There are currently 5,550,399 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, around the world and 1,675,399 confirmed cases across the country. The global total number of deaths stands at 348,447, and the United States’ at 98,636. Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins University has been keeping up-to-date information through an interactive map.
As of Wednesday morning, Virginia had 39,342 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 4,325 people hospitalized, 1,236 deaths and 265,279 people tested. Fairfax has the highest total number of cases, with 9,839 to date, with 1,245 hospitalized and 340 deaths. Arlington has reported 1,935 cases with 367 hospitalized and 104 deaths. Alexandria has 1,785 cases with 175 hospitalized and 41 deaths. Loudoun County has 2,186 cases with 153 hospitalized and 52 deaths and Prince William County has 6,225 cases (including Manassas and Manassas City), with 521 hospitalized and 111 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 95,363 in the DMV on Wednesday morning. Maryland reported 47,687 cases, Virginia reported 39,342 and Washington, DC reported 8,334. The death toll has reached a total of 4,009, with 2,333 in Maryland, 1,236 in Virginia and 440 in DC. (Virginia Department of Health; Maryland Department of Health; Stay Home DC!)
Local
Northern Virginia (including Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax County, Loudoun County and Prince William County) will be able to enter phase one of reopening starting at midnight, Friday, May 29. The five jurisdictions wrote a letter to Gov. Ralph Northam on Monday, citing a decrease in hospitalizations and meeting other criteria to reopen, despite reporting a second straight day of spikes in new cases, with a majority being reported in Northern Virginia. “Virginia reported 28 deaths and 1,615 new infections on Tuesday, marking the second day in a row that the state posted record increases in new cases. A majority were in Northern Virginia, with Prince William County reporting a county record of 290 new cases and Fairfax adding 357 new infections—its third-highest single-day jump since the outbreak began,” according to a report by The Washington Post. Details on how the region will enter phase one and what businesses will be allowed to reopen are to be announced today. Also, Gov. Ralph Northam announced on Tuesday that masks will be required for all Virginians entering public buildings or using public transit. The new requirement will be enforced by Virginia’s Department of Health, not the police. (The Washington Post)
Local
Potomac Mills plans to reopen Friday, but shoppers will be required (just as the businesses will be) to follow all local and state guidelines, including face masks and more. Simon Property Group, which also owns Fashion Centre at Pentagon City and the Leesburg Premium Outlets, will work to reduce and control the number of shoppers, offer face masks and hand sanitizer, and require employees to check temperatures and take frequent breaks for hand-washing. (WTOP)
Regional
Washington, DC is likely to follow suit with Northern Virginia and allow some ease of restrictions starting Friday, May 29. DC Mayor Muriel E. Bowser is expected to announce phase one reopening of the nation’s capital later today, Wednesday, May 27. (The Washington Post)
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