News

May 28, 2023

Weekend Roundup: Ramping Up the Red Line

Unsubscribe any time. Welcome to Tuesday, readers. Although the

Unsubscribe any time.

Welcome to Tuesday, readers. Although the last week of February can certainly feel dreary, temperatures in the 60s—and a projected high of nearly 80 on Thursday!—might warm your spirit. Sorry, snow lovers, but the chances of significant snowfall before the start of spring are low.

Now onto the news you may have missed while celebrating Presidents’ Day and/or NBA All-Star Weekend.

COVID Testing Continues, Library Distribution Ends

DC Public Schools are on February break this week, but students and staff will have to produce a negative result on a COVID-19 test to return to their campuses next week. Although COVID levels in D.C. are low at the moment, according to the CDC, DCPS leaders say that this testing system allows them to keep students learning in classrooms, where they believe most students will learn best. Tests were distributed at schools before classes let out last week.

Community members can also continue to pick up take-home COVID tests at the District's eight COVID Centers, where they can also get a vaccine, boosters, or a PCR test. And for one more week, anyone can pick up at-home PCR tests or a rapid test kit at any D.C. library. DC Health is ending that program on Feb. 28, citing the increased availability of tests and treatments at medical offices and pharmacies throughout the District.

Red Line Races Ahead

If you’re one of the many Metro riders who relies on the Red Line to get through town, this week brings you good news. As of this morning, Red Line trains will run every eight minutes on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. Riding after 9 p.m.? Well … you still might have to wait 15 minutes for a train, but progress is progress, right?

Also making progress: WMATA and the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission. Tensions between the transit agency and its oversight body last month nearly prevented a plan for increased service from going into effect. But at an oversight hearing last week, both parties agreed to work together to improve service and safety for those of us who actually rely on Metro.

Recreation Rebounds

• Since it will be so warm on Thursday, consider soaking up the sun at the renovated lower level of Malcolm X Park in Columbia Heights. It's been closed for three years, but returning visitors will find new landscaping, repaired walkways, and more accessible ramps. The fountain is still not working but should be ready to go in the spring.

• Wilson Aquatics Center remains closed for emergency repairs. DC Health initially ordered its closure last Tuesday after inspectors found multiple critical violations, including improper water temperatures in sinks and showers and leaking pipes.

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