WASHINGTON — The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is spreading across the DMV, leading to unprecedented changes to our everyday life to reduce the disease.
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Friday, May 22:
- By at least one metric, the D.C. metro area remains the nation’s most concerning coronavirus hot spot, according to Dr. Deborah Birx.
- Georgetown basketball coach Patrick Ewing has coronavirus
- Virginia Governor Ralph Northam emphasized that Virginia churches should follow state guidelines on reopening with 50% capacity after President Trump held a press conference declaring places of worship as essential.
- Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Friday that D.C. Public Schools will return on August 31, whether in person or through virtual learning.
- The mayor also released new details about how the District could begin a phased reopening as early as May 29.
- As of Friday, DC Health says the District has been on a downward trend for new coronavirus cases for 11 days.
- In Virginia, the trend for new cases reported daily has been flat for more than a week, and the trend for deaths reported daily has been heading downward since May 8.
- In Maryland, the 7-day average for new deaths reported daily peaked on April 30, and has been on a downward trend ever since. As of Friday, the trend had reached its lowest point since mid-April.
- On Friday, DC Health reported 105 new cases of the coronavirus and 6 new deaths, bringing the total for each to 7,893 and 418, respectively.
- In Maryland, 893 new cases were reported, bringing the total to 44,424. 2,092 people have died in the state from COVID-19.
- In Virginia, 813 new cases were reported on Friday, along with 37 new deaths. 34,950 people have now been infected with the novel coronavirus in Virginia, and 1,136 have died from it.
Thursday, May 21:
- Self-swab coronavirus testing will be available at 17 CVS pharmacies in Maryland starting Friday
- County Executive Angela Alsobrooks said Prince George's County will reopen with Phase 1 by June 1 if the trend in downward cases continues. Data of tests collected last week have a 28% positivity rate in the county she said, which is a decrease from a high of 41% the week of April 19.
- DC could begin the first phase of reopening by next week on May 29, Mayor Bowser and ReOpen DC Advisory Group announced. The first stage of reopening would allow restaurants to open for patio seating only and curbside retail for non-essential businesses. A final decision is expected on Tuesday.
- Maryland reports 1,208 new cases of coronavirus in the state. Health officials also report 41 additional deaths.
- D.C. announced 354 new cases of coronavirus and 5 additional deaths. It's a single-day case count high for the District.
- Virginia reports 1,229 additional cases of coronavirus in the commonwealth and 25 additional deaths.
- Gov. Hogan announces new steps to increase Maryland's COVID-19 testing capacity.
- While the pace of layoffs has declined for six straight weeks, the number of weekly unemployment applications remains immense by historical standards
Updates on coronavirus cases come from health departments between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. every day.
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: