DC authorizes hazard pay for first responders required to report to work during pandemic

By Amanda Lien

WASHINGTON — Washington, D.C. police and first responders required to physically report to work during the COVID-19 pandemic will now receive hazard pay.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and the D.C. Police Union announced Tuesday that a per diem payment of $14 a day has been authorized for all employees required to come into work to do their jobs, WTOP reports. The hazard pay is retroactive from March 16 and will continue as long as the city is financially able to provide it.

All employees required to physically report to work will also receive an additional 40 hours of leave, according to WTOP. That leave time can be used after the pandemic concludes in accordance with agency leave policies.