Skip to main content
Add Me To Your Mailing List

 
Foggy Bottom West End Village

HomeCOVID


COVID-19 RESOURCES


VIRUS AND HEALTH INFORMATION


WEBSITES FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CORONAVIRUS [COVID-19]

RECENT UPDATES ON LIMITING THE SPREAD OF COVID-19

Please help spread the word: free COVID-19 testing is available for DC residents. 

Health care providers across the District have free testing for COVID-19, if you need a test call your healthcare provide. Additionally, the District is operating free testing sites at the United Medical Center in Ward 8, at the UDC Bertie Backus campus in Ward 5, at a walk up location on F St NW between 4th and 5th St NW, at the Geico garage at Nationals Park, and a at a rotating series of firehouses (a list of testing locations can be found here). Seniors are eligible to move to the front of the line at all sites.

DC also offers free on demand in home testing. If you have symptoms and need a test you can call (202) 602-0814 between 8am and 8pm seven days a week and a tester will come to you. This is for rapid antigen tests which are a bit less accurate then the usual PCR tests. If you don't have symptoms and are being tested as a precaution use one of the sites above.
Testing and contact tracing will be critical at every stage of our response and recovery. In order to flatten the curve and contain the virus, we need to know who has COVID-19 and who has been exposed to it. To help please enable the DC contact tracing service on your smartphone, you can find instructions on how to do that here. You may also get a call from a DC contact tracer. Do not giving anyone calling themselves a contact tracer your financial information but if someone says you may have been exposed it is important to get tested.

DC is currently in Phase 2 of their reopening plan. However, they have taken steps like moving indoor dining capacity to 25% to help deal with the second wave of coronavirus in the District. Older adults are encouraged to stay at home as much as possible. You can track cases in DC here. If you do have to go out, wear a mask and practice social distancing. 

We are all in this together, and we will get through it together.


LIST OF CORONAVIRUS TESTING SITES IN DC

The most up to date list of coronavirus testing sites in DC can always be found on the District's Covid website. The list, which is updated daily, can be found here, includes links to important information about each testing site.






CORONAVIRUS DATA FOR DC

The most recent date on the spread of the coronavirus in DC can be found on the District's Covid website. The DC health department provides updates on cases, tests, and deaths every work day (Monday to Friday) The data can be found here.



FREE EVISIT SERVICE FROM MEDSTAR

To manage the threat of COVID-19 and as a service to our community, MedStar is temporarily waiving the fee for the MedStar eVisit service. Please note, if you are a first-time MedStar eVisit user you will be asked to enter your insurance information when you register. However, your insurance will not be charged and you will not incur a self-pay charge. More information can be found here.


FREE CORONAVIRUS NEWSLETTER FROM THE WASHINGTON POST

The Washington Post offers a free newsletter with links to stories for which there is no charge. You can get that newsletter by signing up at the top of the page 
here.


TIPS FOR PERSONS LIVNG WITH ALZHEIMER'S GOING TO THE HOSPITAL DURING CORONAVIRUS

This brief article from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America specifically addresses preparations for persons with Alzheimer's going into a hospital at this point, but the tips can be useful for anyone going into a residential medical or care facility during this crisis. Given the inability of family and friends to visit a loved one, it's good to plan ahead.


UPDATES ON THE COVID VACCINE ROLLOUT IN DC


DC has begun to vaccinate essential health care workers across the city. At the moment there is a very limited supply of vaccines in the city. The first phase will involve vaccinating front line health workers. The it will be people living in congregate settings like care homes. Then members of a vulnerable population like older adults. More information and DC's draft vaccine rollout plan can be found here on the DC Covid site.






FOOD AND PRESCRIPTIONS


HOME DELIVERED DRY GOODS, MEALS, AND GROCERIES
 
Home Delivered Groceries: Delivered groceries including frozen meals, produce, cleaning supplies, over the counter medication, tissues, toilet paper, etc.

Peapod by Giant: Buy groceries online and get it delivered to your door. Requirements: $60 minimum order applies. Email needed for login.

Instacart: Buy groceries online from multiple stores and have them delivered in as little as one hour. Delivery fee applies; email or Facebook account needed for login.

AmazonFresh: Order online from Whole Foods and have groceries delivered to your door in as little as two hours. Must be an Amazon Prime member to use this service.

