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Coronavirus in the DMV: April 21

The coronavirus impact on the DMV continues to grow. Here are details for April 21.

WASHINGTON — The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is spreading across the DMV, leading to unprecedented changes to our everyday life to curtail the disease.

THIS STORY IS NO LONGER BEING UPDATED. FOR THE LATEST UPDATES, CLICK HERE.

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Tuesday, April 21: 

  • 41 new COVID-19 cases and 1 new death in Alexandria
  • The DMV could start easing social distancing guidelines by June 8 if it implements rigorous containment strategies, according to new projections from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) 

RELATED: Here's when the DMV could start easing social distancing

  • Gov. Larry Hogan is now allowing the state’s barbershops and salons to stay open to service essential personnel only during the coronavirus pandemic.
  • Maryland reports 14,193 confirmed positive cases of coronavirus and 584 deaths as a result of the coronavirus in the state. Those deaths bring the total number across the DMV to over 1,000 since the outbreak began.

RELATED: Gov. Hogan allows Maryland barbers, salons to open for appointments with certain essential workers

  • D.C. health officials say there are now 3,098 confirmed positive cases of coronavirus in the District. Health officials say 112 people have died as a result of the virus.
  • Virginia now says there are 9,630 confirmed positive coronavirus cases in the state. Of those cases, 1,581 have required hospitalization. Health officials report 324 people have died due to the virus so far.
  • Fairfax County Schools says they are moving away from Blackboard for distance learning during the coronavirus outbreak.

RELATED: Fairfax County schools transition away from Blackboard for distance learning, parents voice frustrations with issues

  • Researchers at the University of Maryland are working to determine if plasma from the blood of coronavirus survivors can help save lives.

RELATED: Can blood from COVID-19 survivors treat coronavirus ICU patients?

Monday, April 20:

  • 38 new COVID-19 cases with 2 new deaths in Alexandria
  • An internal MPD email shows the 6th District is disproportionately affected by coronavirus

RELATED: DC police officers in 6th District at increased risk for COVID-19

  • After weeks of diplomatic discussions and procurement efforts, Maryland has acquired 500,000 COVID-19 tests from LabGenomics in South Korea.

RELATED: Maryland receives 500K coronavirus tests from South Korea

  • 7 new inmates test positive for coronavirus in the DC jail

RELATED: DOC: More than 50 inmates tested positive for coronavirus at DC detention facility

  • Medical tents could be seen going up at St. Mary's Hospital in Leonardtown, Maryland
  • Fairfax County Public Schools says it's continuing with distance learning despite the continuing problems they are experiencing with Blackboard Learn (FCPS 24-7). The updates made by Blackboard over the weekend have not corrected the system delays, a spokesperson confirms.

RELATED: Fairfax County schools' distance learning continues with multiple technical issues

  • D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser shared updates on the city's public safety initiatives to ensure residents are safe during the coronavirus pandemic.

RELATED: DC coronavirus updates: Safety measures implemented at DC jail following inspector report

  • Maryland confirms 13,684 positive COVID-19 cases and 3,014 hospitalizations. There are now 516 reported coronavirus deaths in the state.
  • DC reports 134 new positive coronavirus cases, bringing the District’s overall positive case total to 2,927. There are 105 deaths in the city.
  • Virginia confirms 8,990 positive coronavirus cases. A total of 1,500 people are hospitalized and there are 300 deaths due to COVID-19.

Updates on coronavirus cases come from health departments between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. every day.  

Key Facts

  • Events with more than 10 people have been banned. 
  • D.C.-Baltimore area recognized as "emerging hot spot" 
  • D.C., Maryland, and Virginia have declared States of Emergency
  • D.C., Maryland and Virginia have issued stay-at-home orders
  • Face masks required for grocery shoppers 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. DC schools will remain closed through the end of the school year.
  • 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

Read previous updates here.

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: DC coronavirus updates: Mayor Bowser extends stay-at-home orders and public health emergency until May 15

RELATED: Virginia coronavirus updates: Restrictions on gatherings, non-essential businesses extended to May 8

RELATED: Maryland coronavirus updates: Face masks mandatory, PPE supplies increase as positive cases top 10,000

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