COVID Member Resources

Although most of DC’s COVID capacity restrictions have been lifted, this ‘gray area’ of the pandemic can be an especially challenging time for businesses. Can you still require all employees and patrons to wear masks, regardless of vaccination status? How do you safely reopen the office? What should you do if someone tests positive for COVID? Visit our page below for the most up-to-date operating guidance and resources.

The Georgetown BID obtained DDOT Streatery permits to accommodate outdoor dining and social distancing for pedestrians in the curb lanes along M Street, Wisconsin Avenue and some side streets. The Streatery permit will likely run as long as COVID-19 remains a public health threat and beyond. Click here to learn more about our Streatery program, and access our Streatery guidance.

In an effort to further support our Streateries, and the entire commercial district, the Georgetown BID built 4,000 linear feet of sidewalk deck panels on M Street between 34th Street and 29th Street, and on Wisconsin Avenue between Q Street and the Canal. The Georgetown Decks provide a more welcoming experience for outdoor dining, and create more space for pedestrians to safely and comfortably walk through Georgetown. The deck panels will be in place through December 31, 2021, during which time the BID and the community will evaluate the project and modify, as necessary, to respond to specific issues. If the project is successful and the community wishes to keep the extensions in place beyond 2021, the BID will go through another permitting process to keep them up longer.

The Georgetown BID has contracted with CPA firms and lawyers to advise BID member businesses that are suffering as a result of the COVID-19 crisis and need technical assistance to understand and apply for government assistance, or other legal or financial advice to get through the crisis. This program is intended primarily to help those BID member businesses that do not know where to turn for assistance and may not have the resources to get the help they need. Click here for full program details, and to apply.

The Mayor’s office purchased a large quantity of masks, hand sanitizer, and cleaning supplies to help businesses reopening in the summer of 2020. We still have additional PPE packages remaining. Email jwiebenson@georgetowndc.com if you would like a package.

coronavirus.dc.gov – Visit this website often for all things COVID in DC – from testing information, to recovery resources and grant opportunities, health guidance, Phase Two guidelines, news, and more.

cdc.gov/coronavirus – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has an enormous amount of information on COVID at the national level.

sba.gov/coronavirus – The U.S. Small Business Administration has created a homepage for small business guidance and loan resources during COVID-19. Funding options, recovery information, loan assistance, and SBA products and resources are all covered here.

ramw.org/blog – The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW)’s blog provides excellent and in-depth updates for those in the food industry.