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THE NEWS:

For many, the month of March means sports. Now, due to the coronavirus pandemic that’s taken hold of D.C., as well as the globe, March has meant shutdown.

Like most industries, nearly everyone in sports has been impacted—from part-time arena workers to pro tennis players to sports fans. No one is immune. Typically in trying times, people turn to their favorite pastime. But what to do when the NCAA, NBA, MLB, and NHL are on pause? 

For this week’s cover story, sports editor Kelyn Soong checked in to see how the people who’ve made us smile, cry, and throw the remote at the television are doing. 

“Some people are scared,” Pam Chvotkin, an independent contractor working in sports television production, says. “Nobody knows what the future holds.”

This story and others are available online and in print. Yes, City Paper is still publishing a print issue in the midst of a public health crisis for those without computer or internet access and more.  —Amanda Michelle Gomez (tips? Email agomez@washingtoncitypaper.com) 

CITY DESK LINKS, byAmanda Michelle Gomez:

  • The child protective services agency does not have enough medical supplies—including masks, hand sanitizer, or gloves—even though social workers are on the frontlines and many have underlying medical conditions. [WCP]

  • To reduce bookings and holds, the Metropolitan Police Department changes policy and agrees to issue more citations under the public health emergency. [WCP]

  • Rapidly changing and confusing guidance about testing allows COVID-19 to spread at a local synagogue. [WCP]

  • As of March 18, 203 D.C. residents have been tested for the illness COVID-19 in public and private labs and 39 of those individuals have tested positive. The executive stopped providing ages and possible exposure for those who tested positive last night but here’s what the media has reported:

    • A student who attends Rocketship Rise Academy Public Charter School [NBC4]

    • Two employees with DC Fire and EMS [WUSA9] 

    • A deputy marshal in Superior Court [DCist]

  • “They’re scared, but they’re out there:” public transit employees are still out and about working while others are asked to stay at home. [WAMU]

LOOSE LIPS LINKS, by Mitch Ryals (tips? mryals@washingtoncitypaper.com) 

  • Jack Evans bows out of the special election, will still run in the primary. [Post, DCist]

  • Ward 4 candidate Janeese Lewis George’s campaign claims she maxed out the public campaign funds she’ll receive. [DCist]

  • How they’re leading: from Mayor Muriel Bowser to Gov.Larry Hogan to Gov. Ralph Northam. [Post]

  • Most D.C. councilmembers ask Bowser to expand aid to musicians, artists, and independent contractors. [Twitter]

YOUNG & HUNGRY LINKS, by Laura Hayes (tips? lhayes@washingtoncitypaper.com) 

  • People are still going out to eat in Virginia, unlike D.C. and Maryland. [WCP]

  • Like most small businesses, food trucks are in trouble. [WCP]

  • Some restaurants have found a way to serve hundreds of free meals a day to neighbors in need and hospital workers. [WCP]

  • Where to order wine, beer, and even cocktails to-go now that you can. [Washingtonian]

  • Tom Colicchio: “I suspect 75 or 80 percent of the restaurants won’t reopen.” [Post]

ARTS LINKS, by Kayla Randall (tips? krandall@washingtoncitypaper.com)

  • Area musicians reflect on life without live music or paying gigs in the time of COVID-19. [WCP] 

  • Join the (virtual) City Paper Arts Club! Social distancing, together. [WCP]

  • Historic Library of Congress photos and newspaper clips show how the 1918 flu pandemic changed D.C. [Washingtonian]

  • Members of D.C.’s drag community are “devising virtual performances.” [DCist]

SPORTS LINKS, byKelyn Soong (tips? ksoong@washingtoncitypaper.com)

  • Another installment in City Paper’s Home Gym series exploring the different ways D.C. can exercise while still practicing social distancing: yoga with cats. [WCP]

  • Without live sports to report on, the Post is rearranging its sports staff to cover the COVID-19 pandemic. The smaller daily print sports section, except on Sundays, will move inside the style section. [Washingtonian]

  • The Washington NFL team signed safety Sean Davis, a D.C. native and Maryland alum, to a one-year deal worth up to $5 million. [Hogs Haven]

CITY LIGHTS, byEmma Sarappo (Love this section? Get the full To Do This Week newsletter here. Tips? esarappo@washingtoncitypaper.com)

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