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
On Friday, Montgomery County became the final part of Maryland to begin Phase II of reopening, while D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser revealed more details about the District's own reopening plan.
The latest in reopening news:
- Montgomery County is now officially in Phase II. Here's what that means.
- Phase II of reopening in D.C. 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.
- Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam laid out his plane for Phase III reopening in Virginia. More details about Phase III in Virginia here.
Tracking the Coronavirus
The DMV reported combined 992 new cases of the coronavirus on Saturday as one of the last remaining jurisdictions, Montgomery County, began entering Phase II of reopening.
Sunday, June 21:
- The District reports 36 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 10,020.
- The Maryland Department of Health estimates confirmed and probable deaths from COVID-19 now exceed 2900 people.
Saturday, June 20:
- An average test positivity of less than 5.5% continues in Maryland for newly reported coronavirus, signaling a downward trend.
- The DMV reports a combined total of 992 new cases of the virus.
- As of Saturday, the percentage of positive new tests in Virginia fell down to 7%.
- The District's total number of positive cases is now 9,984, with DC health saying death numbers have continued to plateau around 4-5 a week.
Friday, June 19:
On Friday, DC Health says the District has seen 15 consecutive days of decline in community spread of the virus – which is what it needs to begin Phase II of reopening.
- Maryland is now reporting an average percent positivity of less than 5.5% for newly reported coronavirus tests.
- More than 10,000 Marylanders have now been hospitalized due to the virus, although only 648 remain in the hospital.
- The Maryland Department of Health estimates confirmed and probable deaths from COVID-19 now exceed 3,000 people.
- As of Friday, more than 1,600 Virginians have now died from the coronavirus.
- Virginia says it has now conducted more than 500,000 coronavirus tests, and is reporting an average percent positivity of 7.1%.
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: