There are over 3,601,700 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, around the world and 1,180,634 confirmed cases across the country. The global total number of deaths stands at 251,898, and the United States’ at 68,934. Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins University has been keeping up-to-date information through an interactive map.
Virginia now has 19,492 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 2,700 people hospitalized, 684 deaths and 111,441 people tested. Fairfax has the highest total number of cases, with 4,615 to date, with 771 hospitalized and 198 deaths. Arlington has reported 1,139 cases with 194 hospitalized and 47 deaths. Alexandria has 940 cases with 110 hospitalized and 26 deaths. Loudoun County has 961 cases with 96 hospitalized and 18 deaths, and Prince William County has 2,507 cases (including Manassas and Manassas City), with 266 hospitalized and 35 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 51,071 in the DMV on Monday morning. Maryland reported 26,408 cases, Virginia reported 19,492 and Washington, DC reported 5,170. The death toll has reached a total of 2,158, with 1,216 in Maryland, 684 in Virginia and 258 in DC. (Virginia Department of Health; Maryland Department of Health; Stay Home DC!)
Local
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam extended the commonwealth’s nonessential business closure through May 14 on Monday, but he said he expects to begin rolling back statewide restrictions after that. Northam said conditions are in place to potentially reopen dine-in restaurants and other shuttered businesses in a multi-phase reopening plan while meeting social distancing requirements. He is the first leader in the DMV to depart from the coordinated effort of DC Mayor Muriel E. Bowser and Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, who have both said they are not close to easing restrictions. (The Washington Post)
Local
Reports show that Latino and Hispanic residents have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19, with rates in Washington, DC, of 1,200 cases per 100,000 Latino and Hispanic residents, and totaling up to 55% of Fairfax County’s 4,615 cases. (The Washington Post)
Local
Fairfax County Fire Department has seen an increase in the confirmed number of COVID-19 cases for the staff, with now 13 members testing positive for the novel coronavirus. A total of nine staff members have recovered and returned to work, while five others remain in quarantine. It has not been uncommon in the DMV for firefighters, police officers and paramedics to catch COVID-19, with several regional departments announcing more than one case, and Washington, DC reporting more than 430 police officers and firefighters in quarantine since the beginning of the outbreak. (The Washington Post)
Regional
Ocean City, Maryland is planning to open its boardwalk and beaches this weekend, despite Gov. Larry Hogan’s stay-at-home order, but according to his administration, will help the residents have more freedom to “get outside and enjoy fresh air, while still adhering to social distancing guidelines and gathering limits,” said Hogan’s communications director Mike Ricci and Jessica Waters, the communications director for the town of Ocean City. (WTOP)
National
Using an unusual trial design, Pfizer has started testing multiple versions of an experimental COVID-19 vaccine in young and healthy Americans. The company is testing four versions of the vaccine side by side, making a flexible research environment that they hope will rapidly sift out the best option. (The Washington Post)
National
Giving Tuesday is typically held toward the end of the year, encouraging many to donate to their favorite nonprofits across the country (and around the world) just before the holiday season. But this year, an additional day has been added in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Giving Tuesday Now is being held today, and organizers of the movement are encouraging everyone to donate in some way, whether it’s helping out a neighbor or contributing to a great cause. (Giving Tuesday)
The spread of COVID-19 continues to impact the Northern Virginia region on a daily basis. If you’re looking for ways to stay entertained at home, check out our Things to Do page, and stay up to date by subscribing to our weekly newsletters.