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:
- Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said the jurisdiction will remain in Phase 2 of reopening. Here's the latest.
- 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.
- As new cases have begun rising again in Virginia, Gov. Ralph Northam has promised stricter enforcement of mask and social distancing rules. What that means 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.
- 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.
Tracking the Coronavirus
- D.C. has now been on an increasing trend in coronavirus cases for nearly three weeks, and is averaging as many cases each day as it did in mid-June.
- DC Health reports that it has been able to contact trace 100% of new cases every day since July 17. D.C. coronavirus live updates
- Maryland set a new single-day testing record on Friday. The state reported the results of nearly 35,000 tests, with a one-day percent positivity of less than 4%.
- On Saturday, Maryland reported 1,288 new cases of the coronavirus. That’s its highest single-day count since May 18, and its third highest ever.
- Maryland has now been on an upward trend in new coronavirus cases for more than a month, and on a significant upward trend since July 10. The state’s 7-day average count of new cases per day has more than doubled since then and is now at 884 cases. Maryland coronavirus live updates
- Virginia reported 1,505 new cases of the coronavirus on Monday – its second-highest single-day count since the pandemic began.
- The commonwealth is now averaging more than 1,100 new cases a day. That’s where it was at the peak of the virus in late May, and just 8% away from its peak daily caseload.
- Virginia is now averaging more than 200 cases per day more than when it began Phase I of reopening, and more than 400 cases per day more when it began Phase II. Virginia coronavirus live updates
Saturday, July 25:
- Virginia reports 1,245 new cases, bringing the statewide total to 83,609.
- D.C. reports 68 new cases of COVID-19, increasing the District's total number of cases to 11,717.
- Maryland's statewide positivity rate drops to 4.48%, increasing to the total number of cases to 83,054.
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: