There are over 1,612,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, around the world and 361,377 people have recovered. The global total number of deaths stands at 96,787. Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins University has been keeping up-to-date information through an interactive map.
Virginia now has 4,042 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 685 people hospitalized, 109 deaths and 33,026 people tested. Fairfax has the highest total number of cases, with 690 to date. Arlington has reported 280, Alexandria has 149, Loudoun County has 258 and Prince William County has 329 (including Manassas and Manassas City). You can keep up with the commonwealth’s daily updates here. (Virginia Department of Health)
Local
The number of known cases of COVID-19 in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC stood at 11,766 on Friday, with 6,186 cases in Maryland, 4,053 in Virginia and 1,527 in DC. The number of virus-related deaths was 138 in Maryland, 109 in Virginia and 33 in the District, for a total of 280 fatalities, as of April 9. The reported fatalities for the DMV on Wednesday—53—was another single-day record. (The Washington Post)
Local
Unemployment soared for the third week in a row, with nearly 17 million Americans applying for unemployment benefits across the country as nonessential businesses remain closed. The number of jobless claims filed in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC reached 272,559 by April 4. (The Washington Post)
Local
Arlington ranked as the No. 1 place to work from home, according to the financial website SmartAsset, which ranked 200 of the country’s largest cities and its residents ability to work from home. Washington, DC ranked No. 5, and neighboring Alexandria ranked No. 14. (ARL Now)
Local
Northern Virginia will be getting its first drive-thru farmers market in response to COVID-19. When Fauquier County’s farmers market opens on April 18, drivers will be able to drive through three parking lots to browse the vendors’ selections and get their intended items. Also, shoppers will be able to preorder to have items prepared in advance. (WTOP)
Local
Fairfax County is considering early release for inmates in the county’s jail to avoid the potential spread of COVID-19. Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano has led the efforts, and has said that along with limiting the defendants coming into the system, his office will review the case of every individual serving a sentence in jail on a case-by-case basis to determine if they are eligible for early release. (WTOP)
Local
Twelve Northern Virginia ABC stores will close starting Monday through at least April 30. The closures are a reflection of reduced staffing and nearby locations that are also accessible to local residents. Closures will take place in Fairfax, Fredericksburg, Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Ashburn, Haymarket, Herndon, Springfield, Stafford and Vienna. (WTOP)
Local
Taxes won’t be going up in Fairfax County after the county executive, Bryan Hill, revised the proposed budget because of the coronavirus pandemic, according to WTOP. A new proposed tax on movie tickets, theater and concert tickets has been eliminated, as well as cuts to employee pay raises, reduces to the school system’s operating fund and cuts to new county government positions from 177 to 20. (WTOP)
Local
Loudoun County’s Board of Supervisor has moved to lower taxes by a penny, after approving a $3 million budget this week. The county put $100 million in reserve funding due to the pandemic, which will be divided between county government services and the school system—$40 million for county government spending and $60 million for Loudoun County Public Schools. (WTOP)
Regional
All Pentagon employees are now required to wear face coverings in shared spaces or areas where it is difficult to maintain a 6-foot social distance. Face coverings may be removed in private offices and workspaces. (Twitter)
Regional
One of the worst outbreaks in Virginia (and in the country) is in Henrico County, just outside of Richmond, at Canterbury Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center. The location now has 39 deaths, which make up a good portion of Virginia’s 109. (The Washington Post)
Regional
WMATA has reported that in February, Metro ridership was increasing at its fastest rate in years, with February 2020 data up 9% compared to February 2019. Trips were also up 16% on Saturdays and 19% on Sundays. There was also a small increase in MetroBus ridership. During the pandemic (with 19 stations closed), daily rail ridership is down 95%, as compared to 2019. (The Washington Post)
Regional
DMV colleges and universities will be seeing financial help from about $14 billion worth of emergency funding from the government. Closest to home, George Mason University will receive $4.56 million, Northern Virginia Community College will receive $10 million and the University of Virginia will receive $5.86 million. Funding is based on student enrollment, and the schools will then distribute funds to students. No word yet on how most universities will tackle this challenge. (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.