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
.The latest in reopening news:
- Virginia has begun Phase 3 of reopening. More details about Phase III in Virginia here.
- A last-minute change prohibits bar seating in Phase 3 of Virginia's reopening. More details here.
- D.C. is now in Phase II of reopening. It 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. here.
- D.C. Metro has reopened some stops. Here's what you need to know.
- All of Maryland is now in Phase II, and the state's largest casino, MGM National Harbor, has reopened.
- Amusement parks have begun declaring opening dates. Click here for more on those.
- There's been a spike in new cases nationally, but the DMV is bucking that trend. Here's why.
Tracking the Coronavirus
Sunday, July 5:
- Maryland's statewide positivity rate continues to be below 5%, a key metric in reopening.
- In Virginia, 639 confirmed cases of the virus are reported, bringing the total to just under 66,000.
- The Maryland Department of Health reports a total of 291 new cases, one of the lowest it's seen in two weeks.
- The District reports two additional deaths from the virus, bringing the total to 559.
Saturday, July 4:
- Over 300,000 masks will be available for Saturday's Salute to America firework display and celebration on the National Mall. On Saturday, the District reported 2 deaths in the District, bringing the total to 557.
- Maryland reports its lowest single-day test positivity, with 380 new cases reported on the Fourth of July.
- In Virginia, 716 cases of the virus are reported. The total for the commonwealth is now at 65,109 with 4 new deaths reported.
Friday, July 3:
- On Friday, the District reported 45 new cases of the coronavirus. That’s its highest single-day total in two weeks.
- D.C. has lost some ground on its doubling time, having sped back up from its slowest point of 228 days on June 28 to 191 days as of Friday.
- The District has seen day-to-day increases in new cases in five of the past seven days.
- Despite that, D.C.’s running seven-day average remains where it was in late March. It’s down more than 80% from its peak in May. D.C. coronavirus live updates
- Maryland reported 538 new cases of the coronavirus on Friday – its highest single-day total in 15 days.
- Maryland has also seen its doubling time speed up by 20% from its slowest point on June 22. It’s now at a little more than 100 days.
- Maryland’s Department of Health says the state has now conducted nearly 700,000 COVID-19 tests. The state’s percent positivity as of Friday was less than 5%.
- The number of ICU beds in use for coronavirus patients has declined by more than 75% since mid-May. As of Friday, Maryland says 143 such beds remain in use related to COVID-19. Maryland coronavirus live updates
- Virginia’s seven-day moving average for new cases is now up 10% from its lowest point on June 21. Over the past week the commonwealth has average 546 new cases a day.
- Virginia’s daily deaths from the coronavirus have now been on an upward trend for 9 days. Virginia coronavirus live updates
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: