<META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1">
<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
span.EmailStyle17
{mso-style-type:personal-compose;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
color:windowtext;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
--></style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" />
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" />
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Good Evening Federation Family:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This is a friendly reminder that, if you haven’t communicated Washington Seminar plans with me, I need that information no later than January 1, 2022, especially if you’re wanting to go in person. We already have some folks who have reached out for both the in person and virtual teams. We’re working to see if we will have in person meetings available, and if not, we’ll join several other affiliates who have gone totally virtual. I’m hoping to have that together very soon! We’re also working on increasing our delegation to a maximum of 4 if we can, and I’m waiting for a response on that since several affiliates have given up their spots. There are at least two key meetings we would like to have in person if possible, but we’ll see how that plays out. I need to let everyone know of a vaccine mandate that will be in effect for certain indoor activities and spaces during our time there, and I’m pasting the text of the proclamation below. More information on the implementation phase of it is coming, and I’ll send that once it’s available. For those who do go in person, more information regarding capitol logistics will be shared as we get it. Please reach out if there are any questions!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Here is what we know so far:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>First dose of vaccination by January 15, 2022. Second dose of vaccination by February 15, 2022. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Covered areas include hotel meeting rooms, restaurants, and bars. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Patrons are not required to be vaccinated if they order food to go and then leave the establishment. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There is “reasonable accommodation due to a medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief.” These details of these exemptions have not been released.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The order authorizes the DC Director of the Department of Health to issue a recent negative test substitute for vaccination, but that has not happened yet. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The pertinent parts of the order can be read below:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is critically important that the District take immediate measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and its health impacts to avoid further straining our health care facilities and hospitals and to avoid collateral health impacts on persons not suffering from CO VID-19 but whose care is affected by CO VID-19. Further, we must avoid overcrowding or any other deterrents to people seeking hospital and medical services, so that persons needing care do not delay care to the detriment of their own health.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In order to avoid resorting to the more drastic remedy of closing non-essential businesses or re-imposing capacity limits, we must implement a vaccine requirement to preserve life, health, and hospital capacity, and to help ensure continuity of operations of government and business operations by preventing the long absences that ensue when a person contracts a severe case of CO VID-19.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Therefore, this Mayor's Order requires certain public venues to implement a vaccination entry requirement for guests, visitors, and customers by January 15, 2022, in conformity with guidance to be issued by December 30, 2021 and as specified below.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Establishments Subject to Vaccination Entry Requirement<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Starting on January 15, 2022, the following establishments and facilities (the "covered establishments and facilities") shall not permit a guest, visitor, or customer over twelve (12) years old to enter their indoor premises without displaying proof of vaccination against COVID-19:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Restaurants, bars and nightclub establishments, including restaurants and taverns, coffee shops and fast-food establishments that have seating if guests choose to sit down; breweries, wineries and distillery tasting rooms; mixed-use facilities; food courts;<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Indoor entertainment establishments, including nightclubs, hookah bars, pool and billiard halls, and cigar bars; concert, live entertainment and sporting venues; movie theatres; adult entertainment venues; bowling alleys;<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Indoor exercise and recreational establishments, including exercise facilities, dance, yoga and pilates studios; any facilities used for group fitness classes;<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Indoor event and meeting establishments, including hotel common rooms, banquet halls, conference centers meeting facilities, convention centers, auditoriums; shared work facilities;<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Any other indoor establishment designated by the Director of the Department of Health.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Establishments Not Subject to Vaccine Entry Requirement<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Except as specified in paragraph II.2.k, this proof of vaccine requirement imposed by paragraph II.1. does not apply to the following establishments or facilities:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Houses of worship;<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Grocery stores, farmer's markets, and food service establishments providing charitable food services;<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Pharmacies, medical offices, urgent care centers, or hospitals;<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Big box stores and retail establishments where people tend to be in motion and not standing or seated in close proximity to others for long periods of time;<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Private meeting spaces in residences or office buildings;<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Facilities relating to governmental regulation, licensing, administrative hearings, judicial proceedings, law enforcement, the provision of legal services, and the Department of Motor Vehicles;<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Facilities relating to essential human services such as warming and cooling centers, day service facilities for homeless persons, shelters serving homeless persons or victims of domestic violence;<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Polling places during elections;<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Such other facilities as exempted by the Department of Health.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Individuals Exempt from Vaccination Entry Requirement<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The proof of vaccination requirement imposed by Section II. I. of this Order does not apply to the following individuals:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Individuals entering a covered establishment for a quick and limited purpose (for example, placing an order for takeout, picking up an order, or making a delivery); or<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A person entitled by law to a reasonable accommodation due to a medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Signage Requirement<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Covered facilities shall prominently post signage at their entrances notifying the public of the vaccination entry requirement.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Covered facilities shall post signs and verify that entrants aged twelve (12) years and older has had a first vaccination by Sunday, January 15, 2022. Proof of having had a full initial course of vaccination will be required effective Tuesday, February 15, 2022. On those dates, the requirements take effect at 6:00 a.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Director of the Department of Health shall further specify the applicability of this Order and any reasonable accommodations that may be necessary including when a recent negative test may substitute for vaccination; the requirements for vaccination and any further phasing in of requirements for second shots or boosters; grace periods for children who recently turned twelve years old; acceptable proof of vaccination; signage requirements and where within a facility proof of vaccination must be verified.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, in conjunction with the Department of Health, shall further outline a plan to help businesses understand, publicize, and enforce the vaccination requirements of this Order and provide for reporting complaints and violations;<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The City Administrator or his designee shall be responsible for implementation and any necessary modification of the Order as it applies or does not apply to District government facilities;<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Businesses and other entities may exclude persons and take appropriate employment actions against their employees who endanger themselves or others by being in violation of this Order or acting in violation of it, or in violation of a rule, order, or other issuance issued under the authority of this Order, other Mayor's Orders, or City Administrator's Orders relating to mitigating the spread of COVID-19 consistent with District and federal law.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>All District government agencies that issue licenses, permits, certificates, endorsements, or other authorizations, including the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, the District Department of Transportation, the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education, the Department of For-Hire Vehicles, and the Department of Health may issue rules consistent with or take enforcement action directly under this Order or a rule, order, or other issuance issued under the authority of this Order to provide for the revocation, suspension, or limitation of a license, permit, certificate, endorsement, or other authorization of a person or entity that violates this Order.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Any individual or entity that knowingly violates this Order, or a rule, order, or other issuance issued under the authority of this Order, may be subject to civil and administrative penalties authorized by law, including sanctions or penalties violating section 8 of the District of Columbia Public Emergency Act of 1980, D.C. Official Code § 7-2307, which can result in civil fines of not more than $1,000 or summary suspension or revocation of licenses.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>EFFECTIVE DATE AND DURATION<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The first phase of implementation of this Order shall begin by January 15, 2022 at 6:00 pm., and shall remain in effect until repealed, amended, or superseded.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Scott Van Gorp, President<br>National Federation of the Blind of Iowa<br>Phone: 515-720-5282<br></span><a href="mailto:svangorp@nfbi.org"><span style='color:#0563C1'>Email</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.nfbi.org/"><i><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0563C1'>Website</span></i></a><i><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> <br></span></i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/National-Federation-Of-the-Blind-Of-Iowa-372681823082570/posts"><i><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0563C1'>Facebook</span></i></a><i><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> <br></span></i><a href="https://twitter.com/nfb_iowa"><i><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0563C1'>Twitter</span></i></a><i><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> <br>Live the life you want.<br></span></i><br>The National Federation of the Blind of Iowa is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>