Editor’s Note: For more daily updates on how the coronavirus is impacting Northern Virginia, click here.
There are now 67 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, in Virginia. From Virginia’s Department of Health, check out daily case updates and an interactive map.
Local
Virginia Hospital Center has opened a drive-thru testing site for COVID-19 in Arlington. This site is meant for those experiencing the common symptoms of the virus, including dry cough, fever, chills and/or shortness of breath. It is located at 1429 North Quincy Street, Arlington, and will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays. (Inside NoVA)
Local
Northern Virginia Community College in Manassas closed its campus on March 17, after an employee tested positive for COVID-19. The employee was said to have no contact with students, but the campus will be closed indefinitely and will undergo a deep cleaning based on CDC guidelines. (Inside NoVA)
Local
Arlington County will not shut off any customer’s water service for non-payment, according to an announcement on March 17. (Twitter) Dominion Energy has also announced that it will not suspend services due to non-payment. (Dominion Energy)
As of today, Arlington County will not shut off any customer’s water service for non-payment. This is to ensure access to safe, clean water during the coronavirus outbreak. https://t.co/h2QCBfUWPT pic.twitter.com/cc97IGoVcf
— Arlington Department of Environmental Services (@ArlingtonDES) March 17, 2020
Regional
On March 17, Gov. Ralph Northam issued an order to ban all gatherings of more than 10 patrons, effective immediately, including restaurants, bars, fitness centers, movie theaters and more. (Twitter)
I just issued an emergency order with @VDHCommissioner to enforce Virginia’s statewide ban of more than 10 patrons in restaurants, theaters, and fitness centers.
Please use common sense. If you were considering ignoring this limit—don’t. https://t.co/IDeKPHIhsx
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) March 17, 2020
Regional
“DO NOT TRAVEL UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY,” WMATA said on March 17, and is now limiting service starting Wednesday, March 18, as well as allowing bus drivers to avoid stops if there are too many people on a vehicle, and encouraging people to not travel to see the cherry blossoms (which are predicted to be in peak bloom this weekend). “Trains will run every 15 minutes on each line at all times, including the Red Line. All trains will operate with eight cars, the maximum possible length, to help maintain social distancing between customers.” (WMATA)
More events and large gatherings are being canceled across the region. For specific announcements, please check our events cancellation page.
