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
- DC Health reports the percent of new cases coming from quarantined contacts has dropped significantly since September 1 – falling from a high of 10% to just 3.4% as of September 10 (the most recent date available). This is one of D.C.’s key metrics for entering Phase III. The goal is 60%.
- The percent positivity for coronavirus tests conducted on Marylanders over the age of 35 reached a record low of 2.7% as of Monday. Meanwhile, that number for those under 35 has been steadily increasing since the end of August, and is now at more than 5%.
- The overall percent positivity for coronavirus cases in Maryland has been on an upward trend since August 7, when it reached a low of 3%. As of Monday, the statewide average over the past week has been 3.5%.
- Over the past week, the top two health districts for new cases in Virginia have been not along the eastern coast of the commonwealth, but rather the western edge. The New River region (which includes Montgomery and Radford) and the Central Shenandoah region (including Rockingham and Harrisonburg) have reported an average of 90 new cases a day – even more than the Fairfax region.
- Virginia reported 1,300 new cases of the coronavirus on Monday. That’s its highest single-day total in more than a month and one of the 10 highest single-day counts since the pandemic began.
- Virginia reported 19 new deaths from the coronavirus on Monday – more than twice the commonwealth’s average over the past week. More than 2,700 people have died in Virginia as a result of COVID-19.
Reopening the DMV
The latest in reopening news:
- Maryland has entered the third and final stage of its reopening plan, with all businesses able to reopen. Details on what Phase 3 looks like here.
- Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks announced that the county will remain in Phase 2, despite most of Maryland now in Phase 3 of reopening.
- Montgomery County will not enter Phase 3, despite Gov. Hogan's announcement. Here's the latest.
- Virginia has begun Phase 3 of reopening. More details about Phase III in Virginia here.
- 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.
Previous Updates
September 11:
- D.C. once again reported zero deaths as a result of the coronavirus on Friday. Health officials reported 59 new cases of the virus. The District's 7-day moving average has remained in the 40s for the last 10 days.
- Maryland reported 809 new cases of the virus Friday. Testing numbers nearly doubled in 24 hours. On Thursday, Maryland reported nearly 18,000 tests, and on Friday reported more than 33,000.
- Virginia reported 1,300 new cases of the virus on Friday, the highest single-day case count in a month. The previous single-day high was reported Thursday, with 1,236 cases.
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: