Updated April 15, 2020
NOTICE TO PROVIDERS OF DFHV GRANT PROGRAMS
On March 11, 2020, Mayor Bowser declared a public health emergency for the District of Columbia due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
On March 13, 2020, the Mayor adjusted the District of Columbia Government’s operating status beginning Monday, March 16, to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
DFHV remains operational with most DFHV staff teleworking through the duration of the health emergency.
DFHV is in close communication with the Office of the Mayor, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and WMATA regarding the fluid situation of COVID-19 and operating status.
DFHV Grant Program Operations Status
The vital services the agency provides are maintained as much as possible while also protecting the health and well-being of the riding public and the for-hire industry.
Programs that will maintain normal operations:
• Senior Med Express
• Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
• VetsRide
• Transport DC
Programs with Modified Operations:
Education First: Education First is suspended while schools are closed.
Taxi-to-Rail: Taxi-to-Rail will continue to operate and remove the current geographic restrictions, meaning residents can be picked up from anywhere citywide and travel to and from medical facilities, pharmacies, and groceries within the District.
DC Neighborhood Connect is repurposed for the exclusive use by healthcare workers during the evening hours at Howard University Hospital and United Medical Center.
Contact Information for DFHV Staff:
• Michael Tietjen, Chief Performance Officer, Cell (202) 740-5584; or [email protected]
• Gerald “Jerry” Kasunic, Administrative Officer, Cell (202) 253-3233; or [email protected]
Requirements for DFHV Grant Program Operations During COVID-19 Emergency – beginning March 16, 2020
1. All DFHV grantees must instruct drivers and operators not to work if they are sick, received a diagnoses of COVID -19, have been told to quarantine, or have come in contact with anyone with COVID-19.
2. If a passenger is known to have been tested for COVID-19, is in quarantine, or has been diagnosed with COVID-19 the vehicle the passenger rode in must be taken immediately out of service for deep cleaning and only returned to service after cleaning is completed.
3. Drivers, vehicle owners and operators providing DFHV grant program service, must clean their vehicles at least daily:
A. Standard cleaning and disinfection products must be used (e.g. Clorox, Peroxide multi-purpose cleaner); and
B. Surfaces and objects that are touched often, such as door handles, arm rests, and seatbelts, in the vehicle, must be disinfected at least daily, and after every passenger who showed signs of illness.
4. Mayor’s Order 2020-063, issued on April 15, 2020 states that “the following individuals are required to wear a mask or face covering: employees, customers, and visitors of hotels, retail food sellers, taxis, ride-sharing companies, or other private transportation providers.”
Stay up to date with the latest information at coronavirus.dc.gov