at 202-935-6060.
Staff are available and will gladly help our Village community problem solve and seek appropriate resources.

In accordance with DC Mayor Muriel Bowser's extension of DC’s Public Health Emergency, Northwest Neighbors Village is providing modified volunteer services and has suspended in-person group programming. This measure is being taken to help reduce potential exposure of the COVID-19 virus for our members and volunteers.

Please visit our calendar for online programs.

We will contact members and volunteers directly and update this webpage when our policy changes.

	DC Department of Health: Everything DC residents need to know about the Coronavirus, updated around the clock.
	Sibley Hospital Coronavirus Portal: Everything you need to know about COVID-19 from Johns Hopkins Medicine.
	World Health Organization: Read the latest information on the COVID-19 Pandemic
	Mayo Clinic: Read up on symptoms and causes, and diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19
	CDC guidelines for prevention: A cheat-sheet for prevention CDC Tips for Prevention: Ways to stay healthy, and avoid the Coronavirus or any influenza

The most important thing to do if you’re experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms is to stay calm. Stay home and call your doctor. Additional tips are below.

The symptoms of COVID-19 overlap with other common illnesses. Here is a chart to help figure out what your symptoms could mean:

Click here for a screenreader-friendly version of this infographic.

Note: This is a compilation of information that has been taken from
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.

This infographic is not intended to take the place of medical advice. 
For questions about your health, please contact your medical provider.

The CDC provides guidance on what to do if you are sick. COVID-19 testing sites are listed on the coronavirus.dc.gov website.

If Village members or volunteers are exposed to someone who is showing symptoms, we recommend the following steps.

1. Leave the sick person’s home or vicinity immediately and return to your home. Recommend the sick person seek medical care.
2. Initiate a self-imposed quarantine period of 14 days. If you have any reason to believe you might have been exposed to the coronavirus, limit your contact with others until you can confirm that the person did not have the virus, or you can seek appropriate medical advice to rule out any probability that you have the virus. We recognize this is an inconvenient step, but it is what we are recommending all our community members follow, and what we are requiring our staff follow.
3. Call your doctor for guidance. At the recommendation of your medical provider begin symptom treatment and relief.
4. If you are concerned about yourself or the well-being of a Village Member, call the Village Office at 202-935-6060.
5. Continue vigilance of your own hand hygiene and best practices for protection.

Read about DC EMS' statement about when to call, or not call, 9-1-1.

DC EMS has created a map to help consumers locate “Right Care, Right Now” options for seeking care. Remember to call any doctor’s office or urgent care prior to visiting if you have symptoms for guidance.

DC residents without health insurance should call 855-532-5465 to get help getting insured.

Free COVID-19 testing is available for DC residents

Health care providers across the District have free testing for COVID-19 and the District is operating free testing sites at the United Medical Center in Ward 8 and at the UDC Bertie Backus campus in Ward 5. A list of testing locations can be found on coronavirus.dc.gov/testing.

Expanded Testing - Free walk-up COVID-19 testing is now available for residents at firehouses across the District.

Ward 3's firehouse testing site is open from 2:30-7:30 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays at Engine Co. 31. Register before you go at the DC Coronavirus website.

1. Symptom screening. Check out this self-assessment tool provided by DC Health.
2. Press pause. If you do report cold or flu-like symptoms (i.e. fever, cough, sore throat, chills,) we recommend that any in-person visits be postponed until your health status is cleared by a medical provider.
3. Consider your risk. If you are unwell with another diagnosed illness (i.e. emphysema, COPD) that causes coughing or throat discomfort, proceed with caution. Individuals with underlying lung disease are at greater risk for becoming seriously ill from COVID-19. People have been known to carry the virus while not exhibiting symptoms.
4. Wash your hands and cover your coughs and sneezes. Frequently practice good hand hygiene. Washing your hands with soap and water is preferred, however hand sanitizer made of at least 60% alcohol will work in a pinch. Watch this video to learn proper hand washing techniques.
5. Safety first. Older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions are encouraged to stay home. Visit the CDC's website to learn more about recommendations for this high risk population.
6. Self-quarantine. If you have any reason to suspect you may have been exposed to the Coronavirus, stay home, contact your health care provider, and follow these guidelines from DC Health. Please self-isolate to protect yourself and your community.

MPD Warns of COVID-19 Scams in Washington, D.C.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) would like to warn the public about potentially fraudulent activity in the District of Columbia related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

During this public health emergency, scammers have taken an opportunity to defraud citizens in various ways. MPD has recently been notified of individuals in the District selling “extra” COVID-19 vaccinations. If you receive any messages or calls about the private sale of a vaccine, report this as fraudulent activity. Members of the public should only get a vaccine through scheduled appointments at hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and doctors’ offices.

In effort to keep the community safe, MPD asks the public to avoid the following COVID-19 related scams:

• Individuals offering to sell treatment for COVID-19, such as cures, vaccines, and insurance.
• Online sales of high demand medical supplies such as surgical masks.    
• Telephone calls or emails demanding funds for COVID-19 treatment or other medical services.
• Solicitation of donations for those affected by COVID-19.   
• Phishing telephone calls, text messages, or emails from national and global health authorities asking to provide personal and/or financial information.
• Unofficial COVID-19 apps or downloads that can potentially compromise users’ devices and personal information with malware. 
• Investments claiming to prevent, detect, or cure COVID-19.

The Department takes matters such as this seriously and will hold such offenders accountable for their actions.

If you have been a victim or have knowledge of a suspected Coronavirus fraud or scams in Washington, D.C., please contact the Metropolitan Police Department Financial and Cyber Crimes Unit at 202-727-4159 or mpd.fraud-unit@dc.gov.   

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading expert on infectious diseases, is now recommending the use of face masks when out in public. While it is most important for health care providers to have access to high demand personal protective equipment like N95 face masks, there are ways to create your own face mask at home.  Here are some resources to help you out:

• The CDC recommendations (including a video with the US Surgeon General demonstrating how to make a face covering)

Why it is important to wear a cloth face covering

Cloth face coverings may help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others. Wearing a cloth face covering will help protect people around you, including those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and workers who frequently come into close contact with other people (e.g., in stores and restaurants). Cloth face coverings are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely used by people in public settings. The spread of COVID-19 can be reduced when cloth face coverings are used along with other preventive measures, including social distancing, frequent handwashing, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

Wear your Face Covering Correctly

• Wash your hands before putting on your face covering
• Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin
• Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face
• Make sure you can breathe easily

Wear a Face Covering to Protect Others

• Wear a face covering that covers your nose and mouth to help protect others in case you’re infected with COVID-19 but don’t have symptoms
• Wear a face covering in public settings when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when it may be difficult for you to stay six feet apart
• Wear a face covering correctly for maximum protection
• Don’t put the face covering around your neck or up on your forehead
• Don’t touch the face covering, and, if you do, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer to disinfect

Follow Everyday Health Habits

• Stay at least 6 feet away from others
• Avoid contact with people who are sick
• Wash your hands often, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds each time
• Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available

Take Off Your Cloth Face Covering Carefully, When You’re Home

• Untie the strings behind your head or stretch the ear loops
• Handle only by the ear loops or ties
• Fold outside corners together
• Place covering in the washing machine (learn more about how to wash cloth face coverings)
• Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when removing and wash hands immediately after removing.

Preparation for an emergency can help you feel in control and respond better in the event of an emergency. Here are some ways to prepare for a COVID-19 outbreak:

• Keep an adequate supply of non-prescription drugs and other health supplies on hand – fever reducers, pain relievers, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and a thermometer.
• Check your regular prescription drugs to make sure you have an adequate supply and refill your prescriptions as needed. See if your pharmacist can fill an extra month’s supply of your prescriptions.
• Have extra non-perishable food items at home, as well as important personal hygiene and household items like toilet paper, tissues, disinfectant cleansers, etc. Here is a helpful list of disinfectants that kill the COVID-19 virus.
• If you have a pet, make sure to have an ample supply of food for your pet and your pet’s prescription medication, if applicable. Also, make plans to have someone care for your pet if you need to leave the house for an extended period of time.
• Create a personal support network of family and friends who can help you in an emergency. Northwest Neighbors Village requests emergency contact information, including the name of a neighbor with a key to your home. This information is used in the event of an emergency. Be sure to contact the office if any of your information has changed. If you aren’t sure who you’ve named, please contact the office and we will gladly review that information with you. This is also a good time to let your support network know about NNV so s/he is familiar with us in the event of an emergency.
• Make sure that someone in your network has a key to your home and knows where you keep important health information.
• Keep your health information updated and organized, this includes written copies of your prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and orders for medical equipment (including dosage, treatment and allergy information) up to date. All Northwest Neighbors Village members were provided a File of Life magnet. Please contact the Village office at 202-935-6060 if you need assistance filling it out. The File of Life website also offers a free PDF download of their COVID-19 Med Card.

DC has an emergency preparedness website for seniors. Check it out for additional recommendations.

Village volunteers are available to provide transportation to our Full Members. Please understand that we may experience a reduction in volunteer availability if our volunteers become ill or choose to reduce the risk of exposure by limiting their time outside of the home. In the event you opt to use other transportation options, Northwest Neighbors Village staff and volunteers can assist connecting you with the following services.

Getting from point A to point B is an important part of daily life. If you are used to using the bus, a carpool or the Metro system, you may want to consider a private ride instead. Below are private pay and low-cost options for getting around the City.

DC Villages has created a document of Guidance for Ride Share Options that you can download here.

Metro Rail and Bus: Click to view Metro’s blog of updates about service changes and increased cleaning and disinfecting protocols implemented during the coronavirus season. Visit Metro's website for up to date information on schedules and routes.

Taxi: you can order a taxi 24/7 online or by calling (202) 398-0500. Wheelchair accessible options available.

Low/Moderate Income Transportation Options: If you are a MetroAccess customer and are choosing to avoid public transportation, you may also use Transport DC, a $5 private taxi service for MetroAccess customers. Visit the MetroAccess website for more information on accessing this service.

Rideshare services provides low-cost, private car rides curb to curb anywhere in the region. Requires a Smartphone “App” for use. No money is exchanged between rider and driver; all payment is handled on the app. Wheelchair accessible options available. For Uber or Lyft, you need a smart phone to download and use the app. Go Go Grandparent can be used with any phone.

• Lyft Rideshare App: See Lyft's coronavirus website here.
• Uber Rideshare App: See Uber's coronavirus response here.
• Go Go Grandparent: (855) 464 – 6872
  Like Lyft, but without a smartphone! Registration required. No money is exchanged between rider and driver; all payment is handled through your pre-registered account. This is a personalized service that charges a nominal fee to allow the ease of a mobile App but without the hassle of a smartphone.

The uncertainty that accompanies a pandemic can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are hotlines available that offer the support of professionals and trained volunteers to help alleviate the angst.

SAMSHA - Offers a Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, which is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disasters. Calls are confidential and offered in multiple languages.

DC's Community Response Team - Provides 24-hour telephone access to a mental health clinician and 24-hour suicide prevention lifeline. Call 1-888-793-4357.

Friendship Line - Offered through the Institute on Aging, 1-800-971-0016, is the only accredited crisis line in the country for people aged 60 years and older, and adults living with disabilities. The Friendship Line is available 24 hours a day.

I Am Fine - For those who are concerned that no one would know if they were in trouble in some way, I Am Fine offers a daily automated call service. If someone does not respond after a number of calls, an emergency contact is notified. They offer a 2-week free trial.

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