Home Delivered Meals – Free or No-Cost Options: Precooked meals delivered to your home. If you are concerned about paying for the options listed below, please contact the Village. Our staff or volunteers can make sure you are receiving meals delivered by the Department of Aging and Community Living or by our volunteer team.

Home Delivered Meals – Private Pay: Precooked meals delivered to your home.

Sweetgreen recently acquired GalleyFoods: Online ordering through Sweetgreen provides access to pre-made salads and healthy bowls. There is a $4.99 delivery fee, and you need an email to create an account.

Mom’s Meals: Get fully-prepared, refrigerated meals that are ready to heat, eat and enjoy! Purchase in any combination of breakfast, lunch or dinner. Place your order by calling the main phone number or through the website provided above. Phone number is: 1-877-508-6667. Available in quantities of 3 (for first order only), 7, 10, 14 or 21 meals. Meals cost $6.99/meal ($7.99 for pureed)* No long-term commitment. *$14.95 flat rate shipping fee applies. Your delivery date will be scheduled and the meals you have chosen will be delivered directly to your home by a Mom’s Meals driver or a third party partner. Heat and enjoy – Heat directly from the refrigerator for 2 minutes or less.


FREE PRESCRIPTION DELIVERY FROM CVS AND WALGREENS

CVS and Walgreens have announced that, as a result of coronavirus, they have waived prescription delivery fees.
  • More information on CVS prescription delivery can be found here.
  • More information on Walgreens prescription delivery can be found here.

FUN RECIPES FROM THE WASHINGTON POST

Voraciously, an online destination from Post Food, gives novice cooks the tools needed to prepare meals confidently. Recently the Voraciously team launched a 12-week series of newsletters devoted to putting more vegetables on your plate. 


FACE MASKS


HOW TO MAKE NO-SEW FACE MASKS

Given the CDC's recommendation that everyone should wear cloth face coverings in public settings (more information here), some simple instructions for making no-sew face masks can be found here and here.


HOW TO USE A FACE MASK

The following recommendations were provided by the World Health Organization:
  • Before putting on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
  • Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
  • Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water.
  • Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not re-use single-use masks.
  • To remove the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of mask); discard immediately in a closed bin; clean hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water.


TRANSPORTATION


RIDES THROUGH THE VILLAGE

The village is now offering rides to essential medical appointments and select other locations. If you have an appointment and need a ride please let the office know as soon as possible by calling, 202-333-1327, or by sending Jonas an email, jfrumkin@fbwevillage.org. We can't guarantee we will be able to fulfill every request but the more notice we get the greater the chance we can.
 

NON-COMMUNAL TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

With any of the suggestions below, members may call the Village if you need support accessing any online or “app” type resources. We have staff and volunteers who can help get you connected, even if we can’t come to your home.

Non-emergency medical transportation options can be seen here.

Metrorail and Metrobus: Click here to see Metro’s letter to customers about their increased cleaning and disinfecting protocols implemented during the coronavirus season.

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. See Capitol Hill Village’s Guide on how to call for a Transport DC Taxi, or the two page guide to TransportDC specifically.

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.

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.

Lyft Rideshare App: See what Lyft is doing in response to the Coronavirus, including supplying all drivers and cars with hand sanitizer, here.

Uber Rideshare App: See what Uber is doing in response to the Coronavirus, including extra guidance for drivers, here.


SENIOR MEDEXPRESS NON-EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICE

Senior MedExpress will continue to operate as long as they are allowed to do so. The Yellow Cab Company of DC encourages customers to pay for the ride using non-cash payments like credit/debit cards, near field communication (NFC), Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay. Cash and paper transactions like vouchers should be a last resort.

For more information regarding Senior MedExpress, click here.


TRANSPORT DC

As Transport DC continues to operate during the DC Government’s public health emergency, the Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV) has added grocery stores to the list of available locations. Beginning April 16th, rides can include those for grocery store visits as well as employment and medical services. This modification will remain in effect throughout the public health emergency. Here is a list of grocery stores within the District qualified for Transport DC trips.

Transport DC is a premium same-day, cost-effective alternative transportation service for WMATA MetroAccess customers. Effective December 1st, 2017, Transport DC provided unrestricted rides for the first 15 days of the month and rides for employment and medical services only during the remainder of the month. 

