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
- The DMV region as a whole has surpassed 300,000 cases of the coronavirus Thursday. There are now 300,725 reported cases.
- D.C.’s coronavirus case average continues to trend upward. D.C. is now averaging 58 cases per day.
- Maryland's coronavirus case average is up 19% from where it was two weeks ago. The state is now averaging 559 cases of coronavirus a day.
- Virginia reported 1,844 cases of coronavirus on Thursday. Health officials say a surveillance system reporting issue reported an additional 689 cases that should have been reported on Wednesday, October 7.
Reopening the DMV
The latest in reopening news:
- 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 7:
- D.C health officials reported 45 cases of coronavirus Wednesday, closer to the District's average number following Tuesday's report of more than 100 cases.
- D.C. is now averaging 53 cases of the virus per day, up from 43 cases two weeks ago.
- Maryland's average number of coronavirus cases per day is now 562. Up slightly from two weeks ago, when the state reported an average of 487 cases per day.
- Maryland reported 6 deaths from the coronavirus Wednesday. The state has maintained an average of three deaths a day for the last four days.
- Virginia reported 509 coronavirus cases on Wednesday. That's the commonwealth's lowest daily case count in a week.
- Virginia's average number of cases is now 774 cases. Two weeks ago it was 890 cases. That's a 14% drop.
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: