There are over 2,076,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, around the world and over 3,261,600 have been tested in the United States. The global total number of deaths stands at 138,008. Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins University has been keeping up-to-date information through an interactive map.
Virginia now has 6,500 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 1,048 people hospitalized, 195 deaths and 44,169 people tested. Fairfax has the highest total number of cases, with 1,298 to date. Arlington has reported 420, Alexandria has 254, Loudoun County has 367 and Prince William County has 603 (including Manassas and Manassas City). You can keep up with the commonwealth’s daily updates here. (Virginia Department of Health)
Local
The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the DMV stands at 18,765, as of Thursday morning. Virginia has reported 6,500, Maryland 10,038 and Washington DC has 2,201. The death toll has reached 683 for the region, with 413 deaths in Maryland, 195 in Virginia and 73 in DC. (The Washington Post)
Local
On Wednesday, April 15, Gov. Ralph Northam announced an extension of nonessential business closures until May 8. The order affects all hair salons, movie theaters and other nonessential businesses, which were originally scheduled to reopen next week. (The Washington Post)
Local
Fairfax County Public Schools has canceled all online instruction today, Thursday, April 16, and tomorrow, Friday, April 17, due to technical issues according to FCPS, and online instruction will now begin on Monday, April 20. (FCPS)
Local
Staff members at a senior living community in Ashburn are not reporting to work due to fears that they will bring COVID-19 home to their loved ones. Around 30 employees of Waltonwood at Ashburn have caused a staffing shortage, as the location has a handful of confirmed cases. Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis J. Randall believes if the county can get more PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), more staffers would be likely to come back to work. (WTOP)
Local
A second Loudoun County deputy has tested positive for COVID-19, as of Wednesday, April 15. The deputy serves at the Loudoun Adult Detention Center and last worked on April 7, with limited access to five staff members and no physical contact with any inmates. (Inside NoVA)
Local
Flags will be flying half-staff in Loudoun County starting Monday, April 20, to honor coronavirus victims and in recognition of essential workers on the front lines due to a recent order by Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis J. Randall. “This is a small gesture that we can offer to let the family, friends and the whole community know that they are not forgotten and that we all recognize the impact of this pandemic,” said Randall. (Inside NoVA)
Regional
Virginia is trying to recruit nearly 30,000 volunteers to provide support for the potential surge in COVID-19 cases in hospitals and long-term care facilities. The governor’s office is reaching out to university students studying medicine and healthcare, as well as those with relevant experience who recently filed for unemployment, and more. “Whether you have a background in health care or just want to serve your community, Virginia needs you,” said Chief Workforce Advisor Dr. Megan Healy. (Inside NoVA)
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.
