The last day the DC Department of Health COVID Centers will operate will be Friday, March 31.
The centers opened in January 2022 to provide District residents with access to free masks, vaccinations, and testing during a surge in cases caused by the omicron variant.
At that time, the DC Department of Health said it had distributed:
- More than a million free mouth covers;
- More than 80,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, boosters and flu vaccine;
- More than 400,000 rapid antigen test kits; and
- Almost 40,000 PCR tests.
Given the low number of cases, more vaccines and the increase in home test kits, the Health Department said, the centers are closing.
The department announced the upcoming closures in a statement Friday.
“The decision to close the COVID-19 Centers comes after the District experienced a significant drop in cases, high uptake of vaccination, and increased availability of vaccines and test kits for use at home.” says the statement. “Similar steps are being taken at the federal level and in other jurisdictions across the country.”
Those who still need masks, vaccinations and tests can visit their local pharmacies, doctors and “other community locations,” the Department of Health said.
DC residents – or anyone in the United States – may enter this website to order free home tests for COVID-19, and use this CDC page to find a testing site near you. To find out where you can get the vaccine, Click here.
