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 the most important to help combat the spread of the virus.
This blog details the latest updates on the coronavirus 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.
Tracking the Coronavirus
- D.C. had appeared to be making progress on one of its Phase 3 metrics – the percent of new cases that come from quarantined contacts – but that number has backslid recently. Since reaching a high of 9% on August 18 it has fallen back down to 5.5% as of August 24, the most recent date available. The goal for that metric is 60%.
- Maryland reported 13 new deaths from the coronavirus on Friday. That’s the state’s highest single-day count in more than two weeks.
- In Maryland’s D.C. metro counties, both Montgomery and Prince George’s say they have now tested more than 20% of their populations for the coronavirus.
- Virginia’s average daily deaths from the coronavirus have doubled over the past two weeks – rising from an average of eight a day to 16 a day. The commonwealth has reported more than 20 deaths a day for four of the past seven days.
Reopening the DMV
The latest in reopening news:
- D.C. released its latest quarantine list. Find it here.
- Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said the jurisdiction will remain in Phase 2 of reopening. Here's the latest.
- Virginia has begun Phase 3 of reopening. More details about Phase III in Virginia here.
- A last-minute change prohibits bar seating in Phase 3 of Virginia's reopening.
- Gov. Ralph Northam has promised stricter enforcement of mask and social distancing rules.
- Gov. Northam has tightened some coronavirus restrictions in the Hampton Roads area.
- 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.
- Metro returns to normal schedule with masks and social distancing still required. Here's the latest.
- All of Maryland is now in Phase II.
- Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has expanded the masks requirements in the state, and issued a travel advisory.
Previous Updates
August 28:
- As of Thursday, DC Health now says more than a quarter of a million people have been tested in the District. Of those, more than 170,000 are D.C. residents.
- As of August 19 – the most recent date data is available – DC Health was reporting a new record-low percent positivity in the District of 2.5%. That’s well below the 5% goalpost set for the city to enter Phase 3.
- Maryland’s coronavirus trend, which has been on a pretty consistent downward trajectory for all of August, has plateaued over the past week. The state has averaged between 548-560 new coronavirus cases a day over that period.
- Virginia’s seven-day average for new coronavirus cases has been on the rise again for the past three days – ending a week-long downward streak. As of Thursday, the commonwealth is now averaging 957 new cases of the coronavirus a day.
August 26:
- The coronavirus trend in D.C. remains mostly flat. Daily new cases are, on average, down roughly 20% from where they were on July 31, but little of that progress has happened over the past week.
- Maryland’s D.C. metro counties of Montgomery and Prince George’s have seen their coronavirus trends flatten over the past week. Montgomery County has averaged 67 new cases a day over that period. Prince George’s County is now averaging 108 new cases a day.
- While the number of coronavirus cases in people under 30 has continued to decline – as of Monday, Maryland’s statewide average was down 41% from where it was on July 31 – that age group has continued to represent a consistent 40% of new cases in the state.
- Virginia has now reported more than 20 deaths a day from the coronavirus for three of the past four days. That hasn’t been true since July.
- While the percentage of new coronavirus cases among Black patients has largely stayed consistent in the commonwealth, over the past two weeks Latinos and particularly whites have seen their share of new coronavirus cases. White patients now account for 35-37% of all new cases in Virginia – up seven percentage points from July 31.
August 25:
- DC Health reports it has been able to contact trace 100% of cases for a month straight.
- Maryland reported 377 new cases of the coronavirus on Tuesday. That’s the state’s lowest daily number since July 6.
- Maryland’s coronavirus trend continues to decline as well. It has been on a downward trajectory for the entire month of August, and is now down 42% from where it was on July 31.
- Virginia’s seven-day average for deaths from the coronavirus has doubled over the past week, increasing from seven to 14. This could partially be because the commonwealth’s death reporting has been so spiky. Virginia has reported more than 20 deaths on two of the past three days.
- The number of COVID-19 patients in Virginia in ICU beds or on ventilators dipped by more than 10% over the past week, although both metrics are beginning to rise again.
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: