There are over 1,360,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, around the world and 291,991 people have recovered. Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins University has been keeping up-to-date information through an interactive map.
Virginia now has 2,878 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 497 people hospitalized, 54 deaths and 24,521 people tested. You can keep up with the commonwealth’s daily updates here. (Virginia Department of Health)
Local
The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC stood at 8,028 on Tuesday, with 4,046 cases in Maryland, 2,878 in Virginia and 1,101 in DC. The number of virus-related deaths was 54 in Virginia, 91 in Maryland and 24 in the District, for a total of 169 fatalities. Monday, April 6, was the biggest increase in virus-related fatalities for the region, with the total number of deaths up to 169. (The Washington Post)
Local
In a press conference on Monday, April 7, Gov. Ralph Northam urged Virginians to wear masks upon leaving the house, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. He also stressed the importance of social distancing in order to flatten the curve. “No one should assume that if they wear a face covering, they are safe and can go about their business as usual,” he said. (The Virginian-Pilot)
Local
Alexandria announced its first death related to the novel coronavirus on Monday, April 7. The city also reported 26 new cases, the largest increase since the first case was reported on March 11. (ALX Now)
Local
Residents of Arlington County, Fairfax County and Alexandria are being encouraged to limit waste and residential trash as much as possible. The amount of residential trash has increased up to 40% across the region, and now starting Saturday, April 13, any trash that is placed outside of a city-issued trash receptacle will not be picked up. (WTOP)
Local
A Loudoun County first responder has tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, April 6, which has led the county’s fire and rescue system to quarantine an additional 13 staff members. The test results come after the first responder had transported a patient who tested positive for the virus. (Inside NoVA)
Local
Three residents at the largest apartment building in Arlington have tested positive for COVID-19. The Bartlett at 520 12th Street South in Pentagon City, is a 700-unit residential building with a 32,000-square-foot Whole Foods on the ground level, and sits between Amazon’s HQ2 development sites. (Washington Business Journal)
Local
In DC, Mayor Muriel E. Bowser has announced a government-wide hiring and pay freeze. The bill is set to be voted on today, and will include additional emergency provisions, including a rent freeze (covering all units), mortgage relief in the form of a 90-day deferral, $25 million in grants for local hospitals to prepare for patient surge, aims to reduce jail populations, waives community service requirements for high school seniors and has a provision that businesses with between 50 and 500 workers must provide paid sick time. (WTOP)
National
The USNS Comfort, currently docked in New York City, will now take COVID-19 patients for treatment, after initially holding off to treat patients suffering from other ailments or injuries, and to alleviate pressure on city hospitals. An on-board staff member has also tested positive for the novel coronavirus and is now self-quarantined, but did not come into contact with any patients. (ABC News)
Global
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson was hospitalized overnight due to complications with COVID-19 in the intensive care unit. He was given oxygen support but was not placed on a ventilator. (The Washington Post)
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.