WASHINGTON — The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is spreading across the DMV, leading to unprecedented changes to our everyday life to reduce the disease.
Have a question? Text it to us at 202-895-5599.
Thursday, May 21:
- Self-swab coronavirus testing will be available at 17 CVS pharmacies in Maryland starting Friday
- County Executive Angela Alsobrooks said Prince George's County will reopen with Phase 1 by June 1 if the trend in downward cases continues. Data of tests collected last week have a 28% positivity rate in the county she said, which is a decrease from a high of 41% the week of April 19.
- DC could begin the first phase of reopening by next week on May 29, Mayor Bowser and ReOpen DC Advisory Group announced. The first stage of reopening would allow restaurants to open for patio seating only and curbside retail for non-essential businesses. A final decision is expected on Tuesday.
- Maryland reports 1,208 new cases of coronavirus in the state. Health officials also report 41 additional deaths.
- D.C. announced 354 new cases of coronavirus and 5 additional deaths. It's a single-day case count high for the District.
- Virginia reports 1,229 additional cases of coronavirus in the commonwealth and 25 additional deaths.
- Gov. Hogan announces new steps to increase Maryland's COVID-19 testing capacity.
- While the pace of layoffs has declined for six straight weeks, the number of weekly unemployment applications remains immense by historical standards
Wednesday, May 20:
- Loudoun County and DC Public Schools discuss plans for sending students back to school as early as August
RELATED: 'We will be ready' | Loudoun County has a plan for next school year, scheduled to start Aug. 27
- Fairfax County cancels summer camps
- Business owners in Charles County protest delayed reopening
- Maryland State Department of Education developed plan to continue and expand child care during COVID-19 pandemic
- 23 pediatric cases of a rare but potentially deadly inflammatory disease recently linked to coronavirus reported at DC hospital
- Maryland reports an additional 777 positive cases of coronavirus and 41 additional deaths. Maryland now reports more than 2,000 deaths from COVID-19 in the state.
- Montgomery County officials say they are still not ready to reopen the county just yet, citing a need for a continued downward trend in hospitalizations and increased ICU capacity before finalizing opening plans.
- D.C. health officials report an additional 117 new cases of coronavirus in the District. An additional 7 people have died as a result of the virus.
- Virginia health officials report 763 new coronavirus cases and 33 additional deaths due to coronavirus in the commonwealth.
Updates on coronavirus cases come from health departments between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. every day.
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: