WASHINGTON — The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is spreading across the DMV, leading to unprecedented changes to our everyday life to reduce the disease.
Have a question? Text it to us at 202-895-5599.
Thursday, April 30:
- D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser signed hospital funding agreements in conjunction with Howard University and George Washington University to begin the development of two new hospitals in Wards 1 and 8.
- An additional 19 people have died from the coronavirus in D.C., bringing the death toll to 224 people. This is the city's highest day of lost lives due to COVID-19.
- A look at D.C., Maryland and Virginia's individual epidemic curves may give us insight into when they will be able to begin plans for reopening.
- An overnight increase of 217 new positive coronavirus cases brings D.C.'s total number of cases to 4,323. Health officials say 19 more people have died in a 24-hour period, bringing the District's total to 224.
- More than 1,000 people have died as a result of the coronavirus in Maryland. Health officials say 62 people have died in the last 24 hours, bringing Maryland's coronavirus death toll to 1,047. A one-day increase of 893 positive cases brings that total to 21,742 in the state. Health officials say 1,432 people have recovered and been released from isolation.
- Virginia reports the largest single-day increase in coronavirus cases in the commonwealth since the virus began. Health officials say there were 885 new positive cases of the virus in a 24-hour period, which brings the total number of cases in the state to 15,846. Additionally 30 more Virginians have died from the virus, bringing that total number to 552.
- Roughly 30.3 million people have now filed for jobless aid in the six weeks since the coronavirus outbreak began forcing millions of employers to close their doors.
Wednesday, April 29:
- Elective surgeries and dental offices can resume operations in Virginia once the public health order expires tomorrow night at midnight, Gov. Hogan announced. In Virginia, student loan lenders must offer at least a 90-day forbearance and waive late payment fees for those in the state.
- Gov. Hogan issued Wednesday an executive order requiring universal testing of all residents and staff at all Maryland nursing homes. Facilities will be prioritized based on an imminent outbreak or a current rising threat risk, Hogan said.
- D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announces more than $8 million in additional funds for the DC Small Business Recovery Microgrants Program.
- Ocean City, Maryland, Mayor Rick Meehan has extended the closure of the beach, Boardwalk and Inlet Parking Lot until May 15. In addition, restrictions on short term rentals have been extended through May 22 to mirror Gov. Larry Hogan's recovery plan for Maryland.
- Maryland health officials report a one-day increase of 736 cases and 56 deaths as a result of the coronavirus. That brings the total number of cases in the state to 20,849. 985 people have died as a result of the virus in Maryland, and 1,645 people have been hospitalized.
- Prince George's County Police Department temporarily suspended its beard policy due to coronavirus safety concerns.
- Health officials in D.C. say there was a one-day increase of 112 coronavirus cases in the District, bringing the total number of cases to 4,106. Additionally, 15 more people have died as a result of the virus, bringing D.C.'s total number of lives lost to 205.
- Virginia health officials say there are 622 new positive cases in the state. That brings the total to 14,961 coronavirus cases. An additional 30 people have died as a result of the virus. 522 people have died from the virus in Virginia so far, and 2,259 people have been hospitalized.
- The Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative is handing out hundreds of meals to seniors and connecting families to technology.
- Virginia's First Lady Pamela Northam, chair of Virginia STEM Education Commission, says CodeVA to get funds for computer science education.
Updates on coronavirus cases come from health departments between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. every day.
Key Facts
- Criteria for Phase One of reopening is 14-day decline in number of cases. You can see how many cases have been reported each day below.
- events with more than 10 people remain banned.
- D.C.-Baltimore area recognized as "emerging hot spot"
- D.C., Maryland, and Virginia are under States of Emergency
- D.C., Maryland and Virginia remain under stay-at-home orders
- Face masks required for shoppers on essential trips in D.C. and Maryland
- Restaurants are carry-out, drive-through or delivery only
- Teleworking for non-essential D.C. government workers is extended in the District until May 15
- Public schools in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia are closed.
- Maryland, Virginia and D.C. have ordered all non-essential businesses to close
- Maryland and Virginia primaries delayed
- The first case was discovered on March 5
What precautions should you take?
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are unavailable.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Check the status of the virus in your state with your state health department's websites by tapping below:
RELATED: Mom-to-be gets surprise, contactless baby shower after coronavirus cancels original celebration