There are currently 4,731,987 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, around the world and 1,486,742 confirmed cases across the country. The global total number of deaths stands at 315,496, and the United States’ at 89,564. Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins University has been keeping up-to-date information through an interactive map.
As of Monday morning, Virginia had 30,388 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 3,775 people hospitalized, 1,009 deaths and 188,874 people tested. Fairfax has the highest total number of cases, with 7,643 to date, with 1,084 hospitalized and 282 deaths. Arlington has reported 1,590 cases with 318 hospitalized and 75 deaths. Alexandria has 1,476 cases with 159 hospitalized and 34 deaths. Loudoun County has 1,446 cases with 139 hospitalized and 48 deaths and Prince William County has 4,447 cases (including Manassas and Manassas City), with 417 hospitalized and 78 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 76,315 in the DMV on Monday morning. Maryland reported 38,804 cases, Virginia reported 30,388 and Washington, DC reported 7,123. The death toll has reached a total of 3,384, with 1,992 in Maryland, 1,009 in Virginia and 383 in DC. (Virginia Department of Health; Maryland Department of Health; Stay Home DC!)
Recap
On May 15, counties across Virginia were able to enter Phase One of reopening, including nonessential businesses. Northern Virginia, however, is on hold until at least after Memorial Day, estimated around May 29. The delay was bolstered by local leaders in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax County, Loudoun County and Prince William County, considering the region makes up a majority of the case numbers statewide, and has yet to see a decline in new cases or hospitalizations. Over the weekend, the state gained over 3,000 new cases and just under 200 new hospitalizations. (Northern Virginia Magazine)
Local
Reminder: Starting today, Monday, May 18, WMATA is requiring all passengers (both train and local bus lines) to wear some type of face covering, including masks, bandanas or scarves. “Every person who wears a face covering on Metro is helping to keep others safe, and this is especially important for Metro’s front line employees. In the age of COVID-19, we all share a responsibility for front line worker safety, and that’s what this is all about,” WMATA general manager Paul J. Wiedefeld said. (WMATA)
Local
Two days of free COVID-19 testing for everyone in Prince William County starts today, Monday, May 18. Between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday, a testing site will be available for both drive-thru and walk-up testing at the Hylton Memorial Chapel in Woodbridge. Stonewall Jackson High School in Manassas will be a drive-thru and walk-up testing site between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19. Those tested will receive their results by the end of the week. As of Monday morning, Prince William County, including Manassas and Manassas City, had 4,447 cases of COVID-19, with 417 hospitalized and 78 deaths. (WTOP)
Local
Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery will look different this year, with the grounds only being open to family pass holders. Visitors will also be required to wear face coverings and maintain proper social distancing. It is expected that thousands will want to visit to commemorate their loved ones on the holiday, but safety must be ensured for staff and visitors alike. The Memorial Avenue gate at the cemetery’s main entrance will be the lone entrance point for visitors. It will open at 8 a.m., and all family members will be required to leave by 5 p.m. (WTOP)
Local
Loudoun United FC, an MLS soccer affiliate of DC United, is seeking rent deferral in 2020. The team was scheduled to have its first full season in the Leesburg stadium this year, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult to pay the $621,000 the team owes Loudoun County in 2020. Last Tuesday, the board of supervisors finance committee voted to move forward with amending the team’s lease agreement, which would allow the team to pay the $621,000 over the next six years. (WTOP)
National
A closely watched case study of Moderna’s first human-tested coronavirus vaccine is offering promising results, with a handful of participants developing COVID-19 antibodies that were at or above the levels of those who had overcome the disease caused by novel coronavirus. Trials will continue as the company fast tracks its work with the National Institute of Health (NIH). (NBC4 Washington)
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