There are over 4,444,700 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, around the world and 1,417,889 confirmed cases across the country. The global total number of deaths stands at 302,493, and the United States’ at 85,906. Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins University has been keeping up-to-date information through an interactive map.
As of Friday morning, Virginia had 27,813 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 3,592 people hospitalized, 955 deaths and 165,486 people tested. Fairfax has the highest total number of cases, with 6,951 to date, with 1,019 hospitalized and 267 deaths. Arlington has reported 1,499 cases with 305 hospitalized and 70 deaths. Alexandria has 1,349 cases with 152 hospitalized and 32 deaths. Loudoun County has 1,339 cases with 131 hospitalized and 44 deaths and Prince William County has 4,036 cases (including Manassas and Manassas City), with 385 hospitalized and 74 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 68,142 in the DMV on Friday morning. Maryland reported 35,903 cases, Virginia reported 27,813 and Washington, DC reported 6,736. The death toll has reached a total of 3,179, with 1,866 in Maryland, 955 in Virginia and 358 in DC. (Virginia Department of Health; Maryland Department of Health; Stay Home DC!)
Local
Expect a slight change in the numbers above from Virginia starting next week. After criticism about reporting the number of cases in the commonwealth was expressed this week, Virginia will now be reporting the number of active COVID-19 tests and antibody tests separately, not lumped together into one statistic. This will allow officials and residents to know how many Virginia residents have been tested for exposure and potential immunity to the novel coronavirus (through blood antibody testing), and which have been tested for the active coronavirus by exhibiting symptoms (through nasal swab testing). (WTOP)
Local
WMATA is requiring all passengers to wear face masks starting Monday, May 18. All Metro and Metrobus riders will be required to wear some type of protective face coverings in order to reduce the potential spread of the novel coronavirus, according to Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld. The mask policy will not be enforced with criminal sanctions. (The Washington Post)
Local
More than 103,000 jobless claims were made by residents in the DMV last week, meaning the total number of unemployed individuals in the region (those have opted to attempt to get unemployment benefits, that is) totals 885,000. (The Washington Post)
Local
For those looking to spend this warm, hot spring day with some barbecue and coleslaw, Sloppy Mama’s in Arlington is launching its takeout system today, for the first time since closing its doors in mid-March. The local restaurant received its Paycheck Protection Program loan and is hoping to test the takeout waters well before reopening its dining room later in the summer. (Washington City Paper)
Local
The Inn at Little Washington, arguably the highest-regarded restaurant in the area (and the only one with three Michelin stars) is planning to reopen its dining room on May 29, even though restrictions in Rappahannock County are starting to be lifted today. But the restaurant, known for its high-priced tasting menus and elaborate dining room, is getting creative during the era of social distancing. Future guests can expect to see mannequins (yes, you read that right), in between multiple tables to make the space less empty, and maintain the proper 6 feet or more between actual customers. Plus, the mannequins will be served wine. (Eater)
Regional
Virginia and Maryland are set to ease restrictions today on nonessential businesses, with the Washington suburbs (and two additional Virginia counties) opting out and delaying reopening for at least another two weeks. To recap: Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Loudoun County and Prince William County have told Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam that the five largest jurisdictions in the commonwealth will not reopen until there is a steady decrease in new cases and hospitalizations across the region, along with the city of Richmond and Accomack County along the coast. Both Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland have opted out of Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan’s ease of restrictions as well. In DC, Mayor Muriel E. Bowser extended the city’s restrictions on non-essential businesses through early June. (The Washington Post)
Statewide
Aside from wineries in Northern Virginia, some will begin opening their doors as soon as tomorrow, Saturday, May 16. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe while sipping (if you intend to visit this weekend): there will be a limit of 10 people or fewer in all tasting rooms and outdoor seating areas; all areas where people may gather are closed except to thru traffic; employees must wear face coverings, and guests are encouraged to wear them as well; winery employees will check temperatures before each shift; and frequently-touched surfaces will be cleaned and disinfected thoroughly, with some touched surfaces and objects cleared between every patron. (WTOP)
Statewide
Virginia’s film and television production industry has come to a halt as the coronavirus outbreak has touched and tugged at seemingly every industry across the United States. Andy Edmunds, director of Virginia’s Film Office, said while some post production work is still happening in Northern Virginia, around 4,000 workers across the state are feeling the effects. Not all of them are unemployed, but many have purchasing power that highly affects the state’s economy. Overall, the industry earns about $700 million a year in Virginia, with two productions that ceased most operations in March, a Walking Dead spinoff show and an Apple project, which both generated about $100 million per year alone. It’s possible that production could resume in August or September, but there will likely be some changes in how things are done, just like in other industries. (WTOP)
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