Book your ride by calling 1-844-322-7732 (you must dial "1" from a landline phone). Please review the Transport DC Customer Guide which is also posted at the bottom of this page.


PETS


PETS AND PREPAREDNESS
 
The Humane Rescue Alliance is working to ensure that their staff, adoptable animals, and facilities are ready to safely operate during the current public health emergency. President and CEO Lisa LaFontaine has written a message to the community detailing how pet owners may prepare for pet care during the COVID-19 outbreak and answers frequently asked questions about virus transmission and animals. Please see the resources below:
 

FINANCES


SENIOR SHALLOW SUBSIDY AVAILABLE FROM THE DC HOUSING AUTHORITY
 
A Shallow subsidy is available to senior-headed households that are not currently receiving any subsidy. The following is the DC Code governing the shallow-subsidy program:
 
DC Code § 6–230. Rental Assistance for Unsubsidized Seniors Program:
 
(a) The Authority shall establish and administer a Rental Assistance for Unsubsidized Seniors Program ("Program") to provide partial rental subsidies for households headed by seniors who do not receive other District or federal rental assistance ("unsubsidized households").
(b) The Program shall provide rental assistance, subject to available funding, to unsubsidized households with incomes up to and including 60% of the Area Median Income ("AMI") whose monthly lease rent exceeds 30% of their monthly income. Households shall receive a maximum of $600 per month or the difference between 30% of the household's monthly income and the household's total monthly lease rent, whichever is less.
(c) Nothing in this section may be interpreted as creating an entitlement to assistance.
(d) For the purposes of this section, the term:
(1) "Rental assistance" means a subsidy that is authorized to be used solely for the payment of lease rent.
(2) "Senior" means a District of Columbia resident who is 62 years of age or older.
 
If you are interested in this subsidy or would like to receive more information, please email Denise Snyder at: dsnyder@fbwevillage.org.

 

THINGS TO DO


UPDATING LIST OF WHAT IS OPEN IN DC

Visit DC, the District's tourism body, has created this updating list of what is currently open in DC. Current places to visit in DC include many parks and gardens and a number of private museums. This list updates with every change in DC's regulations so you can find the most up to date version here on their site.



NATIONAL THEATRE OF LONDON AT HOME

The National Theatre of London offers free online streamings of pre-recorded performances. There is a different play each week. You can find the streamings here.



MINDFULNESS RESOURCES ON YOUTUBE

Stress and anxiety about the spread of the novel coronavirus, coupled with social distancing and feeling of a lost of control, may be affecting your mental and physical health more than you realize. The AIM Health Institute and GW’s Office of Integrative Medicine & Health have thus created a series of free mindfulness experiences, which include information regarding the coronavirus and several mind-body exercises. You can find the series on YouTube here.


COUCH CONCERTS BY THE KENNEDY CENTER's MILLENNIUM STAGE
 
Grab a pillow and get comfortable! The Kennedy Center is bringing exciting livestream performances straight to you. They’ve lined up talented artists – from our backyard in DC to around the country and across genres including hip hop, folk, comedy, opera, and more – to perform their work.
 
Catch a new LIVE performance every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 4:00 pm. You can find the schedule and access the concerts here.


ONLINE FUN FROM NYC CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS

For our art-history-curious members, two awesome NYC cultural institutions are offering some online fun:

The Frick Collection – Friday nights at 5:00 pm is happy hour at The Frick with a discussion of a painting by one of the museum’s curators (more information here).

MoMA – The museum just launched its long awaited “Dorothea Lange: Words and Pictures” exhibit (more information here).


FREE DC PUBLIC LIBRARY RESOURCE: KANOPY

Kanopy is the best video streaming service for quality, thoughtful entertainment. Find movies, documentaries, foreign films, classic cinema, independent films and educational videos that inspire, enrich and entertain. They partner with public libraries, including the DC Public Library, to bring you an ad-free experience that can be enjoyed on your TV, mobile phones, tablets and online.

For instructions and to access Kanopy, click here.


ENJOY THE LIBRARY WHEREVER YOU ARE

The DC Public Library is always open online. Explore the library's digital offerings by visiting goDigital.
 
Follow the Library on social media to discuss what you’re reading and engage in virtual programming on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.


USE YOUR DC LIBRARY CARD

DC Public Library has got you covered. If your library card expired between April 2017 and now, your privileges have been automatically extended during social distancing. All you have to do is start enjoying your library at home.

Refer your friends and family to join DC Public Library by signing up for a library card online to get immediate access to online learning like Lynda.com, video streaming like Kanopy and much more.


VIRTUAL BOOK CLUBS

Join the library on Twitter, Monday-Friday, to participate in virtual book clubs. New topics are discussed each day and you can easily join the conversation by using the associated hashtags.


LEARN AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE WITH THE DC PUBLIC LIBRARY

Looking to pick up a new skill during this time of social distancing? Have you ever wanted to learn  American Sign Language? Converse and learn basic signing skills, vocabulary words and rules of grammar Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon with Librarian Janice Rosen. Contact lbph.dcpl@dc.gov for the Zoom link to join.


CONTRIBUTE TO THE DC PUBLIC LIBRARY ARCHIVES
 
DC Public Library wants your help in documenting life in the District during the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic by archiving this moment. Our daily lives are always connected to history, but it is rare that all of us are so drastically and suddenly affected by a worldwide event. Help us share a record of this moment through pictures and your daily stories. Use the hashtag #archivethismomentdc to share on Twitter and Instagram, or email your pictures, videos or stories to wash.dcpl@dc.gov.


DC PUBLIC LIBRARY GODIGITAL SPOTLIGHT

RBdigital Magazines – Read over 3,000 popular magazines on your tablet, mobile device or computer with RBdigital. Lots of recipes, hobbies, crafts and fitness magazines to explore while looking for new activities to enjoy while staying safe at home. Check out and download for free with your library card.


DC PUBLIC LIBRARY GODIGITAL SPOTLIGHT – LYNDA.COM

People around D.C. have been using Lynda.com to learn online. Since the District has instituted social distancing measures, more than 400 courses have been completed on a variety of topics. Lynda.com provides unlimited access to an online library of high-quality instructional videos taught by industry experts. You can take an entire course or pick and choose individual sections to round out your skillset in a certain area. 

Not sure what you’d like to take? Here are the top five courses that your neighbors in D.C. have been exploring: 

  1. Leading Productive Meetings
  2. Communication Foundations
  3. Graphic Design Careers: First Steps
  4. Project Management Foundations
  5. Project Management Simplified

Just log in with your library card number and PIN to begin learning today! 

Unless you have changed the code to something more personal, the PIN is the last four digits of your library card number.


DC PUBLIC LIBRARY GODIGITAL SPOTLIGHT – FREEGAL MUSIC
 
Pump up the jams with Freegal. Commercial free, 24-hour streaming available with your library card. Enjoy music and artists from the past and today. Listen on your computer or download the app to stream wherever you go. Check out this curated playlist while working from home.



ONLINE PROGRAMS WITH AROUND TOWN DC

Around Town DC, a partnership between the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) and Iona to improve senior programming in Wards 2 and 3, has continued to provide a wide variety of online health, wellness, social, and educational programming, even though in-person activities have been cancelled. Some upcoming programs include a fitness class, a poetry discussion, and a brain health workship, among others.

To view the list of online programs and to register, click here.


AROUND TOWN DC PROGRAM ON TEA DRINKING 101

Villager Lorna Grenadier recently attended a virtual Around Town DC program on Tea Drinking 101. She has passed along the slides from the program, which can be found here. Additionally, a list of places where one can buy tea is below:

  • Ching Ching Cha - in Georgetown
  • Teaism - multiple locations in DC
  • Valley Brook Tea - Dupont Circle
  • Rishi Tea (place with great bagged tea)
  • Rare Tea Company
  • Arbor Teas
  • Imperial Tea
  • Charleston Tea Plantation - U.S. tea company and garden in Charleston, SC

MEDITATION RESOURCES

Meditation can be a great way to help us relax during this stressful time. A helpful 30 minute video that can guide you through meditation can be found here.

An additional 20 minute guided meditation can be found here.

Tara Branch, a meditation teacher, has a variety of free online meditation resources which can be found here.

A free series of online meditation resources endorsed by Mass General can be here.

TWO MINUTE MEDITATION FEATURING PHOTOS TAKEN BY VILLAGER LYNN CATES

A friend of Villager (and official Village photographer) Lynn Cates put together a two minute video slideshow of several photos Lynn took of tulip magnolias in the U.S. National Arboretum. We think the video also serves as a great two minute meditation!

You can find the video here.


PUZZLES

The Village has a secret stockpile of the sought-after puzzles. They have not been opened for at least a year so the pieces are all clean. If someone would like one, let me know and we can drop it off. We will wipe down the outside box with sanitary wipes and put it in a bag and we have a no-contact protocol for delivery.

Just let us know if you're a puzzle solver looking for a new distraction!


OPERA ON YOUR COMPUTER

At this time of self-isolation and social distancing, theater remains uniquely able to offer us connection. The world is discovering that theater and music do not necessarily need to be live to offer a sense of community and of being seen. These online resources are bringing world-class productions from around the globe right to your computer screen:
  • OPERA VISION: Stream a diverse repertoire of productions from a cohort of European Companies.
  • OPERA WIRE: A comprehensive list of all the opera companies world wide offering free streaming of their productions.
  • OPERA AMERICA continually updates its list of online content on its Schedule of Performances page.
  • PARTERRE BOX offers free opera watch parties and live chat with experts.
  • SHAKESPEARE PLAYS IN FULL: A streaming list of full production and films of Shakespeare's plays.
  • WETA showcases Great Performances at the Met every Sunday at noon.
  • INtune and INtros to Opera: Access the IN Series blog I.S.5 - Where you can listen to our weekly arts podcast INtune, and our daily listening guide to the Met Opera Nightly Opera Stream, INtros to Opera. Subscribe here, or wherever you get your podcasts.

FREE ONLINE GENTLE DANCE EXERCISES

The Mark Morris Dance Group in New York City has a series of free live and recorded dance exercises . They are mostly seated exercises and are perfect for folks looking for gentle exercise and stretching moves. They can be found here.


GREATER GOOD’S GUIDE TO WELL-BEING DURING
CORONAVIRUS

The Greater Good Science Center, based at UC Berkeley, has created a free online guide filled with practices, resources, and articles for individuals, parents, and educators facing COVID-19. The guide can be found here.


FREE ONLINE IVY LEAGUE COURSES

A list of 450 Ivy League courses you can take online right now for free can be found here. The list covers a wide variety of course categories, including computer science, humanities, business, art & design, science, health & medicine, engineering, mathematics, and personal development, among others.


FREE ONLINE SENIOR FITNESS CLASSES FROM INOVA

In an effort to keep our community active and connected, InovaWell’s Healthy Lifestyle program has developed a series of FREE Virtual Fitness classes, available to you Monday through Friday, beginning March 23rd at 11:00 am. All classes can be done from the comfort of your home and will require little to no equipment. Modifications will be offered and we encourage you to join us!

To get started click here. There will be a video tutorial on how to join the zoom virtual class, as well as, descriptions of each class, the time, and the instructor.


TAKING CARE OF OUR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH

The following information was compiled by Greater Brookland Intergenerational Village:

Staying at home, especially if you're living alone, can be difficult for a lot of reasons. Here are just some ideas of ways to stay active & well during these challenging times.

Create structure for yourself:
  • Do the things you normally do - get up at the same time you typically would, make your bed, get dressed, etc.
  • Create a plan for your day and a general plan of attack for the week. Schedule time for exercise, calling friends, chores, etc.
  • Make a list of all the to-dos you've been putting off. Ideas include: reorganize your pantry, kitchen or closet, sort through an old filing cabinet or family photos, or deep clean your home.
  • Use different parts of your home / apartment for different things (i.e. eat meals in your kitchen, read in your living room, do work in your dining area, meditate in your bedroom, etc.)
Exercise:
  • Keep moving! Find online exercise classes that are right for your ability and fitness level.
  • The YMCA will offer online fitness programming for seniors starting March 18.   
  • Bluebird Sky Yoga is now offering free yoga classes via Facebook weekdays at 12:30pm. (Donations are appreciated.) They are also live streaming lots of other classes on their website
Find new ways to be social:
  • Think creatively about how to adapt your social rituals. Maybe you could host a weekly dinner via Zoom.
  • Make a list of friends and family to reach out to and schedule time to reach out regularly
  • Use Facetime, Google Hangouts, Zoom, or a free conference call service
Read or listen to a good book:

Yes, libraries are closed for now. BUT they are continuing to offer online listings. Download audiobooks and books via this incredible, free app: Libby. (Library card needed to access.) Learn something new: 

With your library card and pin number, you also get access to Lynda, a wonderful online learning platform that has thousands of hours of free content available. Learn how to become a photographer, programmer, excel master, 2D digital animator, or guitar player. EdX and Skillshare also offer some free courses.

