The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is spreading across the DMV, leading to unprecedented changes to our everyday life to curtail the disease.
Maryland, Virginia and D.C. have all issued stay-at-home orders to help slow the spread of the virus. Scroll down in this blog to find what that means for each state and the District.
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Key Facts
- The first case was discovered on March 5
- 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 April 27
- 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
Monday, April 13:
3:30 p.m.: The DC Department of Public Works (DPW) confirms that five of its employees have tested positive for COVID-19. These cases were confirmed between March 27 and April 7, 2020.
2 p.m.: Virginia Gov. Ralph discussed modeling, education and budget concerns during his latest news conference on April 13. He says Virginia-specific modeling shows the commonwealth's surge may come sometime between late April and early May.
11 a.m.: Mayor Muriel Bowser says the first inmate at the D.C. Central Detention Facility has died on April 13 after a positive coronavirus diagnosis on April 7. He was identified as 51-year-old Deon Crowell and had been in DOC custody since 2018, officials said.
Bowser added that homebound people who need assistance with food or essential services can call the hotline at 1-888-349-8323, or visit the website here for help. Students who need to go to school for meals, including and families who need grocery items can visit the online resources here for locations.
9 a.m.: Maryland has begun tracking coronavirus cases down to the zip code instead of just the county level. 20904 has the highest amount of coronavirus cases in the DC-area of Maryland.
Sunday, April 12:
10:15 a.m.: In Maryland, there are now 8225 cases of coronavirus, with 1860 hospitalized and 235 deaths.
10:00 a.m.: There are now 1875 coronavirus cases in D.C. and 50 deaths, health officials for the District announce.
9:25 a.m.: Virginia announces there are now 5274 cases in the commonwealth with 141 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: