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
- On Saturday, D.C. health officials reported 122 new cases of coronavirus. That's the District's highest single-day case count since June 3.
- Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan called for a moment of silence Saturday as the state recorded its 4,000th death due to COVID-19. "While our statewide health metrics continue to be below the nation and most other states, this tragic milestone is a sobering reminder that this crisis is by no means over," Hogan said in a Facebook post.
- Maryland is now averaging 827 cases of coronavirus a day. That's a 33% increase from two weeks ago.
- On Friday, Gov. Hogan extended the Maryland's state of emergency for the 10th time since March.
- Virginia reported 1,551 new cases of coronavirus Saturday, the highest single-day case count in the commonwealth since August 7, when Virginia health officials reported a record high 2,015 cases. (Earlier this month health officials reported 1,844 cases in a day, but that was the result of a data entry error)
- Virginia has now averaged more than 1,000 coronavirus cases a day for 11 consecutive days.
Reopening the DMV
The latest in reopening news:
- Montgomery County and Prince George's County, Maryland are still in Phase 2 of reopening, but the governor says it's time for everyone to be on the same page. More here.
- A new order from Maryland's governor may allow fans to watch football in person again. Details here.
- County Executive Angela Alsobrooks announced some youth sports registration would reopen to children in the county.
- Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks advises against trick-or-treating this Halloween, per CDC guidelines. Haunted houses will also not be allowed in the county this year.
- Prince George's County health authorities are also cautioning against "trunk or treat" events that draw people to parking lots where candy is given from trunks of cars – suggesting that residents participate in organized drive-thru alternatives.
- Mayor Bowser extends D.C.'s public health emergency order until Dec. 31, 2020. Read the full order here.
- D.C. Public Schools announces that a limited number of DCPS students can return to in-person learning starting in November. Read the detailed plan here.
- DC health released its latest list of high-risk states.
- D.C. announced a pilot that will allow a limited number of venues to host live entertainment. Here are the details.
- 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.
- Montgomery County has adjusted some of its Phase 2 guidelines. More here.
- Prince George's County, Maryland, remains in Phase 2, but released additional reopenings. Here's a look.
- Metro returns to a normal schedule with masks and social distancing still required. Here's the latest.
Previous Updates
October 29:
- On Thursday D.C. reported 101 new cases of the coronavirus – the first time the city has reported more than 100 cases in a day in more than three weeks.
- D.C. is now averaging 77 new cases of the coronavirus a day. That’s more than twice the daily cases it was reporting at the beginning of October (36).
- Maryland reported 962 new cases of the coronavirus on Thursday. That’s its highest single-day count since August 1. Cases in the state have risen sharply over the past week, with Maryland’s seven-day averaging increasing by 22% over just seven days.
- Montgomery and Prince George’s counties have both seen significant increases in their daily coronavirus averages over the past two weeks. Both counties are now averaging more than 130 new cases of the virus a day – which, for Montgomery County in particular, is its highest point since early June.
- Virginia reported 1,429 new cases of the coronavirus on Thursday – its highest single-day count in three weeks and its eighth consecutive day of averaging more than 1,000 new cases.
October 28:
- D.C. is now averaging 68 new cases of the coronavirus a day. That’s its highest daily average since mid-August.
- Maryland is now averaging 741 cases of the coronavirus a day. Two weeks ago it was averaging 607 cases. That's an increase of 22%.
- As of Wednesday, more than 500 people are currently hospitalized in Maryland for treatment of COVID-19. Of those, nearly 400 are in acute care. That’s the highest number the state has seen in two months.
- Virginia is now averaging 1,140 new cases of the coronavirus a day. That’s its highest daily average in more than two months, and more than 50% higher than where the commonwealth started off October.
- Prince George's County will remain in Phase 2 ahead of the holidays.
- Prince George's County reports seeing a 19% increase in COVID-19 cases.
- Prince George's County officials released guidance on how to safely celebrate the Halloween and Thanksgiving holiday. They urge residents to avoid large holiday gatherings due to the risk.
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: