There are now over 542,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, around the world and 124,351 people have recovered. Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins University has been keeping up-to-date information through an interactive map.
Virginia now has 460 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 65 people hospitalized, 13 deaths and 6,189 people tested. You can keep up with the commonwealth’s daily updates here. (Virginia Department of Health)
Local
The first death reported in Loudoun County was a staff member for Loudoun County Public Schools, according to an announcement made by Superintendent Eric Williams on March 26. Loudoun County has reported seven school system employees have tested positive for COVID-19, including three at Waxpool Elementary. (Inside NoVA)
Local
WMATA temporarily closed Van Ness and Tenleytown Metro stations on Thursday night, after it was discovered that an overnight worker who had been present tested positive for COVID-19. (WTOP)
Local
In order to minimize person-to-person contact, Virginia has planned to reduce the minimum amount required for an E-ZPass, down from $35 to $20. The commonwealth saw an increase in applications last week as people aim to achieve social distancing, but still need to travel. Half of Virginia’s 16 toll facilities are E-ZPass or video tolling only, but there are some in the area that still have human contact, at which the commonwealth plans to get more creative to protect workers and drivers. (WTOP)
Local
A 7-year-old boy in Ashburn, Zohaib Begg, had the idea to start asking local hotels for shower caps, which medical workers across the region could use as one-time, disposable items for protection. Not only has he now gathered more than 2,000 shower caps, he’s also gotten over 3,000 gloves and 900 masks. He plans to donate all of the contributed materials to Inova Fairfax Hospital. (WTOP)
Regional
The commonwealth’s total number of confirmed death, as of noon on Thursday, was 13, with more than 50 confirmed coronavirus cases in Arlington (ARL Now). Maryland had the largest jump of cases with 160, totaling at 580. The District has 267, bringing the DMV’s regional total to over 1,300. (WTOP)
National
The U.S. unemployment rate has skyrocketed over the past week, with over 3.3 million Americans applying, nearly 5.5% of people, with numbers not seen since 2015. Last week alone saw the biggest jump, with 695,000 applying, and many economists predicting this is just the start of what could become over 40 million Americans losing their jobs in April. (The Washington Post)
More events and large gatherings are being canceled across the region. For specific announcements, please check our events cancellation page.
