There are currently 4,918,938 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, around the world and 1,528,661 confirmed cases across the country. The global total number of deaths stands at 323,723, and the United States’ at 91,938. Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins University has been keeping up-to-date information through an interactive map.
As of Wednesday morning, Virginia had 32,145 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 3,904 people hospitalized, 1,041 deaths and 201,183 people tested. Fairfax has the highest total number of cases, with 8,020 to date, with 1,113 hospitalized and 292 deaths. Arlington has reported 1,688 cases with 331 hospitalized and 79 deaths. Alexandria has 1,544 cases with 168 hospitalized and 34 deaths. Loudoun County has 1,527 cases with 140 hospitalized and 48 deaths and Prince William County has 4,816 cases (including Manassas and Manassas City), with 448 hospitalized and 81 deaths. You can keep up with the commonwealth’s daily updates here. (Virginia Department of Health)
Regional
The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, tallied in at 81,125 in the DMV on Wednesday morning. Maryland reported 41,546 cases, Virginia reported 32,145 and Washington, DC reported 7,434. The death toll has reached a total of 3,522, with 2,081 in Maryland, 1,041 in Virginia and 400 in DC. (Virginia Department of Health; Maryland Department of Health; Stay Home DC!)
Local
Fairfax County has reported Virginia’s first case of the pediatric inflammatory illness that is affecting children exposed to COVID-19. The child was admitted to the hospital on May 5 and later discharged to recover at home; no additional details on the child were provided. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an advisory about the syndrome just last week, warning parents and guardians of additional symptoms related to the illness, including fever, abdominal pain without another explanation, diarrhea, vomiting, rash, red or cracked lips, bumpy tongue and swollen hands and feet. There have been over 100 reports of the pediatric illness in New York City, and five states have reported cases, including three at the nearby Children’s National Hospital in DC. (WTOP)
Local
Fairfax County has announced that it will reopen parks just in time for Memorial Day weekend. The city plans to remove barriers around parks starting today and finish up by Friday. The following facilities will remain closed: restrooms and all portable restrooms, dog parks, all playgrounds, nature centers, visitor centers, horticultural centers and RECenters, volleyball and basketball courts, athletic fields and all water fountains will be turned off. Guests will be asked to maintain social distancing and wear face coverings. (WTOP)
Local
The Prince William County Board of Supervisors voted 5-3 on Tuesday to ask Gov. Ralph Northam to allow restaurants in the county with existing outdoor seating to reopen starting this weekend with no more than 50% capacity. For reference, Northam rejected a call last week from supervisors in western Loudoun County to allow them to enter phase one of reopening and leave the heavier restrictions on the eastern end of the county. (WTOP)
Local
Arlington County has reportedly received $20.66 million in a federal grant from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) to cover expenses caused by the coronavirus outbreak in the county. Libby Garvey, the Arlington County Board chair, said in the statement that the money is a “much-needed grant” that will help the county provide “emergency food and housing assistance that those in our community who have lost their livelihoods to the pandemic so desperately need.” (The Washington Post)
Regional
The DMV had its highest fatality report in five days with 93 new reported deaths, after the usual weekend dip. Maryland was the highest with 58 fatalities and 1,784 new cases, marking the highest single-day increase in infections, which also coincided with a testing surge in the state. (The Washington Post)
Regional
A 15-year-old in Baltimore County, Maryland has died from the pediatric inflammatory illness that is affecting children exposed to COVID-19. No additional details were released about the child. “This is a stark reminder that this virus spares no one and that we must remain vigilant in our efforts to stay home, socially distance and limit the spread of this deadly disease,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. (WTOP)
Statewide
Virginia and Gov. Northam have continued to face criticism over lagging in per capita testing even as it begins to loosen restrictions, compared to other states. Northam set a goal a few weeks back of reaching 10,000 tests per day. The state has been averaging just under 6,000 for about the past week. Its tests are running just under 15% positive. (The Washington Post)
National
To some capacity, with a wide range of rules and restrictions, all 50 states are entering reopening phases, whether they’re ready or not. The U.S. has surpassed 90,000 cases, coming in at 30% of the world’s known coronavirus cases, but only making up 5% of the global population. (The Washington Post)
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