WASHINGTON — New data from Georgia Tech shows the risk level of getting coronavirus in group gatherings can be even higher depending upon what part of the DMV you're in.
This week, Georgia Tech released a study on the level of risk for contracting the coronavirus at group gatherings in the DMV as part of a nationwide data bank to help communities gauge how public interaction can spread the virus.
The study includes a risk assessment planner and a user-friendly map visualizing the likelihood of the virus spreading based on the number of people in one place together.
The map shows a divide that goes right along the Anacostia River, as well as a change in the risk across the Potomac into Virginia.
According to the data, if you attend an event with a group of 100 people, here are the risk levels to contract COVID-19 for D.C. and the counties surrounding it:
- Western portion of D.C. - 58%
- Eastern portion of D.C. - 76%
- Prince George's County - 76%
- Montgomery County - 65%
- Frederick County - 37%
- Fairfax County - 46%
- Arlington County - 49%
- Alexandria - 58%
- Loudoun County - 68%
- Prince William County - 74%
The county with the highest risk in the DMV is Rappahanock County, where Georgia Tech estimates you have an 81% chance of contracting the coronavirus in a group of 100 people.
Attending events with 10 people or fewer drops the risk level significantly in all counties in the DMV, with Georgia Tech estimating it no higher than a 15% chance anywhere in the region.
On the other hand, attending an event with 500 people or more nearly guarantees you will contract the virus, Georgia Tech projects.
You can customize the data in the map below to gauge for yourself if you're considering attending an event with a large number of people (NOTE: The map has been experiencing high traffic volume and may not work - scroll down for snapshots of the DMV based on number of people grouped together below):
