Much of the D.C. region has been recovering from a drop in childhood vaccinations during the pandemic. But rates in the District remain below national averages.

The facility is aimed at reducing the disproportionate rates of cancer incidence and mortality in Southeast D.C.

In Virginia, health officials issued guidance earlier this week recommending — but not requiring — face masks.

Residents couldn’t get through by phone, and the online vaccine portal rejected many of those who were supposed to be eligible.

The city warns against traveling outside the region to places with higher rates of COVID-19.

The tool will not yet work in tandem with Maryland and Virginia, though the commonwealth has a similar tool already in use.

A decrease in vaccinations during the spring has led to an overall drop in immunization rates.

The city extended the end date in hopes more people will participate.

Contract tracing has also shown that a number of individuals were infectious while recently being in the workplace, city officials said.

Health officials say many of this year’s “excess deaths” are linked to COVID-19 — but almost half are linked to other conditions like heart disease, diabetes, pneumonia, and cancer.