WASHINGTON — The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) remains present around the country, as well as here in the DMV. Things like masks and social distancing are still important, but our counties and communities have begun to reopen.
This blog details the latest updates on our Road to Recovery in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Check-in each day for what’s new, where each part of the DMV is at in its phased reopening plan and what direction the coronavirus trend is headed.
Have a question? Text it to us at 202-895-5599.
Updates on coronavirus cases come from health departments between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. every day.
Reopening the DMV
D.C. is now in Phase II of reopening - the last part of our region to get there.
On Friday, Montgomery County became the final part of Maryland to begin Phase II of reopening.
The latest in reopening news:
- Virginia will move to Phase 3 July 1. More details about Phase III in Virginia here.
- D.C. is now in Phase II of reopening. It means restaurants and non-essential retail can open indoors at 50% capacity and gyms and yoga studios can reopen with restrictions. Full details on what Phase II means in D.C. here.
- D.C. Metro plans to reopen some stops starting June 29. Here's what you need to know.
- All of Maryland is now in Phase II, and the state's largest casino, MGM National Harbor, plans to reopen June 29.
- Amusement parks have begun declaring opening dates. Click here for more on those.
Tracking the Coronavirus
Friday, June 26:
- The DMV bucks the national trend. Cases per day in the U.S. have been rising since June 9.
- Maryland has been on a decline since June 3rd
- Virginia has declined since May 31, with one spike on June 7, and a plateau beginning June 14th, but not a rise in cases
- D.C. has been on a decline since May 6th
- Maryland announces the state's test positivity rate has dropped to 4.92%, with hospitalizations -- one of the state's key reopening metrics -- under 500 for the first time in 12 weeks.
- Phase 3 of reopening Virginia is still on track to start next Wednesday, July 1. The state announces 624 new cases of the virus, but the positivity rate of all cases dipped from 6% to 5.8%, a key sign in reopening.
- In the District, an additional 26 cases of the virus were reported, bringing the total cases to 10,185. DC entered Phase 2 of reopening on Monday, lifting a number of restrictions on businesses and residents.
Thursday, June 25:
- Following the news that more than 3,000 people have died from the coronavirus in Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan issued a statement. He said in part, “Now more than ever, as we begin to come into contact with more people, we must all continue to remain vigilant. Our health and economic recovery depends on all of us continuing to exercise personal responsibility in order to keep ourselves, our family members, our neighbors, and our coworkers safe"
- In a press conference, Mayor Muriel Bowser and Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt warned residents that while the District is seeing low case numbers lately, data shows that D.C. still has moderate community spread. Both the mayor and health officials warned those planning for the 4th of July to "choose your activities wisely."
RELATED: DC coronavirus update: City leaders urge residents to be safe for Fourth of July activities
- D.C. reported 32 additional cases of coronavirus and 2 additional deaths.
- Maryland reported 440 new cases of coronavirus and 15 additional deaths, bringing the states total number of deaths due to coronavirus to 3,001.
- Virginia reported an additional 432 coronavirus cases and 14 additional deaths.
Wednesday, June 24:
- D.C. reports an additional 34 cases of coronavirus and four additional deaths. That brings the District's total to 10,128 cases and 541 lives lost.
- Maryland saw an increase of 330 coronavirus cases and 15 deaths, with a statewide positivity rate of 5.17%. Prince George's County remains the county with the most cases in the state, topping 18,000.
- Virginia health officials reported 520 new coronavirus cases and 16 additional deaths.
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: