There are nearly 875,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, around the world and 185,194 people have recovered. Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins University has been keeping up-to-date information through an interactive map.
Virginia now has 1,250 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 165 people hospitalized, 27 deaths and 13,401 people tested. You can keep up with the commonwealth’s daily updates here. (Virginia Department of Health)
Local
Fairfax County’s top prosecutor, Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano, said on Tuesday that his office “had selected inmates for release who had nonviolent convictions and were within 60 days of their release date.” This comes as nearly 36 detainees tested positive for the virus at the county jail, and another 44 are being monitored for symptoms. The jail houses 620 inmates. (The Washington Post)
Local
Based on the expected surge of cases in the coming weeks, sites have now been identified across Northern Virginia to establish field hospitals to combat COVID-19 and treat patients not diagnosed with the virus. The first phases of the plans are to establish more beds at existing hospitals, but the third phase would turn the National Conference Center in Loudoun County, the Dulles Expo Center in Fairfax County and property at George Mason University in the city of Fairfax into new treatment facilities. (WTOP)
Local
Arlington is looking to set up a drive-thru donation site for one day only, where the county is seeking donations of unused boxes of nitrile or vinyl examination gloves , N95 or KN95 masks , surgical masks, protective surgical gowns , homemade masks, cleaning products and supplies and nonperishable food items. The site will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Arlington Central Library parking lot along 10th Street near North Quincy Street. (ARL Now)
Regional
The commonwealth is two days into “Virginia is for Restaurant Lovers” week, where residents across the state are being encouraged to order takeout from their favorite local spots. To participate, check the list of participating restaurants here, and find 30 new take-out deals across the region. (Northern Virginia Magazine)
Regional
No more social distancing on the Appalachian Trail, says Gov. Ralph Northam. All access points to the trail at George Washington and Thomas Jefferson National Forests have been temporarily closed. “Signs are being posted at all trailhead facilities, parking lots and other access points. The move follows an advisory issued last week by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, urging hikers to stay off the 2,000-plus-mile scenic footpath from Georgia to Maine.” (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
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, check out our Things to Do (at home!) page, and stay up to date by subscribing to our weekly newsletters.