Protocols for Safeguarding against COVID-19 while in DC on November 7,
and 8 th for the Black People’s March
IMPORTANT WEBSITES TO MONITOR
COVID-19 Guidelines for Washington, DC
Washington, DC’s list of high risk states
DC Travel Guidelines
CDC Travel and Health Guidelines By State
https://washington.org/dc-information/coronavirus-travel-update-washington-dc.
WASHINGTON DC TRAVEL ADVISORY
Beginning Monday, July 27, anyone coming into Washington, DC from a high-risk state (within
the prior 14 days) who was traveling for non-essential activities will be required to self-
quarantine for 14 days from their arrival in the District. Individuals traveling from high-risk
states after essential travel or arriving in the District for essential travel are required to self-
monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days and, if they show signs or experience symptoms
of COVID-19, they are to self-quarantine and seek medical advice or testing.
Travel to and from Maryland and Virginia is exempt from the Order. This list should be used
until Tuesday, September 8, when an updated list will be posted on coronavirus.dc.gov.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROTOCOLS FROM THE BLACK IS BACK
HEALTHCARE WORKING GROUP
IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT WE PRACTICE REVOLUTIONARY DISCIPLINE DURING
THESE PRECARIOUS TIMES WHEN COVID-19 LOOMS OVER EVERYTHING THAT WE
DO.
And to that end the Black Is Back Heathcare Working Group makes the following
recommendations:
BUILD UP YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
I). Build up your immune system and try to eat as healthy as possible. Please stay away from
inflammation inducing foods such as dairy, sugar and other junk foods. And it is especially
important to really focus on fortifying your system at least two weeks prior to the BIBC annual
march on the white house. And whereas we realize that many of our people are struggling
financially we’ve prepared a document with cost efficient ways that people can boost their
immune systems.
WEAR A MASK AND PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING:
According to CDC guidelines:
Wear the mask over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin
Masks should be worn by people two years and older
Masks should NOT be worn by children younger than two, people who have trouble
breathing, or people who cannot remove the mask without assistance
Do NOT wear masks intended for healthcare workers, for example, N95 respirators
Do NOT wear masks that have valves or vents, which allow virus particles to escape.
Also, as not all masks are made of the same material, make sure you have one in which you can
comfortably breathe. If for any reason you begin to have difficulty breathing while wearing one,
but do not require emergency assistance, please get to a place where you can pull your mask
down around your neck while still still socially distancing from people by at least six feet.
TIPS FOR TRAVELLING.
Please plan as much in advance about how you are going to travel and with whom you will be
travelling.
If travelling with people by vehicle, please do not fill the vehicle to capacity. If you are
travelling by a car that has front and back seats, it is advisable that you do not travel with more
than three people in the car if you do not live together. If you are travelling by van or SUV,
please use the same type of precautions and do not fill the vehicle to capacity, as it is important
to ensure that there is a safe distance between all passengers.
Also please be sure to disinfect the interior of the vehicle (see below for the section on
disinfectants)
If you are travelling by public transportation, please check with the company you will be using to
find out about their social distancing practices.
The BIBH suggests that if you are travelling long distance (for more than five hours) with people
who do not live in your household that everyone should be tested at least two weeks before your
date of travel.
HOTELS
It is imperative that everyone practice revolutionary discipline and plan accordingly if you will
be sharing a room with anyone while at the hotel. Whereas face masks must be worn in all
public areas f the hotel at all times, BIBH does not advice people to continue to wear face masks
while in their hotel rooms, unless you have guests over. And certainly, people should not sleep
in them. So if people are going to be staying with anyone whom they do not live with, it is
advised that they plan ahead and that they get tested at least two weeks before the trip.
Also, please discuss disinfectant practices with people you will be rooming with. Some people
prefer using substances such as Lysol spray, while others might prefer using substances that
contain bleach, etc. to wipe surfaces down. So it is important for people who are rooming
together to have these discussions and plan accordingly.
Hand Sanitizers and Disinfectants
Please travel with hand sanitizers, hand soap and disinfectant wipes. Click here for a list of
disinfectant products published by the CDC.
However, if you wish to use natural disinfectants, much has been written in mainstream medical
journals about the antiviral and antibacterial properties of essential oils. And although the
mainstream medical establishment will never promote such naturopathic modalities, we believe
in bringing our people the truth. Two essential oils that deserve special mention are eucalyptus
oil and tea tree oil. Other essential oil blends are Thieves Oil and Nature’s Shield. Please
remember that the quality of essential oils matter and that the higher priced ones tend to be of
better quality. However a good brand that is cost efficient and of relatively good quality is NOW
essential oils (understand this is not an endorsement, but is important for our people to know.)
Also, be cautious about ingesting essential oils. Whereas some may be considered ingestible,
many are not and the BIBH is only listing them in this section for the purpose of disinfecting
surfaces and the air. If one wishes to use them as an air disinfectant, please look into purchasing
a diffuser.
TIPS FOR MARCHING AND GATHERING IN OUTDOOR SPACES.
BIBC should assign people on patrol with clearly marked arm bands.
The call should be put out for all participants to wear masks and engage in social distancing
practices. People should try to maintain a distance of 6 feet between each other.
If at any point anyone feels they are having difficulty breathing, they should pull their masks
down from their face, while ensuring that they are social distancing. But please do not remove
your mask, as having the mask around your neck signals that you intend to comply with social
distancing guidelines, but that you just needed a moment to catch your breath, etc.
If at any point someone should feel that they can not breathe and that they will need help, they
should immediately alert one of the people on patrol. The person who is on patrol should then
be prepared to call emergency services and immediately get the person’s legal name and
emergency contact information.
All members of the BIBC should provide their legal names and emergency contact information.
(This information that we should have on record for all members of the BIBC).
