In addition to rescinding the mask mandate, DC Health announced adjustments to COVID data metrics and reporting for the District March 2.
The District will terminate daily reporting of COVID metrics and will publish data once weekly on Wednesdays. The District will also be adopting new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance focused on preventing overcrowding in hospitals and severe infection.
“This new approach focuses on preventing hospitals and healthcare systems from being overwhelmed and directing prevention efforts toward protecting people at high risk for severe illness,” a press release states. “The COVID-19 Community Level will inform DC Health’s recommendations on prevention measures, like masking and testing.”
The new CDC guidance states that when the community spread of the virus is low individuals and communities can take minimal, practical precautions. When the level is medium, the organization recommends focusing specific prevention measures on protecting those at increased risk of severe illness. When spread is high, layered prevention measures are recommended to avoid overwhelming local hospitals and healthcare systems by preventing severe illness and death.
Currently, the District’s COVID-19 community level is low reporting a weekly case rate of 73 cases per 100,000 residents.
DC Health is still encouraging all eligible groups to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and a booster shot when they are able. You can read more about the District’s reporting metrics, vaccination clinics, COVID testing centers and report a positive test here.
Sarah Payne is a general assignment reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com.
