There are over 1,030,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, around the world and 218,771 people have recovered. Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins University has been keeping up-to-date information through an interactive map.
Virginia now has 1,706 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 246 people hospitalized, 41 deaths and 17,589 people tested. You can keep up with the commonwealth’s daily updates here. (Virginia Department of Health)
Local
Last week alone, an estimated 6.6 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits, according to national analysts. In Virginia 112,497 residents filed for unemployment, according to the Virginia Employment Commission. (Virginia Business)
Local
A professor at Marymount University, Eric Bubar, is using 3D printing to create reusable face shields for Northern Virginia doctors. The Arlington-based professor of biology and physical sciences made the products possible through open-sourced designs and funding from the university. “Coronavirus moves fast, but so does our response to it,” Bubar said. (WTOP)
Local
Washington Capitals player Garnet Hathaway has started a program to help feed first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Caps winger is serving Arlington County and spoke to Fox 5 in a recorded video on April 2. (Fox 5)
Local
Loudoun United FC’s Brandon Williamson isn’t out of the sports world entirely during the spread of COVID-19. The Patriot High School graduate will compete in the ESPN-broadcast online Rocket League event, a video game that emulates soccer, but with virtual vehicles. His participation will help raise money for local nonprofits in Loudoun County. (Inside NoVA)
Regional
The Department of Defense’s premiere medical school has now conferred 200 new degrees to doctors and nurses, six weeks prior to the school’s original commencement. The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences granted the degrees in order for 150 M.D. students and 33 advanced nursing students to help combat the spread of the coronavirus. Most will stay serving in the DC region until eventually moving on to summer residencies. (Federal News Network)
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.