As we head into 2022, things around Washington are starting to look more like 2020, thanks to the Omicron variant. DC’s daily case rate is now more than double what it was last month. Here’s what’s been affected, so far:
This post has been updated.
Kennedy Center
Curtains were supposed to go up on the Kennedy Center’s production of Ain’t Too Proud on Wednesday, December 15, but after breakthrough cases came up among the fully vaccinated company, the start date has been pushed to December 28.
Restaurants
Throughout the pandemic, restaurants and bars have dealt with brief closures as staff test positive for Covid. At least four restaurants have temporarily shuttered this week: Petworth burger hangout Slash Run, Dupont cocktail bar/restaurant Bar Charley, Shaw neighborhood bar Lost & Found, and Union Market sushi bar O-Ku. (After closing out of precaution, Adams Morgan burger spot Lucky Buns will reopen.)
DC Fray
The social club sent an email to attendees of their art-focused Only in DC event alerting them that two guests had tested positive for Covid. The email came five days after the event took place, and noted that the two people had tested positive in the last 24 hours.
Schools
At least four area public or charter schools are moving to virtual instruction due to Covid outbreaks. Manor Park’s Whittier Elementary School announced it will not return to in-person learning until early next year. In Prince George’s County, Benjamin Tasker Middle School, Excel Public Charter School, and Kettering Middle School will go virtual through early January. The private all-boys Catholic school Georgetown Prep also moved to virtual classes after at least 30 students tested positive.
Universities
One of DC’s first four Omicron cases was found in the Georgetown University community. The school recently saw its highest single-day rise in cases. Georgetown, along with American University and George Washington University, are requiring booster shots by early next year. Georgetown will cancel indoor events or hold them outside. GW has canceled in-person events and made its final exams virtual.
Washington Football Team
The football team now has at least 21 players on its Covid-19 reserve list. The NFL in particular is experiencing an outbreak, with around 100 players around the league testing positive this week.
