Breakfast links: Activists in DC close off 30 streets to people for exercise on Memorial Day
Widened sidewalks and open streets are better for health and safety. by Ted Eytan licensed under Creative Commons.
Some DC streets were blocked for pedestrians on Memorial Day
Two activist groups opened up about 30 streets for people to use for recreation and exercise on Memorial Day. DC Department of Transformation and Arm in Arm DC placed traffic cones in several streets in the district. Arm in Arm also sent a petition out to Mayor Bowser and the DC Council, some of whom were already in favor of open streets, asking for additional streets to be closed off to cars and open to pedestrians and cyclists. (Jose Umana and Rick Massimo / WTOP)
Despite increase in cases, region officials stay on track for reopening
Despite a new peak that appeared during what DC officials hoped would be a period of 14 straight days showing a decline in new coronavirus cases, Mayor Murriel Bowser said Monday that the district is “back on track” to move toward a gradual reopening. Officials from Northern Virginia, which also saw an increase in cases, asked Governor Ralph Northam to include their counties in the commonwealth’s Phase 2 reopening. (Rachel Chason and Julie Zauzmer / Post, Matt Blitz and Jordan Pascale / DCist)
Evans fined $35,000 for second ethics investigation
On Friday, former disgraced former DC Council member Jack Evans agreed to pay a $35,000 fine in a settlement with the Board of Ethics and Government Accountability in addition to the $20,000 he already owes BEGA as the result of another investigation. Evans is among eight candidates running in the June 2 primary election to fill his former Ward 2 seat. (Mitch Ryals / WCP)
COVID-19 hospitalizations dropping in Montgomery County
The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Montgomery County dropped 26% this month from a three-day average of 480 on May 7 to a three-day average of 354 on Sunday. (Dan Schere / Bethesda Beat)
NACTO provides pandemic street plans
A new guide to street design from the National Association of City Transportation Officials give recommendations to address immediate priorities of ensuring access to essential workers and goods while allowing for social and physical distancing and to plan for a post-pandemic street. (James Brasuell / Planetizen)
Crowded housing, front-line work puts Latinx residents at risk
While the Latinx population in DC, Maryland, Virginia accounts for 10% of the population in the region, they make up about one-third of coronavirus cases. Experts cite the presence of certain factors, including that many residents live in multigenerational housing or take on multiple roommates, work in service industry jobs, and lack access to protective equipment. (Antonio Olivo, Marissa J. Lang, and John D. Harden / Post)
How will post-pandemic life differ from before?
Although it may be too early to tell, researchers are trying to predict the long-term impacts of the pandemic on society, including following changed hygiene practices, seeking comfort through the company of loved ones and neighbors, and normalizing to the new normal. (Linda Poon / CityLab)
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