COVID-19 Resources and ERCV's Response: 

Welcome to the landing page of East Rock Creek Village for our members, volunteers and our community. Our goal is to relieve stress by offering a central location for up-to-date information from trusted resources and communication about policies related to the spread of  the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in the Greater Washington, DC region. We encourage you to visit this and our Vaccine Supplement pages regularly.  Information will be updated throughout this rapidly changing period.  Special thanks to Capitol Hill Village and Northwest Neighbors Village for sharing much of the information here.

Current ERCV Office Operation Status:

The best way to reach us is by email to info@eastrockcreekvillage.org or by phone at 202-656-7322.  Feel free  to make contact any day or time. The phone will be answered or responded to quickly between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week.

Current ERCV Policy on Programs and Volunteer Services: UPDATED December 28, 2021

In accordance with DC Mayor Muriel Bowser's declaration of a public health emergency:

• In September 2020, East Rock Creek Village resumed limited transportation services to medical appointments that can not be done via tele-medicine. Scroll down to Transportation Options for more detailed information. 
• East Rock Creek Village is temporarily suspending indoor social activities due to the prevalence of the COVID Omicron variant;
• Weekly neighborhood walks resumed in June 2020; Participants who are unvaccinated must wear a mask, provide their own water and observe proper social distancing. 
• ERCV has purchased high quality KN95 masks. Members and Volunteers may request 2 masks while supplies last.

The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting our lives in many different ways, and ERCV wants to help. ERCV’s policies and benefits are as follows:  

Services:

• ERCV members may request delivery of food, medicine, or household supplies, and may sign up for friendly check-in calls.
• All members may request assistance to set up video-conferencing and online delivery services if needed.
• Our skilled social worker Barbara Scott is available to help members access medical, financial and other support services. 
• Social, educational, and health and wellness programs, open to all, will be conducted online or by phone.

Membership Assistance:

• ERCV is offering complimentary memberships to seniors in our service area through December 2021. This will entitle them to the services and programs listed above.
• If you or someone you know are facing challenges and needs assistance to purchase your food, medicine, or household supplies, please let us know. 
• To sign up for complimentary membership, request assistance, or get more information, please email info@eastrockcreekvillage.orgor call 202-656 7322.

 

Prevent the Spread Guidance:

• Press pause. If you experience cold or flu-like symptoms (i.e. fever, cough, sore throat, chills,) we recommend that any in-person visits be postponed until your health status is cleared by a medical provider.
• Consider your risk. If you are over 60 years of age or are unwell with another diagnosed illness (i.e. emphysema, COPD) that causes coughing or throat discomfort, proceed with caution. Individuals with underlying lung disease are at greater risk for becoming seriously ill from COVID-19. People have been known to carry the virus while not exhibiting symptoms.
• Wash your hands and cover your coughs and sneezes. Frequently practice good hand hygiene.  Washing your hands with soap and water is preferred, however hand sanitizer made of at least 60% alcohol will work in a pinch. Watch this video to learn proper hand washing techniques.
• Safety first.  Older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions  are encouraged to stay home.  Visit the CDC's website to learn more about recommendations for this high risk population.
• Self-quarantine. If you have any reason to suspect you may have been exposed to the Coronavirus, stay home, contact your health care provider, and follow the guidelines from the DC Health. Please self-isolate to protect yourself and your community.

COVID-19 Know the Facts and Promote Prevention:

• DC Department of Health: Everything DC residents need to know about the Coronavirus, updated around the clock
• World Health Organization: Read the latest information on the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Mayo Clinic:  Read up on symptoms and causes, and diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19
• CDC Tips for Prevention: Ways to stay healthy, and avoid the Coronavirus or any influenza
• DC Government: Poster with guidance for High Risk Residents and Seniors

Emergency Preparedness:

Preparation for an emergency can help you feel in control and respond better in the event of an emergency. Here are some ways to prepare for the COVID-19 outbreak:

• Keep an adequate supply of non-prescription drugs and other health supplies on hand -- fever reducers, pain relievers, cough and cold medicines, fluids and electrolytes and a thermometer. 
• Check your regular prescriptions drugs to make sure you have an adequate supply and refill your prescriptions as needed. See if your pharmacist can fill an extra month's supply of you prescriptions. 
• Have extra non-perishable food items at home, as well as important personal hygiene and household items like toilet paper, tissues, disinfectant, cleansers, etc. 
• If you have a pet, make sure to have an ample supply of food for your pet and your pet's prescription medicine, if applicable. Also make plans to have someone care for your pet if you need to leave the house for an extended period of time. 
• Create a personal support network of family and friends who can help you in an emergency. Make sure that someone in your network has a key to your home and knows where you keep important health information. 
• Keep your health information updated and organized, this includes written copies of your prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and orders for medical equipment (including dosage, treatment and allergy information) up to date. 
• DC has a website for emergency preparedness for seniors. Check it out for additional recommendations. 

Getting Around:  Transportation Options

NOTE: As of September 1, 2020, Village volunteers will be able to provide limited transportation to medical appointments that need to be done in person. 

~ Transportation for medical appointments to resume: Since the beginning of the pandemic, ERCV has been doing errands for people only if they do not involve having a passenger in the car. However, we are aware that transportation to doctors is important to our members, and we want to try to meet this need.

The ERCV Board has decided, therefore, that ERCV will begin offering transportation for essential medical appointments, with the following guidelines: 

• Both the driver and the member will wear masks.
• The member is to sit in the back seat, and car windows should be open when possible. 
• The member and driver are not to have symptoms that might be contagious, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms. 
• ERCV will provide hand sanitizer to the driver.
• Because the driver will not be able to wait in the doctor’s office, we will need two drivers for some service requests.

All service requests depend on finding a volunteer willing to drive. Members are asked to request this service a week in advance when possible, but as always we will try to fill all requests. We continue to do shopping and run errands for our members. Please note that ERCV membership is complimentary for the rest of 2021, and we are happy to accept new members. To inquire about becoming a member or to request a ride to a doctor's appointment please call 202-656-7322 or email us.

East Rock Creek Village volunteers may also be able to assist connecting you with the following services.

Getting from point A to point B is an important part of daily life. If you are used to using the bus, a carpool or the Metro system, you may want to consider a private ride instead. Below are private pay and low-cost options for getting around the City.

• Metro Rail and Bus: Click here to see Metro’s letter to customers about their increased cleaning and disinfecting protocols implemented during the coronavirus season.  Visit Metro's website for up to date information on schedules and routes.
• 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. Visit their website for more information on accessing this service.
• 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.

Pharmacy Services:

Call your local pharmacy or visit their website for details.

• Local CVS stores: 6514 Georgia Ave NW. Phone: (202) 829-5234 
• 110 Carroll St NW Phone:(202) 722-7593 and
• 7828 Georgia Ave NW, (202) 892-3822 in the back of the Target store 

Home Delivered Dry Goods, Food, and Meals:

Village volunteers are available to assist members with grocery shopping and running errands. Please understand that we may experience a reduction in volunteer availability if our volunteers become ill or choose to reduce the risk of exposure by limiting their time outside of the home. If you need assistance accessing grocery or meal delivery options, East Rock Creek volunteers may be able to help.

Home Delivered Groceries:

Delivered groceries including frozen meals, produce, cleaning supplies, over the counter medication, tissues, toilet paper, etc.  Click on the name of each resource to be directed to their website.  Please note, as of March 17th online delivery services are experiencing shortages in essential items like toilet paper and cleaning supplies. Also, due to demand, delivery dates are over a week out.

• 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 –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 via website or by calling 1-877-508-6667.
• Websites and apps like Grub Hub and Door Dash deliver take-out meals to your home.  This is a nice way to enjoy a good meal and support your local businesses.

Area Restaurants Take Out – Private Pay:

• Ledos Pizza, 7435 Georgia Ave, NW, 202-726-5336. Orders may be made online (choose which location) or by phone. Given the DC public health declarations, it is NOT recommended to go inside to order or wait for your food. The kind and friendly staff at Ledos are willing to bring your purchase to your car if you call when you arrive in the parking lot. 
• Parkway Deli, 8317 Grubb Rd, Silver Spring, MD; (301) 587-1427; Call in your order for pick up.  
• The Corner Market and Pharmacy, 8309 Grubb Rd, Silver Spring, MD, (301) 200-8472; is in the same shopping center as Parkway Deli.  
• More resources compiled in DC North Star: A Neighborhood Blog for Brightwood, Shepherd Park and Takoma.
• We will add area restaurants’ take out so check back; If you have a favorite take out, please let us know and we will add it to the list!

Pet Care:

East Rock Creek Village may have some volunteers available to assist with pet care.  Volunteers may be able to help if you need assistance coordinating paid pet care or ordering supplies online.  

Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. Humane Rescue Alliance has good information about emergency preparation for pets and as does the DC government.

• Wag! is a network of pre-screened and insured pet sitters and dog walkers. In less than 15 minutes you can book a nearby dog sitter, daycare provider, or dog walker, who’ll take complete care of your loved one – at their place or yours.
• Chewy is an online store where you can purchase pet food, supplies, and medication

What to do if you're not feeling well:

The most important thing to do if you’re experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms is to stay calm.  Stay home and call your doctor. Additional tips are below.

• The CDC provides to guidance on what to do if you are sick.
• If Village members or volunteers are exposed to someone who is showing symptoms, we recommend the following steps.
• Return to your home.  Recommend the sick person contact their healthcare provider by phone before seeking care.
• Initiate a self-imposed quarantine period of 14 days. If you have any reason to believe you might have been exposed to the Coronavirus, limit your contact with others until you can confirm that the person did not have the virus, or you can seek appropriate medical advice to rule out any probability that you have the virus. We recognize this is an inconvenient step, but it is what we are recommending all our community members follow, and what we are requiring our staff follow.
• Call your doctor for guidance.  At the recommendation of your medical provider begin symptom treatment and relief.
• Continue vigilance of your own hand hygiene and best practices for protection.
• Read about DC EMS' statement about when to call, or not call, 9-1-1.
• DC EMS has created a map to help consumers locate “Right Care, Right Now” options for seeking care. Remember to call any doctor’s office or urgent care prior to visiting if you have symptoms for guidance.
• DC residents without health insurance should call 855-532-5465 to get help getting insured.
• If you are concerned about yourself or the well-being of a Village Member, call the Village Office at 202-656-7322.