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. Mayor Muriel Bowser said Wednesday it was likely D.C. would begin Phase II of reopening on Monday. By Friday, the rest of the D.C. metro area will have already entered the second phase of reopening.
The latest in reopening news:
- Phase II of reopening in D.C. 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.
- Montgomery County will begin Phase II of reopening on Friday at 5 p.m. Here's what that means.
- Phase II in Prince George's County means non-essential retail stores and restaurants may reopen indoor service with 50% capacity. Here's everything that's reopening as part of Phase II.
Tracking the Coronavirus
Across the DMV, testing numbers continued improving Wednesday, with Maryland and Virginia reporting their lowest percent positivities to date.
- DC’s Ward 4 now has more than 2,000 residents who’ve tested positive for the coronavirus – the most in the city. Ward 5 ranks second, with just under 1,500 cases. Live updates on the Coronavirus in D.C.
- More than 700 people in Montgomery County have now died from the coronavirus.
- Maryland on Wednesday reported its second-highest daily number of tests, with 15,594 new results. Less than 6% were reported as positive, which is a new record low. Live updates on the coronavirus in Maryland.
- Virginia says nearly 500,000 tests have now been given, and its average percent positivity has declined to 7.3%.
- Fairfax County, which has the most cases in Virginia, has reported less than 100 new cases a day for nine days straight. Live updates on the coronavirus in Virginia.
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: