There are currently 15,526,057 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, around the world and 4,038,864 confirmed cases across the country. The global total number of deaths stands at 633,656, and the United States’ at 144,305. Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins University has been keeping up-to-date information through an interactive map.
As of Friday morning, Virginia had 81,237 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 7,437 people hospitalized, 2,054 deaths and 969,145 people tested. You can keep up with the commonwealth’s daily updates here. (Virginia Department of Health)
Regional
As Metro begins to ramp up its services again, concerns are growing about potential crowding on the trains and buses amid an era of social distancing. In remarks during the July board of directors meeting, Chair of Metro’s Riders Advisory Council Andrew Kierig said, ““As you all have read in our report, we do have continued concerns about social distancing on Metrobus at the present time and also as Metrobus scales up in August.” Metro staff told board members that 21 bus lines are getting additional buses to address crowding ahead of the increase of services, and extra trains will be added to clear crowded platforms. (WTOP)
Regional
MedStar Washington Hospital Center nurses are demanding new personal protective equipment, saying the hospital continues to provide disinfected masks to reuse. The National Nurses United union held a livestream event to demand change for nurses at one of the largest hospitals in the DC area. In a statement, MedStar said is has continued to invest in new PPE and has met multiple times since May with the union to explain that global demand exceeds supply. (WTOP)
National
The average daily new coronavirus infection have risen in 21 states over their seven-day averages, in comparison with the previous week. New infectinos nationwide are surging, and the state’s most effected currently are Alabama, South Carolina, Oregon, Florida, Alaska, Oklahoma, Arizona, Nevada, Arkansas, California, North Carolina and Texas. (The Washington Post)
Regional
Montgomery County will begin deploying teams to test residents and provide health support in zip codes that face a pressing crisis, including parts of Silver Spring, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Takoma Park and more. (NBC4 Washington)
