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 city has been losing ground over the month of October in the speed at which test results are coming back. The city’s goal is for results to be available in two days or less – which was the case for most of September. Since October 1, however, the city has experienced a slowing of test results. As of this week, DC Health now reports it takes an average of three days for results to come back, which the city considers to be an indicator of insufficient testing capacity.
- The above is likely because the city has seen a corresponding surge in people getting tested since October 1 – the day reports about White House staffers testing positive began to come out. The number of COVID-19 tests conducted per million people in D.C. jumped by 30% in the week immediately following White House adviser Hope Hicks’ reported positive result.
- Maryland is now averaging more than 600 new cases of the coronavirus a day for the first time since mid-September. As of Wednesday, the state’s seven-day average is 30% higher than where it began October.
- Virginia is now averaging 1,131 new cases of the coronavirus a day. That’s the commonwealth’s highest seven-day average since mid-August, and just 6% less than its all-time high.
- As of October 10 – the most recent date available – Virginia was reporting an average percent positivity rate for coronavirus tests of 4.6%. That’s the commonwealth’s lowest average positive rate for tests since the pandemic began. Relatedly, Virginia is now averaging nearly 18,000 COVID-19 tests a day – also its highest number since the start of the pandemic.
Reopening the DMV
The latest in reopening news:
- 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 13:
- DC Health reports it has been able to complete a contact tracing interview within three days of a positive test for more than 70% of new cases throughout October. The city’s goal is more than 80% -- but that metric had dropped to around just half of cases at its low point in September.
- Meanwhile, the agency reports that less than half of new coronavirus cases have been willing to share close contact information with contact tracers. DC Health data shows that has been a consistent trend since July.
- In Maryland, the state department of health has reported a nearly 20% increase in acute hospital beds in use for coronavirus patients over the past two weeks. As of Tuesday, 300 acute hospital beds are in use to treat COVID-19 patients in the state. That’s Maryland’s highest point since August. In total, some 400 COVID-19 patients are currently being treated in Mary hospitals.
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: