There are over 4,281,800 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, around the world and 1,370,016 confirmed cases across the country. The global total number of deaths stands at 292,376, and the United States’ at 82,389. Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins University has been keeping up-to-date information through an interactive map.
As of Wednesday morning, Virginia had 25,800 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 3,395 people hospitalized, 891 deaths and 154,130 people tested. Fairfax has the highest total number of cases, with 6,470 to date, with 972 hospitalized and 253 deaths. Arlington has reported 1,416 cases with 288 hospitalized and 66 deaths. Alexandria has 1,240 cases with 145 hospitalized and 30 deaths. Loudoun County has 1,110 cases with 119 hospitalized and 35 deaths and Prince William County has 3,647 cases (including Manassas and Manassas City), with 357 hospitalized and 64 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 66,346 in the DMV on Wednesday morning. Maryland reported 34,061 cases, Virginia reported 25,800 and Washington, DC reported 6,485. The death toll has reached a total of 2,983, with 1,756 in Maryland, 891 in Virginia and 336 in DC. (Virginia Department of Health; Maryland Department of Health; Stay Home DC!)
Local
Gov. Ralph Northam signed an executive order on Tuesday, officially delaying Phase 1 of reopening Northern Virginia for at least another two weeks, until no earlier than May 29. The leaders of the hard-hit areas: Fairfax County, the city of Alexandria, Arlington County, Loudoun County and Prince William County, came forward late last week to express their concerns over reopening. As the rest of the state enters Phase 1 starting Friday, May 15, the Washington suburbs will remain in “phase zero” until there is a consistent daily drop of new cases and hospitalizations. (The Washington Post)
Local
WMATA is delaying new initiatives for this year in order to maintain a balanced budget and continue to appeal to riders once the area begins to reopen and workers head back into their offices. Aside from delaying the special weekend fares and late-night hours, Metro will delay its first rate hike in three years. In order to finish the year with a balanced budget and avoid furloughs and layoffs, WMATA is proposing a new budget that includes federal relief funding of more than $767 million for the remainder of the fiscal year. It has also been reported that as WMATA begins to quicken rail and bus times and return to everyday service similar to before the pandemic, riders may be required to wear masks or face coverings at all times when taking public transportation. (The Washington Post)
Local
Traffic rates in the DMV have been on the rise in recent weeks, despite ongoing public health restrictions and Northern Virginia’s delay of reopening. Before the pandemic, an estimated 226,000 drivers used the Capital Beltway, but on the quietest day, Tuesday, March 31, only 115,219 trips were recorded, about 50% less traffic than normal. Only around 65,000 trips were recorded on Easter as well. But since mid-April, traffic rates have been steadily increasing again, with the number of trips on the last Friday in April, compared to May 8, grew by nearly 25,000, an 18% increase over two weeks. On May 7, more than 150,000 drivers used the Capital Beltway east of University Boulevard, the highest number of daily trips measured since March 20. (WTOP)
Local
Arlington Public Schools is preparing for a potential remote-learning fall semester. “We are preparing for all possible scenarios for both summer school and the fall, as we await school reopening guidance from state officials and the Virginia Department of Education,” APS spokesman Frank Bellavia said. “Teachers and staff are participating in planning and professional development to prepare for the delivery of virtual classroom instruction, in the event schools cannot reopen or if a hybrid in-person and virtual learning model is necessary.” The school system has been considering ending the school year early after it decided to forgo teaching new material to students, but has since said that no matter what, new curriculum will be taught in the fall. (ARL Now)
Local
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a $25 million small business and nonprofit relief grant program for local businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic on May 12. “Eligible businesses and nonprofits based in the county will be able to apply for the new Fairfax Relief Initiative to Support Employers (Fairfax RISE) grants beginning in early June. The Fairfax RISE grant program will be funded by a portion of the $200 million in federal stimulus funding the county received through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act,” reported Virginia Business. (Virginia Business)
Local
Potomac Mills mall in Woodbridge is preparing for a May 29 opening after Gov. Ralph Northam’s official announcement on Tuesday. The Simon Property Group, which owns several malls in the region and across the United States, closed all of its retail locations on March 18 due to COVID-19. Further safety regulations, updated hours and more will be released by the company prior to reopening. (Inside NoVA)
Regional
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan is aligning his tactics with Gov. Ralph Northam, allowing counties in the Washington suburbs to opt out of his Phase 1 reopening as well. Montgomery and Prince George’s counties are among the jurisdictions where leaders say it’s too soon to reopen. (The Washington Post)
Regional
The Washington Mystics, who won the Women’s NBA Championship in 2019, will start the 2020 season virtually. Saturday, May 16, was supposed to be the team’s first home game of the season against Los Angeles, with the championship parade in the city scheduled for the following Tuesday, May 19. Now, the digital event is set to be held online starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, accessible via Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. “Throughout the day, players will be interacting with fans, and fans will also be encouraged to post pictures showing how they celebrate a Mystics game day at home. It will culminate at 5 p.m. with the debut on Facebook Live with episode one of Run it Back/Mystics: Journey to a Championship,” reported WTOP. (WTOP)
Statewide
Virginia Beach has set a tentative reopening date of Memorial Day Weekend. During a city council meeting this week, local leaders announced a gradual reopening plan that will include extra cleaning, social distancing, education and enforcement of restrictions at area beaches. The city will also train “beach ambassadors” to roam the beaches and alert people to social distance and avoid gatherings of more than 10 people. If beach-goers don’t comply, further enforcement will be used through the county police. (WTOP)
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