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 the most important to help combat the spread of the virus.
This blog details the latest updates on the coronavirus 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.
Tracking the Coronavirus
- On Thursday D.C. reported 101 new cases of the coronavirus – the first time the city has reported more than 100 cases in a day in more than three weeks.
- D.C. is now averaging 77 new cases of the coronavirus a day. That’s more than twice the daily cases it was reporting at the beginning of October (36).
- Maryland reported 962 new cases of the coronavirus on Thursday. That’s it’s highest single-day count since August 1. Cases in the state have risen sharply over the past week, with Maryland’s seven-day averaging increasing by 22% over just seven days.
- Montgomery and Prince George’s counties have both seen significant increases in their daily coronavirus averages over the past two weeks. Both counties are now averaging more than 130 new cases of the virus a day – which, for Montgomery County in particular, is its highest point since early June.
- Virginia reported 1,429 new cases of the coronavirus on Thursday – its highest single-day count in three weeks and its eighth consecutive day of averaging more than 1,000 new cases.
Reopening the DMV
The latest in reopening news:
- Montgomery County and Prince George's County, Maryland are still in Phase 2 of reopening, but the governor says it's time for everyone to be on the same page. More here.
- A new order from Maryland's governor may allow fans to watch football in person again. Details here.
- County Executive Angela Alsobrooks announced some youth sports registration would reopen to children in the county.
- Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks advises against trick-or-treating this Halloween, per CDC guidelines. Haunted houses will also not be allowed in the county this year.
- Prince George's County health authorities are also cautioning against "trunk or treat" events that draw people to parking lots where candy is given from trunks of cars – suggesting that residents participate in organized drive-thru alternatives.
- Mayor Bowser extends D.C.'s public health emergency order until Dec. 31, 2020. Read the full order here.
- D.C. Public Schools announces that a limited number of DCPS students can return to in-person learning starting in November. Read the detailed plan here.
- DC health released its latest list of high-risk states.
- D.C. announced a pilot that will allow a limited number of venues to host live entertainment. Here are the details.
- Maryland has entered the third and final stage of its reopening plan, with all businesses able to reopen. Details on what Phase 3 looks like here.
- Montgomery County has adjusted some of its Phase 2 guidelines. More here.
- Prince George's County, Maryland, remains in Phase 2, but released additional reopenings. Here's a look.
- Metro returns to a normal schedule with masks and social distancing still required. Here's the latest.
Previous Updates
October 28:
- D.C. is now averaging 68 new cases of the coronavirus a day. That’s its highest daily average since mid-August.
- Maryland is now averaging 741 cases of the coronavirus a day. Two weeks ago it was averaging 607 cases. That's an increase of 22%.
- As of Wednesday, more than 500 people are currently hospitalized in Maryland for treatment of COVID-19. Of those, nearly 400 are in acute care. That’s the highest number the state has seen in two months.
- Virginia is now averaging 1,140 new cases of the coronavirus a day. That’s its highest daily average in more than two months, and more than 50% higher than where the commonwealth started off October.
- Prince George's County will remain in Phase 2 ahead of the holidays.
- Prince George's County reports seeing a 19% increase in COVID-19 cases.
- Prince George's County officials released guidance on how to safely celebrate the Halloween and Thanksgiving holiday. They urge residents to avoid large holiday gatherings due to the risk.
October 27:
- D.C.’s coronavirus trend is rising again. The city has reported an increase in its daily average case count of nearly 30% over the past four days.
- Maryland’s coronavirus trend continues to rise as well. The state is now averaging more than 700 new cases a day for the first time since mid-August.
- Maryland’s average percent positivity for coronavirus cases has also continued to rise. Since the end of September, that number has risen by nearly a full percentage point. As of Tuesday, the state is now averaging a test positivity of 3.35%.
- As of Tuesday, more than 175,000 Virginians have contracted the coronavirus and more than 3,600 have died from it. According to nationwide data tracked by the New York Times, Virginia ranks 18th in the country for total number of coronavirus cases.
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: