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
On Monday, Prince George's County joined most of the rest of Maryland in beginning Phase II of reopening.
The latest in reopening news:
- 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.
- On Monday, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said the city may begin reopening on Friday, but wouldn't commit to that date yet. See the mayor's latest comments on reopening in the District.
- Northern Virginia and the City of Richmond began Phase II of reopening on Friday. More details on NoVa's reopening plan.
- Montgomery County says it could begin Phase II this week. What Montgomery County still needs to enter Phase II.
Tracking the Coronavirus
On Monday, D.C., Maryland and Virginia reported a combined 12 new deaths from the coronavirus – the lowest number in months. All three states are still continuing weeks-long downward trends in new cases.
- In D.C., the city reported 0 new deaths on Monday. That's the first time the District has reported no new deaths since May 26. Live updates on the Coronavirus in D.C.
- Maryland reported 331 new cases – the lowest number since April 7. It also reported the lowest number of new deaths in a day since March.
- Maryland is now reporting around 8,000 new tests a day, with an average percent positivity of less than 7%.
- Prince George's County has now reported more than 17,000 cases and nearly 650 deaths from the coronavirus. Montgomery County has now seen more than 13,500 cases and is just six deaths away from 700 total. Live updates on the coronavirus in Maryland.
- Virginia has now been on a downward trend in new cases two weeks straight.
- As of Monday, the commonwealth had reported three consecutive days of single-digit deaths for the first time since the end of March. Live updates on the coronavirus in Virginia.
Friday, June 12:
On Friday, Northern Virginia joined the rest of the commonwealth in Phase II of reopening. At a press conference, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said the commonwealth wasn't seeing a spike in new cases like other states that have begun reopening have.
- Northern Virginia and the City of Richmond began Phase II of reopening on Friday. More details on NoVa's reopening plan.
- Also in Virginia on Friday, Northam said colleges and universities could begin reopening their campuses and offering in-person classes. Read Friday's updates from Gov. Ralph Northam.
- In D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser stood firm on her June 19 date for beginning Phase II, saying the city wouldn't start it any earlier than that. The latest details on D.C.'s phased reopening pan.
- Prince George’s County will move to Phase II of reopening starting Monday, June 15. Here's what will reopen in Prince George's County next week.
- Montgomery County says it could begin Phase II as early as next week. What Montgomery County still needs to enter Phase II.
As of Friday, the doubling time for coronavirus cases – the time it takes for the total number of cases to double – for D.C., Maryland and Virginia was now more than two months. In D.C., it had broken the 100-day mark.
- The number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the District has been on a steady decline since a peak of 477 patients on April 28. Live updates on the Coronavirus in D.C.
- In Maryland, the number of tests conducted daily has been on a downward trend since June 2, but so has percent positivity, which was below 7% on average for the past week, as of Friday.
- Both total hospital bed use and acute bed use have been on steady downward trends in the state since May 27. Live updates on the coronavirus in Maryland.
- Virginia has now been on a downward trend in new cases for 12 days.
- Since its daily testing peak on June 2 – when 11,628 tests were reported – the commonwealth has been on a downward trend in daily tests. However, percent positivity has also declined to 7.3%. 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: