Nearly 17,000 people have received the COVID-19 vaccine in the District and an additional 4,200 doses of the vaccine will become available this week as those vaccinated in the first group will receive their second dose.
Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) discussed the data and the vaccine at her Monday, Jan. 4 Situational Update.
The DC Mayor also announced target dates for vaccinating the remainder of the DC population, noting that the timeline has not be finalized. The goal is that vaccinations will begin for DC residents who are 65 years of age and older or have chronic conditions starting Jan. 11. Starting Jan. 25, specific essential workers including public safety, grocery store, restaurant and educational workers are set to be vaccinated. Starting Feb. 1, appointments will be offered to DC residents with medical conditions and other essential workers.
The District has set-up an online portal for vaccine registration. At this point, registration is limited to those eligible for Phase 1a of vaccination, including front-line health care workers and first responders.
In terms of data reported by DC Health, Bowser said that Monday’s daily case rate is lower than what the District has seen in several days. Bowser again emphasized the importance of answering the call when contact tracers reach out to DC residents.
The District’s reported data for Sunday, January 3, 2021 includes 140 new positive coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, bringing the District’s overall positive case total to 29,904. Three District residents died of COVID, bringing the total number of Washingtonians lost to the disease to 797.
“We remain in a very critical time with this virus,” Bowser said. “Following all of the DC health guidance and advice will continue to be important.”
Learn more about the District’s Coronavirus response and see the Jan. 4 situational update at coronavirus.dc.gov
Sarah Payne is a History and Neuroscience student at The University of Michigan interning with HillRag. She writes for and serves as an assistant news editor for Michigan’s student newspaper, The Michigan Daily. You can reach her at sarahp@hillrag.com.
