The latest
- Virginia has received a Major Disaster Declaration from the federal government to help the commonwealth’s response to the coronavirus. Gov. Ralph Northam requested the assistance on Monday.
- A Loudoun County Public School transportation staff member who supported the meal service program has tested positive.
- The Trump administration is formalizing new guidance to recommend that many Americans wear face coverings when leaving home, in an effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, The Associated Press reported.
- Worldwide cases of COVID-19 passed the 1 million mark worldwide, according to the figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
- Maryland’s election board has voted to recommend having in-person voting on Election Day in at least one location in each county for the state’s June 2 primary. Read the full story.
- Virginia has had 1,706 cases of COVID-19; Maryland, 2,331, and D.C., 653. COVID-19-related deaths in Virginia stand at 41; in Maryland, the death toll is at 36; and D.C. has 12 deaths.
- Two more members of the D.C. fire department have tested positive. Prince George’s County police officer tests positive.
- Ten nursing homes in Montgomery County have confirmed cases of COVID-19 among residents and staff.
- Kenneth Moore, a D.C. native and a 13-year worker in the D.C. Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services, died of COVID-19 on Wednesday, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said at a briefing on Thursday.
- Bowser spoke at the United Medical Center, in Ward 8, where a drive-thru and walk-up testing site will open Friday.
- Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam answered questions from residents on Twitter, and Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan will do the same later.
- Montgomery County is asking for donations of personal protective equipment for first responders.
- Documents from a congressional committee found that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has only provided a fraction of the medical equipment requested by D.C., Maryland and Virginia to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
- About 15,000 Maryland state employees who are required to come into work began receiving increased wages Wednesday, albeit at a lower rate than a previous hazard pay incentive.
- Dr. Anthony Fauci, one of the faces of the coronavirus response, has been given a security detail after “sometimes disturbing” encounters as well as online threats.
- An estimated 6.6 million Americans filed for unemployment insurance in numbers released this week, doubling the previous record set last week.
- Even with 10 million people having filed for unemployment in the past two weeks, a D.C. employment counselor said not to give up, and gives some advice.
- The Arlington Community Foundation has provided more than $300,000 in support to area charities in the past week, ArlNow reports.
- Virginia Democratic Reps. Jennifer Wexton, Don Beyer and Gerry Connolly are urging the Small Business Administration and the Department of the Treasury to clarify their guidelines for the Paycheck Protection Program loan program, in which they say there is lack of public awareness about the circumstances under which PPP loans would be forgiven, who would make the determination on loan forgiveness, and the extent to which the federal government would shield lenders from risks incurred by such loans.
The symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, coughing and shortness of breath. Health officials say that if you have these symptoms, you should call your doctor (don’t just show up; they need to get ready for you). If you don’t have a doctor and you live in D.C. or the nearby Maryland suburbs, call (844) 796-2797. If you live in Virginia, call 211.
Staff member in Loudoun County schools meal-service program tests positive
A transportation staff who supported the Loudoun County Public School System meal service program has tested positive for the coronavirus, according to a letter sent by Superintendent Eric Williams.
The staff member showed symptoms on Saturday, March 28, two days after last working in the Potomac Falls-Dominion High School region on Thursday, March 26.
The county’s health department will conduct a contact investigation. The school system believes that based on information it has, “We are not aware of any staff members or members of the public who will meet the Virginia Department of Health’s definition of a close contact,” Williams said.
Close contact is defined as “people who have had close contact (within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more) with a person who tests positively for the COVID-19 virus starting from 48 hours before symptom onset.”
Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread from person to person through respiratory droplets. Currently, there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Virginia receives major disaster declaration
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced Thursday that the commonwealth has received a Major Disaster Declaration from the federal government to help its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Northam asked for federal disaster assistance on Monday.
The declaration provides federal public assistance for all areas in Virginia affected by COVID-19 at a federal cost share of 75%, reimburses state and local governments and organizations for COVID-19-related costs, and authorizes federal agencies to provide direct emergency assistance to Virginia.
D.C. and Maryland have already received major disaster declaration.
Trump admin moves toward promoting broader use of face masks
The Trump administration is formalizing new guidance to recommend that many Americans wear face coverings when leaving home, in an effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, The Associated Press reported.
“The debate is continuing about the masks,” said Dr. Deborah Birx, the response coordinator for the White House Coronavirus Task Force, during Thursday’s briefing.
The recommendations, still being finalized Thursday, would apply to those who live in areas hard-hit by community transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19.
A person familiar with the White House coronavirus task force’s discussion said officials would suggest that non-medical masks, T-shirts or bandannas be used to cover the nose and mouth when outside the home. Medical-grade masks, particularly short-in-supply N95 masks, would be reserved for those dealing directly with the sick.
The most important thing is social distancing and washing your hands. “Don’t get a false sense of security because you’re wearing a mask,” Birx said. “It is not a substitute for the presidential guidelines that have come out.”
Read the full story from The Associated Press.
Montgomery County reports 4 more COVID-19 deaths, confirmed cases at several nursing homes
The health department in Montgomery County, Maryland, said Thursday that there were four additional deaths related to the coronavirus.
They included two men in their 70s, a man in his 80s and a man in his 40s, bringing the county’s COVID-19 deaths total to six.
Among new confirmed cases Thursday include a baby boy. And currently, 10 nursing homes in the county have confirmed cases (some the cases have already been reported earlier).
- Althea Woodland in Silver Spring – one staff member
- The Angels Garden in Rockville – a man in his 70s, whose death was one of four reported Thursday
- Brighton Gardens in North Bethesda – one staff member (previously reported on March 27)
- Brooke Grove in Sandy Spring – one resident
- Cadia Healthcare in Wheaton – one resident
- Fairland Center in Silver Spring – one staff member (previously reported on March 27)
- Fox Chase Rehab and Nursing in Silver Spring – one staff member (previously reported on March 27)
- Hebrew Home of Greater Washington in Rockville – one resident
- Maplewood Park Place in Bethesda – one resident
- Layhill Center in Silver Spring – three residents and one staff member
In other parts of Maryland, additional mobile testing sites for COVID-19 have been organized. Montgomery County Chief Health Officer Travis Gayles said he hopes the county will have its own additional sites soon.
Gayles cited three mobile testing sites setup by state health officials at vehicle emissions sites in other jurisdictions.
“We have been working with the state to establish that here in Montgomery County and hope to be able to announce in the very near future opportunities that have resulted from those conversations,” Gayles said.
Gayles also said the county is actively working to prepare for a surge of patients at county hospitals.
“As we look at options to create more space within our hospitals and look at other sites to provide critical care in the future, we’re going to need more staff support with that,” Gayles said.
He is urging health care professionals who would be willing to volunteer during that time to contact the county’s health department.
Elsewhere in Montgomery County, online learning is underway. About 3,500 Zoom classes took place Thursday, according to schools Superintendent Jack Smith.
“Those will continue to ramp up,” said Smith.
Now, as those online classes continue, the school system is still trying to determine how to grade students for the fourth quarter. It’s considering awarding a pass or fail grade.
Smith said 75% of the traditional school year took place before the pandemic sent students home.
He also eased some concerns for high-schoolers about the biggest day of their K-12 careers. Smith said the school system still intends to hold graduations for students.
“If we can’t have them in the traditional way, we’re going to find a way for families within the protocols within all the guidance to celebrate with their school community,” Smith said.
Prince George’s Co. police officer tests positive for COVID-19
An officer with Prince George’s County police in Maryland tested positive for COVID-19. The officer started feeling ill on Wednesday and has not been to work since, self-isolating at home since the onset of symptoms. A group of officers and department employees are also now in quarantine, a police news release said.
Prince George’s County police is working with county health department to conduct a contact investigation, and deep cleaning of the officer’s entire work space is underway.
Police said the news of the positive test should not discourage residents from calling police to report a crime.
DC worker dies of COVID-19
Kenneth Moore, a D.C. native and a 13-year worker in the D.C. Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services, died of COVID-19 on Wednesday, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said at a briefing on Thursday.
According to D.C. data, as of April 1, two DYRS employees have tested positive for the virus, and 54 workers are being quarantined.
Moore is the second known District employee to die from COVID-19. Last week, Bowser announced that George Valentine, the deputy director of her Office of Legal Counsel, had died of the virus.
Drive-thru, walk-up test site in DC opens Friday
D.C. Mayor Bowser gave her daily COVID-19 briefing at the United Medical Center, in Ward 8, where a drive-thru and walk-up testing site will open Friday and will be open Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays.
The site is only open for D.C. residents age 65 or older with symptoms; health care providers in D.C. with symptoms; first responders in D.C. with symptoms, and D.C. residents with underlying health conditions.
People seeking tests need to call ahead and get an appointment.
Earlier this week, D.C. began releasing information about the ward of residence for each of the District’s positive cases. The most cases — 112 – have been found in Ward 6, which includes Capitol Hill, Capitol Riverfront and Gallery Place.
Ward 8, where United Medical Center is located, has recorded the fewest number of cases — 51. Councilmember Trayon White, who represents Ward 8 on the D.C. Council, addressing reporters through a mask, said many residents of the ward have had trouble accessing tests.
2 more in DC fire department test positive
D.C.’s fire chief said two more members of the D.C. Fire and EMS Department have tested positive for the coronavirus.
That brings the total of members of the department who have tested positive to 23, Fire Chief Gregory Dean said in a statement. He added that nine of the 23 have since recovered and have returned, or will soon return, to full duty.
Unemployment on the rise
Reacting to the catastrophic record numbers of Americans filing for unemployment benefits, Bowser said the city had seen the “first wave” of workers file for unemployment — concentrated in the restaurant and entertainment industry. Bowser closed theaters and other entertainment venues and ordered restaurants to cease dine-in services two weeks ago.
“I think that there are a lot of employers that are holding on and trying to keep their employees on the payroll,” Bowser said, but she predicted “at least six months of [increased] calls” to the Department of Employment Services. She said 22 new workers were at call centers, and about 50 more are on the way.
DC medical surge plan
Bowser will also speak on Friday to provide “an update on the District’s medical surge plan,” which she said will include plans for adding capacity to hospitals around the District.
Asked whether the city’s frontline workers, including in the Department of Corrections, had adequate supplies of personal protective equipment, such as masks, Bowser responded tersely.
“Is there a shortage of PPE in the nation? Is that your question? … Yes, there’s a shortage,” Bowser said.
Coronavirus at 4 DC long-term care facilities
There are coronavirus cases at four long-term care facilities in D.C., including one facility with four cases. Another facility has two cases, and others each have one case.
D.C. Health Director LaQuandra Nesbitt said all facilities are following CDC guidance for outbreaks in nursing homes. She said they had moved early last month with “very aggressive plans” to limit visitors and take other safety precautions.
#AskGovNortham
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam answered questions from residents about the virus and state responses on Twitter Thursday afternoon. Among the topics:
- Northam said the Virginia tax deadline could not be moved to match the changed federal deadline of July 15, because while the federal fiscal year ends in October, the Virginia fiscal year ends June 30. “If we moved tax deadlines past that date, it would create a massive hole in our current budget, requiring large cuts to services,” he said.
- The governor said that the Federal Families First Act made paid family leave available to many businesses, and that anyone who had to stay home to take care of a family member should apply for unemployment insurance.
- Northam reminded Virginians that unemployment-benefit eligibility had been expanded, and that people can apply for benefits online or by calling 866-832-2363. Independent contractors, gig workers and sole proprietors are eligible, he said, and while they’re still waiting for guidance on how to release the money, under the federal CARES Act, payments will be retroactive to when the act was passed.
- He said that his administration and leaders in the General Assembly were working ways to safely conduct the reconvene session scheduled for April 22.
- He said going outside was not banned under his stay-hone order, as long as residents practice social distancing – keeping 6 feet or more away from anyone who isn’t a household member. “The more you can get out, the more fresh air, the more exercise — that’s great.”
- The governor said the ability to test was “getting better every day,” but that the lack of a unified federal response was “frustrating.”
- Northam said the Virginia Department of Social Services had issued emergency SNAP benefits to 225,000 households and will do so again on April 16. “Families receiving TANF can apply for a one-time emergency benefit of $500 to help meet their needs,” he said.
Montgomery Co. looks for PPE donations
Montgomery County is asking people with any spare personal protective equipment to make a donation, saying their first responders are facing “a critical shortage” of precious supplies such as gowns, masks and gloves during the coronavirus crisis.
They’re looking for:
- Respirators (N95 or KN95)
- Masks (surgical or procedural)
- Gowns (medical, isolation, or surgical)
- Face shields (medical goggles or safety glasses)
- Gloves
If you have any to give, they’re asking you to fill out a form online to set up a donation.
Dr. Earl Stoddard, the director of emergency management and homeland security for Montgomery County, said establishments such as construction companies, laboratories and manufacturers who can’t operate during Gov. Larry Hogan’s order for non-essential businesses to close have been coming through.
“This unprecedented health challenge has brought out the best in our community and many people and organizations are helping,” Stoddard said in a statement.
DC, Maryland and Virginia face medical supply shortfall
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has only provided a fraction of the medical equipment requested by D.C., Maryland and Virginia to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, according to newly released documents from a congressional committee.
Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., the chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, said the documents reflect “urgent warnings” from the nation’s governors and health care professionals, suggesting the Trump administration “has provided only a tiny fraction of what they desperately need.”
Pay bump for 15,000 Md. state workers
About 15,000 Maryland state employees who are required to come into work began receiving increased wages Wednesday, albeit at a lower rate than a previous hazard pay incentive, Maryland Matters reports.
Fauci feels safe despite threats, ‘disturbing’ admirers
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease official, said Thursday he feels safe despite reports he’s received online threats and has had “sometimes disturbing” personal encounters with admirers that prompted the Trump administration to assign him a security detail.
Read the full story from The Associated Press.
Another record increase in jobless-benefit applications
Last week, the number of Americans filing for unemployment insurance was four times the previous record. This week’s number, released Thursday, is double that. Over 6.5 million Americans filed for benefits, as layoffs accelerate in the midst of the coronavirus.
Read the full story from The Associated Press.
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FEMA asks Pentagon for 100,000 body bags
Days after President Donald Trump and his task force warned that a “tough two weeks” are ahead and that 100,000 or more Americans could die from the virus, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has requested 100,000 body bags from the Department of Defense as soon as possible, Reuters reports.
Arlington foundation gives $300,000 to area charities
The Arlington Community Foundation has provided more than $300,000 in support to area charities in the past week, ArlNow reports.
The foundation last month received a $1 million donation from Amazon, which is building a headquarters in Northern Virginia, and $350,000 of it was specifically to be used in Arlington. The Arlington Food Assistance Center got $25,000, the largest single grant from the community foundation.
The Associated Press and WTOP’s Will Vitka, Mike Murillo and Mitchell Miller contributed to this report.
