Editor’s Note: For more daily updates on how the coronavirus is impacting Northern Virginia, click here.
Local
On Thursday, March 12, Gov. Ralph Northam issued a state of emergency for the commonwealth, as the confirmed number of cases rose to 17. Northam told Virginians to avoid large gatherings and urged local governments and private organizers to cancel all conferences and large events. (NBC4)
As school cancellations and working from home becomes more common, DMV traffic is seeing the impact too. On Interstate 95, the Capital Beltway and other local highways, delays have been far and few between. (WTOP)
Local social media reports have also cited a drop in the use of WMATA, which has yet to delay services but is keeping an eye on the region’s developments. (WTOP)
At 8:15 AM, a metro car that is typically packed with people during the rush hour commute is nearly empty and everyone is keeping distance from themselves. This our temporary reality. #WMATA #COVID2019 pic.twitter.com/w3A6Q8UYu6
— Jose Leoncio (@JoseLeoncio97) March 13, 2020
Arlington National Cemetery is now closing to all visitors starting today, Friday, March 13. Funerals will be held as scheduled but family members are encouraged to contact the cemetery for additional information on updated arrival procedures or rescheduling, if needed. (Inside NoVA)
National
Since Thursday afternoon, sports organizations have canceled the remainder of their seasons, including NBA, NHL and NCAA, and delayed opening day for the MLB, where the Washington Nationals, 2019 World Series Champions, were meant to face off against the New York Mets on March 26—now scheduled for April 2. (ESPN)
More events and large gatherings are being canceled across the region. For specific announcements, please check our events cancellation page.