Try out a new podcast:

Check out a list of 2019's best podcasts here.

Create or maintain a mindfulness practice:

Cultivating a mindfulness practice has been shown to reduce stress and cortisol levels, improving overall health. Check out Mindful's website for info on where to start. You can also refer to this simple meditation guide from the New York Times here.

Be conscious of your news consumption:

While it may be tempting to constantly scroll through Twitter, watch CNN, or read the newspaper, tuning in all day may take a toll on your mental health. Consider scheduling time 1-2X a day to check-in on the latest news instead.

Additional online resources:

The following information was compiled by Around Town DC:
  • The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will be broadcasting #FITDC workouts on Mayor Bowser's Facebook page and at 9:00 am every weekday on DCN-Channel 16.
  • These museums offer free online tours.
  • Online scrabble is fun if you like games. Download Words with Friends on your smartphone. You can play with people you know or people you don't know yet.
  • You can also try virtual books, magazines, tv or movie clubs.
  • Additional online resources compiled by Around Town DC can be found here.

MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS TIPS FOR QUARANTINE

Eileen Feliciano, a doctoral level Psychologist with a Psy.D. in the specialties of School and Clinical Psychology, put together a helpful list of mental health wellness tips for coping with COVID-19. The list can be found here.



KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AND SCAM WARNINGS


DC ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE PUBLISHES CORONAVIRUS 
"KNOW YOUR RIGHTS" FACTSHEETS

The Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia has published a series of factsheets to ensure that DC residents know their rights during this public health emergency. The factsheets can be found here.


CONSUMER PROTECTION RESOURCES

Read the DC Office of the Attorney General's (OAG) Consumer Alert to protect yourself from scams, price gouging, discrimination, and to get information about consumer, worker, and tenant rights during the pandemic.

If you are a victim of a scam, or have been overcharged, or otherwise have been treated unfairly by a business, contact OAG’s Office of Consumer Protection at (202) 442-9828, consumer.protection@dc.gov, or fill out an online consumer complaint form.


BEWARE OF CORONAVIRUS SCAMS

The District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) warns District residents to be on alert for scams during the public health emergency. During times of heightened fear and stress, it is not unusual for people to let their guard down. This may be the case during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Scammers can take advantage of these unusual circumstances to steal your money and sensitive, personal information. More information regarding some different types of coronavirus scams can be found here.


BEWARE OF CORONAVIRUS FRAUD SCHEMES

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General is alerting the public about fraud schemes related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Scammers are offering COVID-19 tests to Medicare beneficiaries in exchange for personal details, including Medicare information. However, the services are unapproved and illegitimate. Fraudsters are targeting beneficiaries in a number of ways, including telemarketing calls, social media platforms, and door-to-door. Learn more here and watch a video regarding coronavirus fraud schemes here.
 
Reminders for you, your family, and beneficiaries:
  • Beneficiaries should be cautious of unsolicited requests for their Medicare or Medicaid numbers.
  • Be suspicious of any unexpected calls or visitors offering COVID-19 tests or supplies. If your personal information is compromised, it may be used in other fraud schemes.
  • Ignore offers or advertisements for COVID-19 testing or treatments on social media sites.
  • A physician or other trusted healthcare provider should assess your condition and approve any requests for COVID-19 testing.
  • If you suspect COVID-19 fraud, contact National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline (866) 720-5721 or disaster@leo.gov

ADDITIONAL CORONAVIRUS SCAM WARNINGS FROM THE U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE FOR DC

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia has published a comprehensive list of several examples of scams or other fraudulent activity related to the coronavirus to be on the lookout for. The list can be found here.

Join


:: Foggy Bottom West End Village: 
2430 K Street, NW : Washington, DC 20037 : 202-333-1327 ::