The District, Maryland & Virginia Coronavirus Case Total: 56,598

WASHINGTON, DC, MARYLAND & VIRGINIA – There are now more than 56,598 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the District, Maryland, and Virginia. The novel coronavirus pandemic has spread to every corner of the DMV.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA:

• Number of cases: 5,654
• Deaths: 287

Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a stay-at-home order for District residents as the region grapples with the coronavirus crisis. According to a statement from the mayor’s office, the order reinforces her direction to residents to stay at home except to perform essential activities.

Schools

All schools in D.C. will be closed through the remainder of the school year. Students will participate in distance learning in the meantime. Officials said classes will also be closed early on May 29.

Businesses

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser issued an order to temporarily close all non-essential businesses in the District in an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus. The order also prohibits the gathering of groups of 10 or more people. The order will be in place until further notice. Non-essential businesses include gyms, hair salons, theaters, and door-to-door businesses.

MARYLAND:

• Number of cases: 29,374
• Deaths: 1,401

“We’re no longer asking, we’re directing,” the Governor said.

The order bars all non-essential travel, and permits only travel that is “absolutely necessary.” On Friday, April 3, the governor said that preparations for the Baltimore Convention Center as a hospital surge facility had been completed.

Schools

Maryland schools will remain closed through May 15 amid the coronavirus outbreak. “We did not make this decision lightly,” Superintendent Karen Salmon said, “however, with the challenges facing our state and our country we have a responsibility to ensure the health and safety of our school communities and the communities at large,” Salmon says she is continuing to work with school leaders to provide continuity of learning lessons to all students which will resume next week. “While it is too early to definitively say exactly when schools will reopen, we will continue to reassess the situation as we move forward,” she said.

Businesses

All non-essential businesses in Maryland are closed as the state works to combat the coronavirus. Gov. Hogan thanked residents who are respecting state guidelines regarding the crisis, but noted that “unfortunately, many people are not taking it seriously.” Hogan noted that he is not issuing a statewide shelter-in-place order, but the state will take aggressive measures to enforce the measures being taken to slow the virus’ spread.

VIRGINIA:

• Number of cases: 21,570
• Deaths: 769

Schools

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam ordered that schools in the state remain closed for the rest of the year while the state deals with the coronavirus outbreak. School districts across the Commonwealth are moving ahead with their plans for distance learning. Northam said they are working on waivers for testing requirements and to ensure students who were on track to graduate can do so. Existing childcare providers can continue to operate, and must prioritize services to children of people with essential jobs.

Businesses

Gov. Northam also ordered that all non-essential businesses close for the foreseeable future and that schools in the state remain closed for the rest of the year while the state deals with the coronavirus outbreak.He specified that “non-essential businesses” include restaurants, gyms, and racetracks. Restaurants will be restricted to carryout only, he said. Monday, the Governor suggested that Virginia could reopen on a very limited basis as early as next week. Salons and restaurants, for example, could open with limited capacity and as long as the staff wears face coverings. The Governor stressed that residents will still be safer staying at home.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Protecting yourself and others from the coronavirus:

In order to protect yourself from a possible infection, the CDC recommends:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Updated CDC guidance indicates that people should wear face coverings in public spaces. Both Maryland and D.C. have issued directives that residents should wear masks in a number of environments, including public transportation and retail outlets.