The partial refunds are design to help students and families in the midst of the nationwide shutdown
The partial refunds are design to help students and families in the midst of the nationwide shutdown. They include room and board, prorated refunds for fees for parking and athletics.
AG Racine sends cease-and-desist letters to stop price gouging by DC stores and online vendors.
States are expected to receive at least $1.25 billion once the bill passes and is signed by President Trump. DC will only get $500 million.
Cardoz had traveled from Mumbai to New York through Frankfurt, Germany, on March 8. He was admitted a week ago to Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair, New Jersey, with a fever and subsequently tested positive for Covid-19, the statement said.
NEW YORK (AP) — Chef Floyd Cardoz, who competed on “Top Chef,” won “Top Chef Masters” and operated successful restaurants in both India and New York, died Wednesday of complications from the coronavirus, his company said in a statement. He was 59.
Cardoz had traveled from Mumbai to New York through Frankfurt, Germany, on March 8. He was admitted a week ago to Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair, New Jersey, with a fever and subsequently tested positive for Covid-19, the statement said.
The committed advocate of making the food industry more sustainable began his hospitality training in his native Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay. He later moved to Switzerland, where he honed his skills in French, Italian and Indian cuisine before moving on to the kitchens of New York City.
He was a partner in Bombay Sweet Shop, O Pedro and The Bombay Canteen in India at the time of his death.
The Indian-American partnered with famed restaurateur Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group to open Tabla in 1997. The Manhattan spot was praised by critics. It closed in 2010.
Cardoz’s death was mourned by famous friends in both the restaurant and television industries.
“Love you so much @floydcardoz,” Meyer tweeted, calling him a “beautiful human being.”
The two worked together for 17 years. At Tabla, they celebrated Cardoz’s new Indian cuisine that melded the sensual flavors and spices of his homeland with Western techniques.
Padma Lakshmi, host of the Bravo cooking competition series “Top Chef,” praised the success of Tabla and offered condolences to Cardoz’s loved ones, including his wife and business partner, Barkha.
“He had an impish smile, an innate need to make those around him happy, and a delicious touch,” Lakshmi tweeted.
The Twitter account for “Top Chef” offered condolences and called Cardoz an “inspiration to chefs around the world.”
In 2011, Cardoz competed in and won Season 3 of “Top Chef Masters.” He used his $110,000 in winnings to support the Young Scientist Cancer Research Fund at New York’s Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
The now-independent foundation, referred to as the Young Scientist Foundation, enables high school and college students to work alongside accomplished researchers to develop new treatments for diseases, according to a spokesperson for Cardoz’s company. It was a central focus of his charity work.
In addition to Tabla, Cardoz and Meyer partnered in 2012 on North End Grill, a Battery Park City staple that was a downtown Manhattan favorite until its closing in 2018. In addition to his work with Meyer, Cardoz partnered with Sameer Seth and Yash Bhanage in Hunger Inc. Hospitality starting in 2015.
Cardoz was a four-time James Beard Award nominee. He was the author of two cookbooks, “Once Spice, Two Spice” and “Flavorwalla.” In 2008, he launched a line of ready to cook entrees in collaboration with the online grocer Fresh Direct.
Smith on Wednesday shared a clip of “Will” with his nearly 44 million followers on Instagram. He personally thanked Lucas in a separate video on social media, calling the rapper’s song “creative.”
Lucas released the music video for his track “Will” on Monday. In the video, the rapper paid homage to Smith through a reenactment of the actor’s biggest projects including the “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Bad Boys,” “Men in Black” and “Pursuit of Happyness.”
Smith on Wednesday shared a clip of “Will” with his nearly 44 million followers on Instagram. He personally thanked Lucas in a separate video on social media, calling the rapper’s song “creative.”
Smith also said he hopes to meet Lucas one day. In a post, Lucas said he needed to “take a cold shower and wake up. I’m dreaming right now.”
“Will” is a single from Lucas’ debut studio album “ADHD,” which releases on Friday.
US jobless claims hit 3.3 million, quadruple previous record
Dispelling the myths surrounding COVID-19
Senate could vote tonight. House still must approve the bill
“When I started shouting them out, one of my friends told me that they were playing the audio in the emergency room to uplift patients and the spirits,” he said. “Sometimes that’s all it takes to just lift someone’s spirit. And this is a beautiful thing to experience.”
At first, the audience for his hours-long sets was no more than a few hundred, mainly friends. But then word spread, and it grew to a few thousand. Then tens of thousands. Then the celebrities started showing up like Janet Jackson and Jimmy Fallon.
“By day four, which was Friday, it just took on a life of its own, you know, where Drake popped in,” said D-Nice. “Everyone’s in it like, ‘Whoa, what’s happening here?’ And then it just started to build and it was building.”
Even Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey popped in on what would become known as #ClubQuarantine as the audience exploded.
“Best party of 1 and 100k I ever been to! Thanks @djdnice #ClubQuarantine,” Winfrey tweeted.
D-Nice, whose real name is Derrick Jones, says he’s been overwhelmed by the response.
“I’ve been in the music industry for a long time, but this was a different kind of experience where it was is more global than just like even making records, like the impact that it’s had on people just through playing great music and allowing people to feel good feeling connected during this time where we are all so separated (and) isolated,” said D-Nice.
He began his career in the 1980s with the influential Bronx hip-hop crew Boogie Down Productions and had a solo career but is now known for spinning beats at the hottest parties (he played the afterparty at the final musical event hosted by the Obamas at the White House in 2016). But like most performers, his work came to a halt amid the call for social distancing and worldwide shutdowns to try and halt the spread of the coronavirus (For most people, COVID-19 causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia).
So that’s when he took to Instagram. When he first began playing on the social network last week, he had no professional equipment. He only used his iTunes, pressing play and pause while talking about the songs.
Eventually, he grabbed his actual turntables, and what began with about a couple hundred people exploded into more than 100,000 listening to his nine-hour set on Saturday, and 160,000 joining his six-hour set the following day.
While Jones is no stranger to performing for celebrities or world leaders, he was taken aback when Mrs. Obama’s account joined his performance, freezing him for a moment as he figured out what to play (He went with a “Shining” by DJ Khaled featuring Beyoncé and Jay-Z.)
Another surreal moment was when Stevie Wonder tried use the “join” feature to be on screen with D-Nice and interact with him. Even politicians’ handles popped up, like Joe Biden’s.
Missy Elliott tweeted her approval with plenty of emojis Sunday, writing: “Hangover from #ClubQuarantine last night! Every1 was in the building! It really felt like the good ole times! @djdnice we needed that energy let me give you your flowers.”
D-Nice believes his virtual parties were special because “everyone was in VIP,” and he was authentic. Between shouting out personal friends and famous names, he also frequently acknowledged the healthcare workers while reminding everyone to “wash your hands!”
“When I started shouting them out, one of my friends told me that they were playing the audio in the emergency room to uplift patients and the spirits,” he said. “Sometimes that’s all it takes to just lift someone’s spirit. And this is a beautiful thing to experience.”
Nice, who began with a respectable 200,000 follower count, has now assessed more than 1. 5 million. Party attendees even began randomly sending him donations after a friend encouraged listeners to “tip the deejay” as if they were actually in a club and proceeded to post his Cash App link.
Nice, who lives in Los Angeles, said #ClubQuarantine will have to take a break because technically, streaming music via social media violates music industry laws, and on top of that, he’s physical tired. But he plans something special for Wednesday — he’s being joined virtually by Michelle Obama for a voter registration drive.
He also said #ClubQuarantine has proven the healing power of music: “It’s just magical.”
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Follow AP Entertainment journalist Gary Gerard Hamilton at twitter.com/garyghamilton
Governor Larry Hogan provided an update to the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic
“This virus, this pandemic affects all of us obviously, so we wanted to start in our own communities,” John Branca, the estate’s co-executor, told The Associated Press. “This is personal for us.”
The estate announced Wednesday that it will give $100,000 apiece to Broadway Cares, the food bank Three Square in Nevada and MusiCares, because all three areas have been good to the estate and to Jackson.
“This virus, this pandemic affects all of us obviously, so we wanted to start in our own communities,” John Branca, the estate’s co-executor, told The Associated Press. “This is personal for us.”
A Jackson-themed Broadway show, “MJ The Musical” is scheduled to start previews in July, though like the rest of Broadway it is currently on hold amid the coronavirus shutdown. No announcements have been made on postponing the show, and the estate and producers are taking a wait-and-see approach, Branca said.
“Michael Jackson ONE,” the long-running Jackson-based Cirque du Soleil show at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, where Jackson lived late in his life, is also on hold indefinitely.
“Las Vegas has been very good to Michael,” Branca said.
The estate’s donation there will provide 300,000 meals to the needy, and help to maintain the supplies of the food bank Three Square, the estate said.
In New York, the estate says it is donating to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS’ COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund, and will give the rest to MusiCares, the charitable branch of the Recording Academy that helps those in the music industry who are economically struggling.
The estate says the donations are inspired by the constant charitable work of Jackson himself.
“Michael was extremely generous both of his time and his money in his life, and it’s in his music too,” Branca said. “We look to Michael for leadership and inspiration. We’re doing what Michael would have been doing.”
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.
Snoop, Dondria, Jermaine Dupree, Diddy’s son Christian Combs, Evan Ross and several other celebs made a cameo in this fun, flirty video. We got a chance to see Usher’s carefree side in a house party setting surrounded my beautiful women, music, dancing and good vibes.
Usher has just released a new music video for his hit single “Don’t Waste My Time” featuring Ella Mai.
Snoop, Dondria, Jermaine Dupree, Diddy’s son Christian Combs, Evan Ross and several other celebs made a cameo in this fun, flirty video. We got a chance to see Usher’s carefree side in a house party setting surrounded my beautiful women, music, dancing and good vibes.
“Don’t Waste My Time” serves as the lead single for his forthcoming ninth studio album.
Help find this missing Prince George’s County girl
Closures to start Wednesday, March 25th at 10 p.m. and continue through April 24
Resources for small businesses impacted by COVID-19
Loans and grants for small businesses and nonprofits to help keep employees on payroll and pay bills.
Youth can now get tested for the coronavirus at new drive-thru testing site in DC
For a child to be tested at this location, the parent or guardian must show a paper copy or electronic copy of the physician referral form completed by their primary care provider.
WHUR’s Digital Reporter Candice Adkins spoke with Dr. Joelle N. Simpson – Medical Director for Emergency Preparedness about the new effort.IMG_1003
The site location was donated by Trinity Washington University and can safely test children and young adults through age 22 who have been identified by their pediatrician or other primary care doctor with symptoms of COVID-19. The specimens are sent offsite to the program’s laboratory partner, Quest Diagnostics, for analysis. Community pediatricians are referring patients who are either at an increased risk for developing severe symptoms due to the child’s underlying medical condition or because the child has an immediate family member who is in a high-risk category.
Primary care doctors can refer children through young adults up to age 22 for COVID-19 specimen collection/testing. This is the first such drive-up site to open in Washington, D.C.
“Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker,” which also stars Blair Underwood, Tiffany Haddish, Bill Bellamy and Carmen Ejogo, tells the story of America’s first female millionaire, who was also black, at the turn of the 20th century.
NEW YORK (AP) — Madam C.J. Walker may be one of America’s most successful “pull yourself up by your own bootstrap” stories, but many have never heard of her. However, that’s changing, thanks to the recent release of a Netflix limited series starring Octavia Spencer.
“Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker,” which also stars Blair Underwood, Tiffany Haddish, Bill Bellamy and Carmen Ejogo, tells the story of America’s first female millionaire, who was also black, at the turn of the 20th century. Her path to riches would be noteworthy in any era, but it’s particularly impressive given the discrimination and roadblocks women and blacks had to endure at the time.
“I knew about her since I was a little girl because my mother taught us about her. We were from humble beginnings and Madam was from humble beginnings,” said Spencer. “She dictated her path in life, and what an inspirational and aspirational story to use as an example for young people who were from nothing. … She was able to do all of that without having the right to vote or the right to own anything because of her gender and color.”
Walker, whose real name was Sarah Breedlove, created and marketed hair products for African American women at the turn of the 20th century. The four-part drama is based on the book “On Her Own Ground” by author and journalist A’Lelia Bundles, Walker’s great-great granddaughter. Kasi Lemmons, who helmed last year’s “Harriet” film and DeMane Davis both direct two episodes.
https://youtu.be/30VEFg5j84c
Although Bundles says this has been a project “50 years in the making” with many starts and stops, it almost failed this time as well. Spencer says she nearly walked away from the project before basketball superstar LeBron James and his business partner, Maverick Carter, intervened (both are executive producers on the project, along with Spencer).
“There were things that I felt that, in my career, that I needed within my contract,” said the Oscar winner. “Sometimes you reach an impasse. And I am always prepared to graciously walk away, especially now, understanding my value as an actress, as a producer, and understanding what will be required of me when I’m on set.
“So I was graciously bowing out and LeBron (James) and Maverick (Carter) advocated for me. And it’s terrible that they had to, but they did. And that’s what we all need sometimes in the negotiating process. But you also have to be ready to say, ‘Thank you for thinking of me.’”
Walker, who died in 1919 at age 51, was not only an extremely successful business woman, but a philanthropist as well. She gave generously to what are now known as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and fought for anti-lynching laws.
Bundles hopes that her great-great grandmother will serve as an inspiration to those who know about her and those who are just learning of her, and that everyone will dig even deeper into her story.
“What has been meaningful for me in these many years of telling her story is to find the other dimensions: that she was not only a woman who was a pioneer of the modern hair care industry, but who employed thousands of African American women and helped to create generational wealth,” Bundles said “She created a hair care company, but she used her money and her influence to make a difference in her community.”
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Follow AP Entertainment journalist Gary Gerard Hamilton at twitter.com/garyghamilton
District is closing non-essential business, joining DC and Maryland.
“There will be others in the services area that are not related to an emergency response that will need to shut their doors,” said Bowser.
The mayor spoke today at an 11am press conference where she also announced that so-called “distant learning” is underway for students and educators. Distant Learning means youngsters are required to complete school packages handed out by their teachers and participate in learning activities via the internet.
Bower is joining Maryland and Virginia governors who took similar actions yesterday closing all non-essential facilities across the region. It has become part of the new normal, as much of the nation and the world, come to grips with the global coronavirus pandemic.
Meantime, the mayor has set up a special fund to help students who may not be able to access learning via computers or the internet. It’s called the DC Equity Fund. Thus far, the fund has already raised $1,000,000.00. You can donate at www.dcedequity.org. It’s unclear when or if students from the District will return to traditional classes this school year.
DC Mayor says 137 coronavirus cases have been confirmed so far.
“Simply walk outside in nature,” Khabbaza said. “People can use this as an opportunity to exercise in other ways.”
Steve LaTart in Minnesota is thinking of installing a space heater in his basement to recreate the atmosphere of his hot yoga classes now that his gym has closed due to coronavirus fears.
LaTart’s says it’s part of the “new, weird, strange workout plan” he has devised during a nationwide trend of self-isolation and social distancing as the government recommends limiting gatherings to 10 or fewer people.
Gyms, yoga studios and CrossFit centers around the country are fueling the drive to stay active by offering online classes, some free of charge, or extending trial periods for at-home workouts.
Studio owners and fitness instructors are having to adjust too as they make the shift to teaching online. The Coalition of Health and Fitness Leaders, a group of fitness, nutrition and wellness industry representatives recently formed in response to the new coronavirus, hosted an online panel Thursday to provide guidance for instructors.
Countless people around the country who have been cooped up inside as their companies mandate work-at-home policies and their fitness centers shut down are getting creative with their workout routines.
Many are turning to online classes, grabbing bleach bottles as makeshift weights, or taking cues from YouTube challenges showing how to do crunches with furniture or turn a kitchen floor into a treadmill by soaping up the tiling.
LaTart’s yoga and warrior sculpting instructors at Life Time in Minneapolis are still teaching classes. They’ve just moved them from the gym to cyberspace, where they are livestreaming instructions from their website. LaTart says knowing he can still participate in the classes is keeping him sane.
“I like the idea that this is something that’s normal,” the 38-year-old radio producer said. “This is someone I know. This is something that’s familiar.”
Beth Berglin, 40, a director at a charity in Miami, was used to going to boot camp-style classes four mornings a week until authorities began urging residents to avoid gatherings and she her husband decided to stay at home as much as possible. Her gym closed earlier this month, but she is staying active through online classes from Burn Boot Camp.
“Part of the reason we exercise is to have that mental break,” she said. “I can’t imagine getting through this without having some form of physical activity.”
In Fort Lauderdale, LA Fitness members were told not to return as they left the gym last Monday night. That scene has played out across the country as state governments have ramped up containment measures. Planet Fitness, Equinox and Life Time Fitness have all said they’re closing outlets for several weeks or indefinitely in response to the coronavirus.
To make up for it, Planet Fitness started “Home Work-Ins,” a series of free, 20-minute classes that don’t require equipment. Erica Lugo, a trainer on the reality television show “The Biggest Loser,” was scheduled to lead one of the workouts.
National chain CorePower Yoga closed its 200 studios, but is offering online classes free until May 31. Taryn Toomey closed her New York studios, but is offering two weeks of free streaming as a public service, which she said has drawn participants from around the globe.
“Lebanon, Germany, Spain, Italy. It’s overwhelming,” Toomey said.
Fitness operations whose core business has always been online or home-based are also stepping up their game, using the opportunity to capture new clients. AloMoves, an online fitness service linked to the popular apparel line, has seen a 40% increase on its YouTube channel, where it is offering some free workouts.
The at-home workout company obè has had 10 times the number of sign-ups this month compared to last, according to co-Founders Mark Mullett and Ashley Mills. They said the company also has received tons of requests from desperate parents now that schools are being canceled. Last week, obè launched four 10-minute dance and strength workouts for kids 10 and under.
Peloton, a company that sells high-end stationary bicycles and treadmills featuring instructors who give live and videotaped classes, has extended its free trial period to 90 days.
For most people, coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus.
Still, good diet and exercise can be crucial — for the young and old alike — to maintain sanity and keep the immune system strong against COVID-19. In addition to taking online courses, gym rats might now consider getting outdoors to exercise if they can, said Dr. Joe Khabbaza, a pulmonologist at Cleveland Clinic.
“Simply walk outside in nature,” Khabbaza said. “People can use this as an opportunity to exercise in other ways.”
Toomey encourages those filled with fear over the virus to use exercise as both a physical and spiritual balm. One of the best ways to fight the stagnation of home quarantine, she says, is to “continue to breathe and keep moving and use the medicine of that.”
“Soul Makossa” was one of the earliest hits in the nascent world music scene, including a catchy hook copied by some of the world’s biggest pop stars.
PARIS (AP) — Manu Dibango, who fused African rhythms with funk to become one of the most influential musicians in world dance music, died Tuesday with the coronavirus, according to his music publisher. He was 86.
The Cameroon-born saxophonist, who gained international fame with his 1972 song “Soul Makossa,” died in a hospital in the Paris region, Thierry Durepaire said.
Dibango was hospitalized with an illness “linked to COVID-19,” his official Facebook page said last week.
“Soul Makossa” was one of the earliest hits in the nascent world music scene, including a catchy hook copied by some of the world’s biggest pop stars.
In 2009, Dibango filed a lawsuit against Michael Jackson and Rihanna, claiming they had stolen his music in “Wanna Be Startin’ Something” and “Don’t Stop the Music,” respectively. Jackson settled out of court.
Funeral services were to be “held in strict privacy” followed by a tribute “when possible,” Tuesday’s announcement said. Funerals in France have been limited to 20 people n the closest circle of the deceased because of a lockdown to try to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Dibango is survived by four children.
“I’m not an educator!” Williams said. “I’m used to helping with homework, but I am unable to teach thought-out lectures and work. It’s overwhelming!”
In the early days of working from home to prevent spread of the COVID-19 disease, some Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers talking strategy on a video chat couldn’t help but get distracted by their team leader’s kitchen cabinets.
“There was absolutely nothing special about them except for the fact that they were in the private home of someone senior to us,” said researcher Kate Darling, who started gossiping about the cabinetry in an online back channel.
It was a minor and welcome disruption, an early sign of bigger hiccups that office workers, educators and others around the world are dealing with on the fly as the coronavirus pandemic shuts people out of offices, schools, coffee shops and co-working spaces.
Integrating work life into the home has rarely been easy, but measures to contain the virus have brought those worlds into sudden and sharp collision. Untold numbers of Americans are shifting their day jobs from offices to living rooms, spare bedrooms, kitchens and basements. This massive, unplanned social experiment can strain productivity and domestic tranquility as toddlers scurry around untended and business meetings and classes shift to noisy group video chats that resemble a checkerboard of talking heads.
It is also forcing many parents into unexpected new roles. Carmen Williams, a therapist in Macomb, Michigan, finds herself not only seeing clients sporadically, but shelling out for a babysitter, paying tuition for her seven- and 14-year-old kids — and still teaching them school assignments.
“I’m not an educator!” Williams said. “I’m used to helping with homework, but I am unable to teach thought-out lectures and work. It’s overwhelming!”
This plunge into the unknown, accelerated by the growing number of states ordering residents to stay home, could impact how the U.S. weathers an almost certain recession. That will also depend on how well individuals and their families can manage the complications of studying and conducting business from home — at least for the subset of employees with desk jobs and the ability to do their work remotely.
Tech companies are pledging to avert more serious disruptions by increasing data capacity to handle the onslaught of newly quarantined workers and students. Tuesday mornings used to be the peak time for video conference platform Zoom, but now there’s an ongoing demand for that amount of data, said Kelly Steckelberg, chief financial officer of the San Jose, California-based company.
Steckelberg said the company has accelerated the opening of two new U.S. data centers to meet the demand and is adding servers to its existing 17 data centers around the world. Cisco, which runs the Webex video conference service, said it has prepared itself for “sustained peaks” in the U.S. after already handling a doubling of usage in Asian countries including China, Japan and South Korea.
Microsoft, which asked 50,000 of its own employees to work from home in the Seattle region before Washington State sent all “nonessential” workers home, has seen dramatic demand spikes for its workplace communications service known as Teams. Rival workplace communications platform Slack has experienced “just a massive outpouring of interest,” CEO Daniel Butterfield said on an earnings call earlier this month.
Major phone and cable companies have agreed to open up their wireless hot spots for public use, and said they are also waiving data caps and won’t cut homes or business’ internet off because of an inability to pay. Experts have said the core of the U.S. network is more than capable of handling the virus-related surge in demand because it has evolved to easily handle bandwidth-greedy Netflix, YouTube and other streaming services.
But people confined to their homes have still found it a struggle to maintain human connections.
Washington, D.C. resident Joseph Sprott was just two days into a new marketing job when the office went fully remote, which he said makes it harder to “ingratiate oneself” with the new manager and team.
“Now a simple ‘Come check this out’ is a three-person conference call,” he said.
In the Netherlands, a team of data scientists led by Jeroen Baas was already used to communicating remotely with overseas colleagues. But vacating their Amsterdam office to limit the spread of the virus presented new challenges, so Baas started a 15-minute virtual water cooler session to try to restore some of the casual banter lost when his colleagues aren’t physically present.
“It gives some time and space to talk about work or take your mind off other things, or maybe rant about what’s going on with the virus spread and people hoarding things,” he said.
Darling, the MIT researcher, said she is worried about more serious problems as the work-from-home period continues for weeks or more and researchers don’t have access to their laboratories and other important tools. As more schools and childcare centers stay closed, she said, remote work will get more disruptive.
Her toddler has been watching the TV show “Daniel Tiger” on repeat. “Otherwise we wouldn’t get anything done,” she said.
It’s harder for Catharine Bouchard, who works for a bank in Ontario and isn’t always able to balance working and taking care of two young children, ages 4 and 10. “I cannot focus on work and am anxious as ’F″,” she said.
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AP Technology Writer Tali Arbel contributed to this report.
Coronavirus pandemic forces District officials to make more agency changes
Starting tomorrow, all in-person customer service centers at the Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, and Department of Transportation will be closed. Bowser is extending the deadlines for government documents, inspections, and other requirements.
The action comes as the number of COVI-19 cases in the District is nearing 140. The mayor continues to urge residents to stay at home and to practice social distancing.
Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV)
DC DMV remains operational with most employees working remotely and most necessary services provided online. All in-person services are suspended effective March 25. In-person services at Adjudication Services are set to resume on Monday, April 27. All other in-person services at DC DMV locations (e.g., Inspection Station and Service Centers) are set to resume on Tuesday, April 28. Listed below is important information about key services:
DC DMV customers are encouraged to use online options by visiting dc.dmv.gov.
Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA)
DCRA remains operational, but the in-person Permit, Business License, Residential Center and Home Owner Center will be unavailable to the general public beginning Wednesday, March 25. In-person operations are set to resume on Monday, April 27. DCRA online services remain available, and customers are encouraged to use online options by visiting dcra.dc.gov. Below are options for obtaining various DCRA services:
Customers with questions about how to use any services online, can use the live chat feature on DCRA’s website during normal business hours, or contact DCRA at (202) 442-4400 or dcra@dc.gov.
District Department of Transportation (DDOT)
In-person services at DDOT’s Public Space Regulation Division at 1100 4th Street NSW are unavailable to the public effective March 25. Residents can use DDOT’s online public space permitting service, Transportation Online Permitting System (TOPS), to apply for and renew public space permits.Payments can be made through the PayPal portal in TOPS. Please visit ocfo.dc.gov for more information about cash and check payments. For comprehensive and real-time service updates related to the District’s COVID-19 response, visit coronavirus.dc.gov.
Abe says IOC agrees ‘100%’ that Olympics should be postponed
Northam orders some businesses closed
Goldson also announced that advanced placement exams scheduled for May will now be administered online, after the College Board announced last week that in-person AP exams were cancelled.
Hogan announces sweeping financial initiatives for small businesses and the unemployed in the state.
Grocery stores, restaurants, convenience stores, and liquor stores can continue to stay open. Dine-in businesses are still not allowed. While Hogan strongly urged residents to stay home if they have no essential reason to leave, he said no order to shelter-in-place or stay-at-home has been issued. Police will enforce bans on gatherings of 10 or more people.
Hogan also announced sweeping financial initiatives for small businesses and the unemployed in the state.
DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director, Christopher Rodriguez announced that the city is preparing for a medical surge of COVID-19 patients.
DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director, Christopher Rodriguez announced that the city is preparing for a medical surge of COVID-19 patients. The current number of confirmed cases has increased to 116 from 17 one week ago. Rodriguez said the District is urging area hospitals to prepare for the surge by reducing the number of non-acute patients and cancelling elective surgeries. DC Health is working to open, closed medical facilities to address the expected increase in coronavirus patients.
“As much as I felt like I could push through whatever I was feeling to do #WWHL from home, we’re putting a pin in that for now so I can focus on getting better,” Cohen wrote.
Former star of “The Bachelor” Colton Underwood and talk-show host Andy Cohen have joined the growing group of celebrities who have tested positive for coronavirus.
Underwood posted a video on his social media pages saying he has been following all social distancing rules for a week, but tested positive on Friday.
The 28-year-old former football player who appeared as “The Bachelor” in 2019 says he began having symptoms, primarily exhaustion, a few days ago.
“The main thing is I can’t even walk up a flight of stairs without being out of breath or going to the bathroom without having to sit down because I’m exhausted,” he said.
Underwood says he is recovering and self-isolating at his girlfriend’s family home in Huntington Beach, California.
Cohen the 51-year-old host of the long-running Bravo late-night show “Watch What Happens Live” said on Instagram and Twitter Friday afternoon that he has also tested positive, and will not do shows from home as he had planned.
“As much as I felt like I could push through whatever I was feeling to do #WWHL from home, we’re putting a pin in that for now so I can focus on getting better,” Cohen wrote.
Colten Underwood and Andy Cohen join other entertainers including Tom Hanks, Idris Elba and Daniel Dae Kim who have tested positive for the virus amid the global pandemic.
The money will support “on-the-ground partners working on the front lines of disaster response especially those focused on protecting and serving marginalized communities — helping the most vulnerable in the United States, the Caribbean and in Africa prepare for what is to come,” the foundation said in a statement.
From finding ways to help others cope to sheltering in place to canceling events, here’s a look at some of the ways the entertainment industry is reacting to the spread of the coronavirus, which most people recover from but can cause severe illness in the elderly and those with preexisting medical conditions.
RIHANNA OPENS HER WALLET
Rihanna‘s Clara Lionel Foundation is giving $5 million to the response efforts against the coronavirus.
The money will support “on-the-ground partners working on the front lines of disaster response especially those focused on protecting and serving marginalized communities — helping the most vulnerable in the United States, the Caribbean and in Africa prepare for what is to come,” the foundation said in a statement.
The funding will be channeled through Direct Relief, Partners In Health, Feeding America, the International Rescue Committee, the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund and others.
“Never has it been more important or urgent to protect and prepare marginalized and underserved communities –those who will be hit hardest by this pandemic,” CLF’s executive director Justine Lucas said in the statement.
The money will go to food banks, testing, healthcare worker training, virus prevention and distribution of critical respiratory supplies.
BESPOKE FACE MASKS COMING
Hospitals and health care workers in New York without enough face masks to deal with the coronavirus are being promised help from someone more famous for his red carpet looks.
Christian Siriano in a tweet vowed to make masks, asking his sewing team to pump them out to help medical responders. The tweet got Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s attention, who thanked the “Project Runway” star and got in touch with his team.
Siriano later posted a photo of a mask in a plastic bag and captioned it: “Prototypes are happening — more updates by next week.”
SECOND BROADWAY CASUALTY
A revival of Edward Albee’s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” will not reopen when Broadway resumes performances, a second play to call it quits as the theater world grapples with the fallout over the coronavirus.
“Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” starred Laurie Metcalf as Martha and Rupert Everett as George. It managed just nine previews before Broadway was shuttered on March 12. Producers early Saturday blamed “cast scheduling conflicts amid the shutdown” for abandoning the show.
The move came a day after producers of Martin McDonagh’s dark comedy “Hangmen” said that show also will not reopen on Broadway.
“Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and “Hangmen” were two of 16 shows that were scheduled to open this spring that were suspended when Broadway went dark.
Oprah tweeted that it was the “best party of 1 and 100K I’ve ever been to.” Smith expressed a similar sentiment.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The hottest party in town Saturday night was on DJ D-Nice’s Instagram, where over 100,000 accounts tuned in during his epic 10-hour set including the likes of Michelle Obama, Oprah, Rihanna and Will Smith.
Oprah tweeted that it was the “best party of 1 and 100K I’ve ever been to.” Smith expressed a similar sentiment.
As the world practices social distancing to slow the spread of the coronavirus, many have been looking for ways to hang out virtually and D-Nice’s joyous dance party proved to be just the ticket.
D-Nice has been hosting Club Quarantine parties on his Instagram Live since Wednesday, but it hit a peak Saturday night, attracting entertainers, athletes and politicians to the account, like Missy Elliott, Ellen DeGeneres, Mark Zuckerberg and Magic Johnson.
Presidential hopefuls Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders also stopped by the virtual party, as did Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
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The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Rand Paul is the first senator to report positive test for virus
Over the last few days D-Nice has been going live on his IG playing music for folks to keep spirits up during this COVID-19 pandemic. What started off with just 200 folks earlier in the week turned into one of the biggest virtual parties ever!! Saturday night his “Home School” session in Club Quarantine surpassed over 100K folks tuned in rocking out to classic R&B, Hip-Hop, Afro Beat, Salsa and Jazz! In total he had 103K folks from all over the world partying and having a good time through the love of music.
It was a who’s who in there from our forever FLOTUS Michelle Obama, Oprah, Janet (Ms. Jackson if you nasty), Will Smith, Ava DuVernay, Maxwell, Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Rihanna, Quincy Jones, Ellen and Lenny Kravitz just to name a few!
Be sure to follow D-Nice on IG @dnice for the next installment of Home School! It’s an event not be missed. Get lost in the rhythm and be around a bunch of positive folks while using “social distancing” of course as we all try to stay safe during this unprecedented time. See you at the party!
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-AeHDag25Z/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
2nd person dies of COVID-19 in DC.
“I am saddened to announce a second death related to COVID-19 in our community. The hearts and prayers of our entire city are with her family and loved ones,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “We are in a critical phase of this health crisis, and we need everyone doing their part to blunt the spread of the virus. We need people following the guidance of our public health officials, staying at home, and not doing anything to put themselves or our community at risk.”
The District’s number of confirmed infections stands at 98.
Dr. Wayne Frederick discusses COVID-19 with Dr. Siham Mahgoub, an Assistant Professor in the Howard University College of Medicine and a consultant in the Infectious Disease Division of the Howard University Hospital Department of Medicine.
When we first heard about the Coronavirus, many of us were unsure how it could have an impact on our lives. Today, we’re seeing several changes in our day-to-day goings and comings, most of which have us within our homes with our families. As information and impact is changing at a rapid pace, there are several Howard University medical professionals on the front line assisting our community. On this episode of “The Journey,” Dr. Wayne Frederick discusses COVID-19 with Dr. Siham Mahgoub, an Assistant Professor in the Howard University College of Medicine and a consultant in the Infectious Disease Division of the Howard University Hospital Department of Medicine.
Air Date: March 22, 2020
NBC News technician dies from coronavirus
Crowds continue to flock to see Cherry Blossoms despite calls to stay away.
STREET CLOSURES today from 7am to 8pm
All street closures and listed times are subject to change based upon prevailing or unexpected conditions.
The public should expect parking restrictions along the street and should be guided by the posted emergency no parking signage. All vehicles that are parked in violation of the emergency no parking signs will be ticketed and towed.
Individuals and groups will encounter delays in the vicinity of this closure. To help flatten the curve, officials strongly discourage any Tidal Basin visits because social distancing has not been possible due to visitor volume.
For more information about the District’s coronavirus response, visit coronavirus.dc.gov
444 persons across the Washington area are now sick with COVID-19.
The District has 98 confirmed cases. Maryland has 194 and over in Virginia, 152 persons are infected with the virus. Meantime, a third person died in Maryland yesterday. The victim is a woman in her 40s from Montgomery County. In Virginia, a man in his 60s from Fairfax County also died from COVID-19. Officials in both states say the victims had other health issues.
Officials across the DMV are embarking on daily measures to combat the spread, including limiting bus service and blocking streets to stop crowds from flocking to the Tidal Basin to watch the Cherry Blossoms.
New numbers show coronavirus cases steadily climbing in the US.
President Trump also announced that he has approved disaster declaration for New York and is considering it for other states hard hit by the pandemic. Today, New Jersey joined Illinois, California, New York, and Oregon in ordering residents to stay at home.
Testing and supplies have been a major sticking point in the coronavirus fight. Trump says millions of new tests are on the way as well as masks and other health supplies.
Meantime, Vice President Mike Pence, who has been leading the White House coronavirus response, said he and his wife will be tested for COVID-19 later today. This after one of his staffers tested positive for the virus. Pence again reiterated that neither he nor the president had direct contact with the staffer.
Can your relationship survive the coronavirus crisis?
Like the first fatal case, the county resident also had underlying medical issues.
Gov. Larry Hogan confirmed the second coronavirus-related death in Maryland. According to Hogan, the latest victim was a Baltimore County man in his 60s. Like the first fatal case, the county resident also had underlying medical issues. As of Friday morning, there were 149 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the state.
Pritzker’s order announced Friday will still allow the state’s 12.6 million residents to seek essentials including groceries and medicine. The order will take effect Saturday.
DC Mayor Bowser expanding meals for DC youth while keeping schools closed through April 27th.
Beginning April 1, the District will add 10 meal sites for all students, bringing the total meal sites at DCPS buildings to 29 across the District. These sites serve lunch and a shelf-stable breakfast for all residents under the age of 18 Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
A full list of meal sites can be found on coronavirus.dc.gov/mealsites. The additional meal sites include:
Ward 1
Ward 2
Ward 3
Ward 4
Ward 5
Ward 6
Ward 7
Ward 8
DC Parks and Recreational Facilities
All DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) facilities, including playgrounds, parks, and athletic fields, will be closed to the public.
For more resources and information about the District’s response to COVID-19, visitcoronavirus.dc.gov.
Income tax filing deadline moved to July 15 from April 15
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser set to speak at 3pm about the first COVID-19 death in the city.
Mayor Muriel Bowser issued the following statement. “It is with great sadness that we announce a tragic death and, on behalf of our residents, I share our love and condolences with the patient’s family and friends,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “As a community, we must continue to support one another during these uncertain times. Everyone must do their part so that we can blunt the spread and protect our families, friends, and neighbors.”
The mayor is set to hold a press conference at 3pm to update residents on the crisis in DC.
How do you do telework and stay productive?
Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot says the tax deadline will be extended to July 15th.
Evictions and foreclosures are being halted and some homeowners may be able to put off paying their mortgages in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.
FHFA has announced that it has directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to suspend foreclosures and evictions for at least 60 days because of the coronavirus national emergency. The foreclosure and eviction suspension applies to homeowners with an (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) Enterprise-backed single-family mortgage.
Earlier this month, FHFA announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would provide payment forbearance to borrowers impacted by the coronavirus. The move means a mortgage payment can be suspended for up to 12 months due to hardship caused by COVID-19.
“This foreclosure and eviction suspension allows homeowners with Fannie and Freddie – backed mortgages to stay in their homes during this national emergency,” said Director Mark Calabria. “As a reminder, borrowers affected by the coronavirus who are having difficulty paying their mortgage should reach out to their mortgage servicers as soon as possible. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are said to be with mortgage servicers to ensure that borrowers facing hardship because of the coronavirus can get assistance.”
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The Federal Housing Finance Agency regulates Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the 11 Federal Home Loan Banks. These government-sponsored enterprises provide more than $6.3 trillion in funding for the U.S. mortgage markets and financial institutions. Additional information is available at www.FHFA.gov, on Twitter, @FHFA, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan says this is not vacation or picnic time in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Among the new cases, a five-year-old girl from Howard County . It’s the first case of a child in Maryland contracting the virus. Last evening, Maryland reported its first death. A man in his 60s from Prince George’s County died yesterday.
Hogan says he’s convening a regional meeting to help stop the spread around the DMV. He plans to meet with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Virginia Governor Ralph Northam later today and will also host a conference call for all county executives in Maryland.
In the meantime, Hogan is calling for restricted transportation in the state. He says residents should refrain from using the Marc Train, Ride-On Buses, Metro, Amtrak unless they are essential workers. He’s also limiting access to BWI Marshall Airport to ticket holders only, with some exceptions.
