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
- After sharply increasing at the beginning of the month, D.C.’s rate of community spread for the coronavirus has now been on the decline for a week straight.
- The number of acute care hospital beds in use for COVID-19 patients in D.C. hospitals continues to oscillate between 80% mark – below which the District estimates it has sufficient available capacity. As of October 18 – the most recent date available – that metric is once again in the sufficient capacity category.
- The number of Maryland hospital beds in use for COVID-19 patients continues its sharp upward climb. Since October 4, the number of hospital beds in use for the state has increased by 45%. As of Tuesday, 464 beds were in use to treat COVID-19 patients, including 123 ICU beds.
- As of Tuesday, Virginia was averaging just under 1,000 new coronavirus cases a day for the first time in a week. However, the commonwealth also reported 28 new deaths from the virus on Tuesday – its highest single-day total in a month.
Reopening the DMV
The latest in reopening news:
- 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 19:
- After a significant jump at the beginning of October, D.C.’s seven-day coronavirus average has been on the decline for the past week. It’s dropped by 22% over that period – although the city is still averaging nearly 50% more cases a day than it was on October 1.
- DC Health reports the city’s rate of transmission – the number of new people who will be infected by a single case – has fallen below the goal of 1 again after rising high enough to be in the “substantial community spread” range (1.2). As of October 7, the most recent date available, DC Health estimates that number is 0.85.
- Maryland’s seven-day average for new coronavirus cases has now been on an upward trend for more than three weeks. On September 26, the state was averaging 461 new cases of the virus a day. As of Monday, that number was 613 – a 33% increase.
- Virginia, which was averaging 747 new cases of the coronavirus a day on October 1, has now averaged more than 1,000 new cases a day for a week straight.
- The number of Virginians on ventilators because of COVID-19 infections dropped significantly over the weekend, declining from 104 on Friday to 81 on Monday. The commonwealth also reported a higher-than-average number of deaths on Monday (24), which could partially explain the former number.
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: