This story includes breaking updates from the week of March 10-15. You can follow the latest updates about coronavirus in the D.C. region here.

Sunday, March 15

• Maryland General Assembly Session To End Early For The First Time Since Civil War
• José Andrés Closes D.C.-Area Restaurants; Prepares To Open Community Kitchens
• New Local Coronavirus Cases Reported Sunday, Bringing Total To At Least 92
• Maryland Casinos, Race Tracks Closed Due To Coronavirus
• The D.C. Housing Authority Suspends Eviction Proceedings, Non-Emergency Inspections
• Fairfax County Public Schools Says A Staff Member Tested Positive For COVID-19

OPM Calls For ‘Maximum Telework’ Flexibility For Government Workers In D.C. Area

March 15, 9:44 p.m.: The Office of Personnel Management is instructing federal government agencies in the D.C. area “to offer maximum telework flexibilities” to all eligible employees.

As much of the region shuts down amid the spread of coronavirus, members of Congress and federal employees have been calling on OPM to move to telework for days now. Two congressional staffers have tested positive for the virus, and more than half a dozen lawmakers have been self-quarantining.

In updating the guidance, Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget Russell T. Vought wrote in a memo that “In light of the evolving situation concerning the corona virus (‘COVID-19’) and the National Capitol Region (NCR) experiencing community transmission, the Administration wants to ensure that department and agency leaders assertively safeguard the health and safety of their workforce while remaining open to serve the American people and conduct mission critical Functions.”

For employees not eligible for telework, OPM has given agency leaders discretion to offer weather or safety leave.

But OPM technically cannot mandate that government workers telework; each individual agency ultimately sets its own policy.

“[OPM] can authorize agencies to authorize what’s called unscheduled telework, in event of inclement weather or a federal closure,” federal employment expert Mika Cross told Federal News Network.. “But they can’t mandate much of anything, and that’s really unfortunate.” — Rachel Sadon

Street Sweeping Suspended As D.C. Government Modifies Operations

March 15, 8:56 p.m.: As the city shuts down to limit the spread of coronavirus, the D.C. government is modifying some of its operations while continuing to deliver “essential services.”

Trash and recycling will still be collected, parking tickets issued, and cars will still be towed and booted for infractions.

But after starting up again for the season two weeks ago, street sweeping will be suspended through March 31. On many residential streets, parking has been tighter than usual, as people work from home and avoid other outings.

The DMV has closed several locations, though the service center at 95 M St. SW remains open. Expiration dates for driver licenses, registrations, and ticket payments are being extended until April 17.

The Department of Transportation is still operating the Circulator and streetcar on regular schedules and maintaining and balancing Capital Bikeshare as usual. The department will also continue reversible lane operations during rush hour.

The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs continues to run licensing and permitting operations as usual, including in-person building permits. Inspections will continue as normal and complaints will be investigated. —Jacob Fenston

Maryland General Assembly Session To End Early For The First Time Since Civil War

March 15, 4:40 p.m.: Maryland lawmakers announced they are ending the General Assembly session on Wednesday, weeks early, due to the spread of the coronavirus.

“There’s a lot we don’t know about this virus,” said House Speaker Adrienne Jones, a Democrat from Baltimore County, at an afternoon press conference in Annapolis. “What we do know is that public health research shows the more steps we can take right now to prevent transition, the better off we are.”

Jones said lawmakers wanted to set an example, and do their part to mitigate the spread of the virus. The House and Senate will continue to meet until midweek, with their top priority to pass the budget bill, as mandated by the state constitution.

“This was not an easy decision to make,” said Senate President Bill Ferguson, a Democrat of Baltimore City. “We will essentially be condensing the last month of session into three days, with a third of the staff. This is going to require us to focus on the most important and prioritized policies.”

Ferguson said lawmakers are establishing a joint committee on the COVID-19 response to monitor effects of the disease in Maryland, and they plan to reconvene for a special session the last week in May, to pass any remaining critical legislation.

There are currently 31 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Maryland.

Minority Leader of the House Nic Kipke urged Marylanders to not panic, and to work together to get through the crisis. “When we face a common enemy, we all pull together and we take care of what needs to get done,” said the Republican from Anne Arundel County. “Our common enemy is this health crisis.”

Meanwhile, at a simultaneous press conference in Virginia, Gov. Ralph Northam announced additional steps to limit the spread of coronavirus. This followed the first fatality from COVID-19 in Virginia, a man in his 70s in the Peninsula health district in the southeastern part of the state.

Northam announced a ban on special public events over 100 people statewide and urged people to avoid large crowds.

“It’s just not a good idea to be close to each other right now,” he said, adding, “if you’re going to a crowded bar, or a large church full of people, I would urge you to rethink those plans. Ask yourself if it’s really that important that you go out right now. Social distancing now can save lives later.”

Virginia lawmakers completed their legislative session and adjourned last week after signing the state budget. They are set to reconvene on Apr. 22 for Northam’s approval to the budget. Northam said he did not anticipate calling lawmakers back to Richmond beforehand, although he might redo the state’s economic forecast before signing the final budget. — Jacob Fenston and Daniella Cheslow

José Andrés Closes D.C.-Area Restaurants; Prepares To Open Community Kitchens

March 15, 1:05 p.m.: ThinkFoodGroup, the restaurant group founded by José Andrés, announced Sunday that it is closing all of its D.C.-area restaurants in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Most of the restaurants will be converted into community kitchens, according to a release from the company, that will offer “affordable plates of the day” for takeout. [For a full story, see here.]

Participating restaurants include Oyamel, Zaytinya, and three D.C.-area Jaleo locations. Andrés’ New York market Mercado will also operate a community kitchen. According to the release, restaurant employees will receive paid leave and health benefits “for at least the first two weeks.”

The chef and humanitarian’s fast-casual chain Beefsteak, meanwhile, will offer delivery only. The D.C. food truck Pepe will remain in operation.

“We are in a serious global emergency and people need to take every precaution, including staying home as much as possible,” Andrés said in the release. “However, we also want to help provide food for those who want it in a safe manner, so we feel these community kitchens can help during this challenging time. And those who cannot afford to pay we will welcome as well. — Lori McCue

New Local Coronavirus Cases Reported Sunday, Bringing Total To At Least 92

March 15, 1:00 p.m.: New cases of the coronavirus were reported throughout the Washington region on Sunday.

Alexandria reported its second presumptive case of the disease, pending confirmation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Alexandria Health Department said this case involves an Alexandria resident who attended an unnamed conference in the District on Feb. 25 and came into close contact with another person later confirmed to have coronavirus.

The person, who was not identified, then began feeling ill during an international trip, and subsequently returned home March 6 to self-quarantine. “The resident was evaluated, tested and released from Inova Alexandria Hospital and is doing well at home,” the Alexandria Health Department said in a news release.

Virginia now reports 45 cases of the coronavirus, including 10 in Fairfax County, 8 in Arlington County and 5 in Loudoun County.

Elsewhere, The Washington Post reported the first case of an employee at the National Institutes of Health testing positive for COVID-19. The Post said that it had obtained an email written Sunday morning from NIH Director Francis Collins saying that the person affected is quarantined at home and didn’t show evidence of being sick at work.

Maryland now reports 31 cases of the virus. D.C. is reporting 16 cases. — Jeffrey Katz

Maryland Casinos, Race Tracks Closed Due To Coronavirus

March 15, 12:45 p.m.: Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced an emergency order Sunday that will close the state’s casinos, racetracks, and betting facilities. The order takes effect Monday, March 16, and will affect the following facilities:

• MGM National Harbor
• Live! Casino & Hotel
• Horseshoe Casino Baltimore
• Hollywood Casino Perryville
• Ocean Downs Casino
• Rocky Gap Casino Resort
• Laurel Park
• Pimlico Race Course
• Timonium Race Course
• Fair Hill Races
• Rosecroft Raceway
• Ocean Downs
• All simulcast betting facilities in the state

The order does not affect hotels adjacent to the casinos.

“It is critical to public health and safety that bars, restaurants, and other businesses across the state comply with the law,” said Governor Hogan, in a statement. “Anyone who hosts or is part of the crowds in bars this weekend is jeopardizing the health of others and must avoid any contact with family members or friends over the age of 60 or those with underlying health conditions.”

Hogan announced several days ago that public schools will be closed effective Monday and imposed restrictions on gatherings of 250 people or more. —Chris Chester

The D.C. Housing Authority Suspends Eviction Proceedings, Non-Emergency Inspections

March 15, 11:49 a.m.: The D.C. Housing Authority has suspended all eviction proceedings in response to the public health emergency related to the new coronavirus.

The agency serves as the landlord for all residents of public housing in the city and also administers federal and local housing voucher programs. The D.C. Council is expected to vote Tuesday on an emergency bill that would halt evictions and utility cutoffs for all renters in the city.

The Housing Authority will also pause many of the inspections it conducts as part of the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program (It typically conducts annual and bi-annual inspections to make sure landlords and renters are meeting certain quality standards). The agency says it will continue emergency and special inspections.

The department’s public safety officers will continue to patrol the properties, and the agency will continue to fulfill emergency work orders and clean common areas of the city’s public housing. The agency’s headquarters on North Capitol Street will remain open, but on a modified schedule.

Employees will be on a partial telework schedule, and the Board that oversees the agency will meet on Monday to decide whether it will start conducting its business remotely.

The agency says the changes will last at least through the end of the month. — Jenny Gathright

Fairfax County Public Schools Says A Staff Member Tested Positive For COVID-19

March 15, 8:45 a.m.: A teacher at Lynbrook Elementary School tested positive for the disease caused by the coronavirus, according to the Fairfax County Health Department. It is the first known case in the Fairfax school system and among a total of 10 cases in the county.

All schools in Virginia are closed for two weeks under order from Gov. Ralph Northam. Fairfax County Public Schools are closed until April 10, but will be open Monday so students can take home belongings. However, Superintendent Scott Brabrand says Lynbrook Elementary will not be open; rather, staff will coordinate with students’ families to make arrangements.

The teacher was one of four new positive cases announced in Fairfax Saturday. The health department says three people from the same household tested positive, including the teacher. “Everyone is currently doing well and isolating at home,” the department said.

A fourth new case is a man in his 70s who traveled on a Nile River cruise. The health department said he was hospitalized and has now returned home and is recovering in isolation.

Virginia announced its first coronavirus-related death Saturday. The Virginia Department of Health reports 41 people have tested positive out of 395 tests conducted. Gov. Northam is set to give an update on the outbreak Sunday.

Maryland has reported 31 confirmed cases of coronavirus, the District has said it has 16. — Daniella Cheslow

Saturday, March 14

• Three Montgomery County Patients Cleared
• Virginia Reports First Coronavirus Death
• Prince George’s County Libraries Closed Indefinitely
• Maryland Governor Expands Child Care For Health Care Providers
• Defense Department Prohibits Travel For Military Personnel

There Are Six New Coronavirus Cases In D.C.

March 14, 8:55 p.m.: D.C. has reported six new cases of coronavirus, making for a total of 16 people in the District who have tested positive, according to new data released Saturday evening by the city.

Previously, the city’s numbers had remained at 10 positive cases since Wednesday.

Health officials are still working to determine how these people came into contact with the virus. The mayor’s office released information about the new cases. They are a 28-year-old male and a 45-year-old male, both of whom had contact with a confirmed case; a 41-year-old male and a 67-year-old male with histories of international travel (one of them on a Nile River cruise that has led to infections around the world); a 42-year-old male who attended the same conference as the church rector who was D.C.’s first confirmed case; and a 55-year-old female, for whom no additional information was available.

D.C. conducted a total of 115 tests, both at the D.C. Public Health Lab and at commercial labs. There are still 20 tests underway at the D.C. Public Health Lab. In total, 0.016381766% of the city’s population has been tested.—Rachel Kurzius

Three Montgomery County Patients Cleared

March 14, 8:18 p.m.: Three of the six patients who tested positive for coronavirus in Montgomery County have been cleared to return to their daily routines. The other three are stable and receiving care in their homes, according to a Twitter update from Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles.

Watch this Friday update with @MoCoDHHS Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles about the COVID-19 cases locally. pic.twitter.com/ibUAxxOpPk

— Montgomery County MD (@MontgomeryCoMD) March 13, 2020

Maryland has reported 26 total cases of coronavirus so far. Virginia has reported 41. The District has reported 16 presumptive positive tests. — Victoria Chamberlin

Virginia Reports First Coronavirus Death

March 14, 7:51 p.m.: Virginia has reported its first coronavirus death. The Peninsula Health District, in the southeastern portion of the state, reported the case. The man was in his 70s and suffered respiratory failure, the Department of Health said.

Virginia has reported 41 positive cases. Maryland has reported 26 cases as of today, after the Maryland Department of Health confirmed the second case in Harford County. D.C. has reported 10 presumptive positive tests as of this evening, two of which are currently being verified by the CDC. The D.C. Health Laboratory reports that 10 tests are currently in progress. — Victoria Chamberlin

Prince George’s County Libraries Closed Indefinitely

March 14, 6:47 p.m.: Prince George’s County Memorial Library System will be closed until further notice.

The system suspended all programs, outreach activities, passport services and meeting room reservations on Friday. Fines are waived if incurred during the closure. The Department of Parks and Recreation is closing all facilities and canceling all events and programs starting Monday, March 16th.

Public libraries in the District will be closed March 16 through April 1. Late fees will also be waived during the closure.— Victoria Chamberlin

Maryland Governor Expands Child Care For Health Care Providers

March 14, 2:15 p.m.: Maryland Governor Larry Hogan issued an emergency order to expand access to child care for health care providers, emergency medical services and law enforcement while schools are closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“As we continue to operate under a state of emergency, we are committed to doing everything in our power to maintain our essential services, including child care, especially for those who are on the front lines helping us combat this public health threat,” Hogan said in a statement.

State Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon announced on Thursday that plans were in the works to ensure children of emergency personnel would have access to childcare in the event of prolonged school closures. Salmon also issued enhanced guidelines to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Maryland’s childcare facilities. Those guidelines include social distancing and keeping children in groups smaller than 10.

Child care workers are strongly encouraged to stay home if they feel sick, and parents are urged to keep children home if they or anyone in the household displays symptoms. The state also suggests facilities mandate frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Teachers should help children do the same, according to the statement released by Hogan.

The statement also advises facilities to provide children with soap and water to wash their hands, avoiding hand sanitizer with high alcohol content. — Victoria Chamberlin

Defense Department Prohibits Travel For Military Personnel

March 14, 8:10 a.m.: The Pentagon announced new travel restrictions for defense department personnel late Friday to stop the spread of coronavirus. All domestic official travel for service members and their families is prohibited, with few exceptions.

According to a memo signed by the Deputy Defense Secretary David Norquist, the order will include civilian personnel and those whose transportation is government-funded.

The order applies to permanent changes of station and temporary duty unless service members already live in the area of their new base. Service members will be permitted leave travel to local areas only with exceptions granted on a case-by-case basis. — Victoria Chamberlin

Friday, March 13

• Washington Monument Tours To Close Saturday
• First Responders In D.C. Are Taking Extra Precautions
• Special Insurance Enrollment Periods Announced In D.C. And Maryland
• D.C. Bans Mass Gatherings Of More Than 250 People
• Metro To Reduce Service Starting Monday
• All Public Schools In Virginia Ordered Closed
• Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church Close Schools Through Mid-April
• All D.C. Universities Have Now Moved Online
• Increases In D.C.-Area Cases Mirrors Exponential Growth Seen In China, Italy, Other U.S. Cities
• D.C. Is Closing Public Schools And Libraries

Washington Monument Tours To Close Saturday

March 13, 8:40 p.m.: The Washington Monument will temporarily close its elevator tours to visitors on Saturday to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The National Park Service, which oversees the monument, encouraged people to visit the monument grounds and other sites on the National Mall instead.

[For a full list of closures, see here.]

The park service also says it has not yet determined when the monument would reopen. — Zuri Berry

First Responders In D.C. Are Taking Extra Precautions

March 13, 7:05 p.m.: Local first responders are taking additional precautions when responding to calls due to the coronavirus.

Dabney Hudson, president of the DC Firefighters Association Local 36, said along with sending fewer first responders out on emergency calls in D.C., 911 operators are screening callers to assess if there’s a risk of exposure to the coronavirus.

“(Operators ask for) all the signs and symptoms that…would indicate there may be a potential further exposure in treating the patient,” Hudson said.

If there is potential for exposure, Hudson said first responders will address the risk by “putting on the appropriate equipment,” which includes gowns, N95 masks, and gloves.

He added that, for now, they have enough of these supplies, but that could change.

“In a situation like this when it’s ever-evolving, you can never have enough equipment. I think in the short-run, we’re going to be okay. If we have a lengthy response (period), that can become an issue,” Hudson said.

The DC Fire and EMS Department was not immediately available for comment. — Noel Gasca

Special Insurance Enrollment Periods Announced In D.C. And Maryland

March 13, 6:31 p.m.: D.C. Health Link is encouraging city residents who are uninsured to enroll for health insurance. A special enrollment period is in place and will continue through June 15. Residents who want to enroll in health insurance can call (855)-532-5465.

Maryland Health Connection will also open a special enrollment period for residents: Uninsured Marylanders can enroll between Monday, March 16 and Wednesday, April 15. Coverage for health plans selected during that time period can begin April 1.

Virginia’s recently-expanded Medicaid program accepts applications year-round, and officials urged residents of the state to apply for coverage in a press conference on Wednesday. — Jenny Gathright

D.C. Bans Mass Gatherings Of More Than 250 People

March 13, 5:15 p.m.: Any mass gathering of more than 250 people has been banned in D.C., a step city officials say is critical to the social distancing that’s needed to prevent further spread of the coronavirus.

“If we want to have containment… we have got to be committed to keeping people and restricting their movement. We need to practice social distancing,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser at a press conference on Thursday afternoon.

At-risk individuals — people over 60, people with underlying medical conditions, or people with compromised immune systems — will face an even stricter ban: no gatherings of more than 10 people.

The new policy further strengthens the recommendation from D.C. officials earlier this week discouraging gatherings of more than 1,000 people at a time. And the new ban can be legally enforced by police if necessary. Schools, health care facilities and residential buildings will be exempted, but even restaurants that could host parties of more than 250 people at a time will be covered by the new ban.

Bowser said that while city officials will be looking to enforce the ban, they will also monitor residents who may be alone for extended periods of time. “Our team is trying to think of ways… to engage people,” she said. “We are very concerned about isolation and loneliness. We are concerned with idleness in our teenagers.”

But even as she explained the new policy, NBC4 reporter Mark Segraves asked if public press conferences comported with the guidance that people stay away from each other. Bowser admitted they did not, and said she had asked her team to consider alternatives.

Bowser also announced that at least two private labs will now be able to test for the coronavirus, with little more than a doctor’s request. Testing through the city’s public health lab will remain restricted to high-risk individuals. Forty-nine tests have been conducted so far in D.C., with 10 coming back positive and 10 pending. — Martin Austermuhle

Metro To Reduce Service Starting Monday

March 13, 3:14 p.m.: Metro will reduce Metrorail and Metrobus services as the region’s response to the coronavirus outbreak continues to ramp up. [For a full story, see here.]

Starting Monday, trains on all lines will operate every 12 minutes on weekdays. That’s comparable to train frequencies on Saturdays, which normally run every 12 minutes and will stay at that frequency. Sunday schedules will also remain unchanged, with trains every 15 minutes.

The system’s hours won’t change. Metrorail will remain open on weekdays from 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Metrobuses will operate on a Saturday schedule on weekdays. MetroAccess will continue to operate during the hours that the system remains open.

The service changes are part of Metro’s implementation of Phase 3 of its pandemic response plan.

“Phase 3 is the highest level of response and will include all subsequent mitigation steps required during the public health emergency. Metro expects to be at Phase 3 until further notice,” the agency said in a statement.

The agency says the move will increase its ability to thoroughly clean buses, rail cars and facilities. — Margaret Barthel

All Public Schools In Virginia Ordered Closed

March 13, 2:52 p.m.: Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam took the extraordinary step of closing all public school systems in the state amid growing concerns over the novel coronavirus. [For full story, see here.]

All campuses will close from Monday until at least March 27, Northam said in a statement on Friday. He said the closure will give schools time to disinfect school buildings and slow the spread of the virus.

“We are taking this action to keep Virginians as safe and healthy as possible, and to minimize exposure to COVID-19,” Northam said, referring to the disease caused by the new coronavirus.

State education officials are working with school systems to make sure students who qualify for free or reduced school meals continue to receive them during the closure, Northam said.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane said the Virginia Department of Education is encouraging schools to provide students with instructional materials during the closure.

Several Northern Virginia school systems decided to close before Northam’s declaration, including those in Loudoun County and Arlington County. The state of Maryland is also shuttering schools until March 27. —Debbie Truong

Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church Close Schools Through Mid-April

March 13, 1:40 p.m.: All public schools in Arlington County and the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church are closing schools for nearly a month. [For full story, see here.]

The school systems will stay closed through spring break, and will not reopen until at least April 14, according to messages sent to families Friday afternoon.

However, education in Arlington will continue: Students will be expected to learn online, says Arlington County Public Schools spokesperson Frank Bellavia.In Alexandria, elementary school students are being given learning packets, according to the school system. Students in later grades will be able to access instructional materials on Canvas, an online learning platform. The Falls Church school system did not immediately respond to questions about whether students in that district will learn remotely.

In his message to the community, Alexandria Superintendent Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. said no one connected with Alexandria City Public Schools has been infected by the coronavirus, but some school staff and students are self-quarantining.

Hutchings said the Alexandria school system is creating plans to provide students meals while schools are closed.

Bellavia says Arlington has a plan for providing students with meals and is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to finalize details.

The Northern Virginia school system closures affect more than 47,000 students. Public schools in D.C and in Maryland have already shuttered their buildings. — Debbie Truong

All D.C. Universities Have Now Moved Online

March 13, 12:17 p.m.: The University of the District of Columbia announced Friday that it would be extending its spring break until March 17 and then shifting to online classes or alternate remote teaching methods until April 6. The university is asking students not to return to campus until April 6, but says it will keep library services open. It will also open campus laboratories on a limited schedule. [For full story, see here.]

UDC’s announcement now means all colleges and universities in the city, and numerous other universities in the area, have moved at least temporarily to online or remote teaching models.

Late Thursday, students at UDC circulated a petition protesting a lack of communication from the university about its plans. It had gotten nearly 900 signatures by midmorning on Friday.

In a memo to staff and students on Friday, UDC president Ronald Mason Jr. encouraged the school community to follow the guidance of health authorities to wash their hands frequently, stay at home if sick and avoid contact with people who are sick.

In his letter announcing the campus closures, Mason Jr. snuck in a lighthearted nod to the film Black Panther: “If you are concerned about shaking hands in the American tradition of greeting, the Wakanda greeting, arms folded across the chest, is a good alternative.” —Jenny Gathright

Increases In D.C.-Area Cases Mirrors Exponential Growth Seen In China, Italy, Other U.S. Cities

March 13, 10:58 a.m.: At least 39 people in D.C, Maryland, and Virginia have tested positive for COVID-19.

The area’s total known cases — which have become known over the course of one week and are still much lower in total — have increased at a rate similar to that seen first in China, Italy and other major metropolitan areas that have seen a sharp increase in cases, the Washington Post reports.

In most of those cases, authorities know how the person likely came in contact with the virus, either through travel, attendance at a conference, or contact with another person with the coronavirus.

But in seven of the cases, authorities have not been able to trace or reveal the source of the person’s contact with the virus. Maryland officials on Thursday reported the state’s first confirmed case of “community transmission,” when the disease starts spreading and the exact source of infections can no longer be traced for each person who has it.

The first known case of community transmission triggered Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan’s decision to move into a more intense phase of government response, ordering school closings and banning gatherings of more than 250 people, among other measures. Hogan said in a news conference Thursday that Maryland residents should expect the number of cases to rise dramatically. — Jenny Gathright

D.C. Is Closing Public Schools And Libraries

March 13, 8:05 a.m. D.C. Public Schools will transition to distance learning for two weeks in response to the spread of the coronavirus, according to Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office, and Fairfax County Public Schools will close a day early following feedback from parents. [Full story available here.]

The District says students will not report to school from Monday, March 16, through Tuesday, March 31. School teachers and staff will work March 16 on the district’s distance learning plan and then spring break will be moved up to March 17 to March 23.

Distance learning will be in place from March 24 to 31.

The mayor’s office is also advising charter schools to close and reopen on April 1.

The city will provide meals to students from March 16 to 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 10 schools. The city will also close D.C. Public Libraries on March 16. Libraries will reopen on April 1.

Mayor Bowser will hold a news conference at noon today.

In Fairfax County, Superintendent Scott Brabrand says his district will close on Friday, in addition to a scheduled closure on Monday for planning, after hearing concerns from parents.

Brabrand says the District will determine on Monday how to proceed in the long term. — Zuri Berry

Thursday, March 12

• Arlington Cemetery Closes To The Public
• Smithsonian Closes All Museums And National Zoo Indefinitely 
• Maryland Public Schools Will Close Through March 27
• Virginia Declares State Of Emergency, Joining D.C. And Maryland
• Kennedy Center Cancels Performances, Public Events Through March
• American University To Move Online For The Rest Of The Semester
• National Cathedral Team Member Tests Positive For Coronavirus
• The NHL Is The Latest Sports League To Suspend Season
• Capitol Building, White House, Library Of Congress Temporarily Close To Public
• Wizards Self-Quarantine As NBA Suspends Play
• Metro Ridership Down As Concerns Over Public Transit Take Hold
• Smithsonian Public Events Canceled, Museums And Zoo Remain Open
• National Cherry Blossom Festival Cancels Some Events, Including Kite Festival

Arlington Cemetery Closes To The Public

March 12, 8:17 p.m.: Arlington National Cemetery will close to the general public, effective Friday.

Funerals will continue as planned, a spokesperson for the cemetery said in a statement. But officials advise that “families who arrive at ANC for their scheduled funerals are being asked to remain in their cars when they arrive into the designated queuing lanes.”

Family pass holders can still visit the cemetery between 8 a.m and 5 p.m.

[For a full list of closures, see here.]

“Closing our doors to visitors allows us to focus our energy and resources on our core mission of safely laying our nation’s warriors to rest,” Karen Durham-Aguilera, executive director of the Office of Army National Cemeteries and Arlington National Cemetery said in a statement. — Gabe Bullard

Smithsonian Closes All Museums And National Zoo Indefinitely

March 12, 6:56 p.m.: All Smithsonian museums in D.C. and New York City will close to the public starting starting Saturday, as will the National Zoo in D.C.

In its announcement, Smithsonian did not announce a reopening date “due to the rapidly changing nature of the situation.”

[For a full list of closures, see here.]

Eleven Smithsonian museums sit along the National Mall, and six other museums and the Zoo are in the D.C. metro area. Two museums are in historic buildings in New York.

The National Gallery of Art, which is not part of the Smithsonian Institution, remains open but has cancelled some of its upcoming programs. will close on March 14. Other private museums around D.C., including the Phillips Collection and the National Museum of Women in the Arts, remain open but have canceled programming. — Mikaela Lefrak

Maryland Public Schools Will Close Through March 27

March 12, 5:33 p.m.: Maryland officials announced that the state’s public schools will be closed from March 16-27.

[For a full story on school closures in Maryland see here.]

The announcement came in response to the state’s first case of community transmission of the coronavirus, which took place in Prince George’s County.

In a press conference Thursday, Governor Larry Hogan said Maryland could expect the number of new cases in the state to quickly and dramatically rise.

The governor also announced a ban on all gatherings of more than 250 people, new limits to hospital and prison visits, the closing of all senior activity centers, and a new requirement that all non-essential state employees approved for telework to work from home.

Among other restrictions, he limited hospital visits to one adult visitor per patient and prohibited all visitors under 18 and anyone who has recently traveled overseas. He also suspended all visitors to Maryland state prisons until further notice.

“For Marylanders, the actions that I have announced here today will be disruptive to your everyday lives and they may sound extreme. And they may sound frightening. But they could be the difference in saving lives and helping keep people safe.”

The decision in Maryland arrived shortly after public schools in Ohio were shuttered through at least April 3, and on the same day that Loudoun County Public Schools canceled classes for its nearly 85,000 public schoolchildren.

The latest COVID-19 patient in Maryland had no known exposure to the virus through travel or through another known infected individual. Hogan says that means the state is now focused on turning to containment, to limiting the virus’s spread.

Maryland officials say of the 12 positive coronavirus cases, three have fully-recovered and no longer need to be in quarantine, and two remain in the hospital.

Hogan also closed Baltimore’s cruise ship terminal to any ships that traveled outside of the United States until further notice. — Jenny Gathright and Maureen Pao

Virginia Declares State Of Emergency, Joining D.C. And Maryland

March 12, 5:07 p.m.: Virginia Governor Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency Thursday in response to coronavirus, as the state health department declared 17 presumed cases of COVID-19.

“It has become clear to everyone that states all over the country need to take a greater leadership response in response to the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Northam, who worked as a doctor before taking office. “I know that much planning, work and time goes into these events, but I believe this is the safest course of action at this time,” he said.

The governor said he is canceling scheduled state conferences and large events for the next 30 days to help limit the spread of coronavirus. He also called on localities and organizers to take a similar course, and prohibited out-of-state work travel for state employees. These measures would help buy time until more testing kits become available, he said. Northam said he believes Virginia has enough testing kids, but “the CDC supply chain is limited.”

Northam says he is looking at developing Virginia test kits and noted that private labs are also upgrading their abilities. He said he was also considering drive-through testing.

Northam urged public schools to make their own decisions about staying open, and encouraged schools to consider advice from local health officials. He also urged campuses to consider differences between dense populations and rural regions.

Maryland and the District of Columbia have already declared states of emergency. — Daniella Cheslow

Kennedy Center Cancels Performances, Public Events Through March

March 12, 4:36 p.m.: The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced that it has suspended performances and public events through at least March 31. [For a full list of event cancellations, see here.]

The popular performance venue said it made its decision in keeping with D.C. Health and Mayor Muriel Bowser’s recommendation to limit public gatherings to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The center said its campus and facilities are closed to visitors during that time, but administrative staff will be on-site to continue with basic operations. Officials said programmers are working to reschedule artists and productions for future performances, where possible.

Events scheduled for Thursday will continue, including Shear Madness on Millennium Stage, and the showing of Forte.

“While this is an extraordinarily difficult decision to suspend all performances and activity throughout the month of March, it is the right thing to do to protect the health and well-being of our patrons, artists, and staff,” Kennedy Center President Deborah Rutter said in a statement.

Ticket holders for performances scheduled to take place this month can exchange tickets for a future date or another show, donate tickets and receive a tax deduction for the full value, exchange tickets for a gift certificate to the Kennedy Center, or receive a full refund for the ticket’s value and fees. — Mary Tyler March

American University To Move Online For The Rest Of The Semester

March 12, 3:56 p.m.: American University has announced that it will pause all in-person instruction for the rest of the semester. The decision came two days after the University announced a temporary suspension to in-person classes. The change in policy, President Sylvia M. Burwell said in a letter to the university community on Thursday, came in response to two new developments over the past 24 hours: The World Health Organization’s declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic, and decisions by D.C. authorities to declare a state of emergency and recommend that non-essential large gatherings be postponed or canceled. [For a full story on university closures, see here.]

On Wednesday, Gallaudet University also announced that after its spring break, it would conduct classes exclusively online through the end of its semester on May 4.

Many of the universities in the region have at least temporarily suspended in-person classes on campus as they join institutions across the country in trying to contain the new coronavirus. Catholic University of America, Georgetown University, Howard University, the University of Maryland and Bowie State University will all transition to online learning for a period after their spring breaks.

Trinity Washington University and the University of the District of Columbia are the only D.C. institutions that have not made such a declaration: A UDC spokesperson told WAMU/DCist Thursday that they are “still formulating our plans in conjunction with the office of the mayor.” Trinity Washington University has announced that it is continuing in-person instruction but trying to limit the number of class meetings that happen on campus. —Jenny Gathright

National Cathedral Team Member Tests Positive For Coronavirus

March 12, 3:27 p.m.: The Washington National Cathedral says a member of its worship team has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The affected individual, who hasn’t been publicly identified, participated in services and meetings at the Cathedral on March 4, 8, and 9, said dean of the National Cathedral Rev. Rendolph Marshall Hollerith in an email to community members on Thursday. The person did not start feeling symptomatic until March 10.

“We consulted with an infectious disease epidemiologist at the DC Department of Health, who informed us that because this person was not exhibiting symptoms while at the Cathedral, the risk of contagion is very low in this circumstance,” Hollerith said in the statement.

The news comes as hundreds of members of Christ Church Georgetown are self-quarantining after the rector and organist were both diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Other churches and houses of worship in the region are grappling with how to keep their congregants safe while meeting their spiritual and religious needs.

Episcopal parishes throughout the Washington region and Virginia have canceled services for the next two weeks, with many instead moving to virtual services. The Episcopal Diocese of Washington says it will evaluate reopening parishes after March 25, especially with Easter fast approaching.

“We are learning how best to respond, and we try to exercise caution,” Rev. Daryl Lobban of the Diocese said in an interview.

“Our concern is for the people. We want to be good civic neighbors, and really show the priority is the people, not the gathering of the people,” Lobban said. — Carmel Delshad

The NHL Is The Latest Sports League To Suspend Season

March 12, 1:42 p.m.: The National Hockey League is pausing its 2019-2020 season. The NHL follows the NBA and MLS in suspending their seasons. [For a full list of event cancellations, see here.]

Monumental Sports, which owns the Capitals and the Wizards, initially said it intended to continue games as scheduled. The Capitals were slated to play the Detroit Red Wings in D.C. tonight.

Games will resume “as soon as it is appropriate and prudent,” National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. — Gabe Bullard

Capitol Building, White House, Library Of Congress Temporarily Close To Public

March 12, 12:36 p.m.: Officials are limiting public tours and access to the U.S. Capitol Building, the Library of Congress and the White House. [For a full list of event cancellations, see here.]

White House tours have been suspended.

The sergeants at arms for the House and Senate said access to the Capitol and offices is “limited to Members, staff, credential press and official business visitors” for the remainder of March.

The Library of Congress is closing all of its buildings to the general public until April 1. Authorized visitors and staff will still be able to get in, and officials say they will try to reschedule any public programs that will be canceled due to the closure. — Gabe Bullard

Wizards Self-Quarantine As NBA Suspends Play

March 12, 10:47 a.m.: The Washington Wizards announced Thursday that the team and coaches will self-quarantine for the next three to four days, following the direction of National Basketball Association officials and the team’s medical staff.

As of Wednesday night, the NBA suspended the season after the Utah Jazz’s Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19.

“The decision was made with an abundance of caution due to the team’s recent game schedule, which saw them play at Utah on Feb. 29 and against New York (who played Utah on Mar. 4) on Mar. 10,” the Wizards’ statement reads.

NBA officials say they will use this hiatus to determine next steps. Meanwhile, Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which manages the Wizards and Capitals, said it will have further updates from the NHL before the Capitals’ home game against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night. The Capitals canceled their morning skate at the MedStar Capitals Complex Thursday morning.

Major League Soccer also announced on Thursday that it will suspend its season for 30 days in response to the coronavirus outbreak. D.C. United released a statement saying the team will be fully compliant with the league’s decision. This affects D.C. United’s scheduled home match against Cincinnati on Saturday and a match against Philadelphia on March 22.

“The safety of our supporters, players and staff is our number one priority,” the statement reads. The club plans to reschedule the April 3 match against New York City FC. –– Elliot Williams

Metro Ridership Down As Concerns Over Public Transit Take Hold

March 12, 10:45 a.m.: Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld says he “doesn’t envision shutting down the system” as the coronavirus continues to spread throughout the region.

“We want to provide the service. I think we need to provide the service for the region,” Wiedefeld said at Thursday’s Metro Board meeting. He said the agency would make future decisions about its response to the virus keeping the safety of its riders and employees “first and foremost.”

There’s been about a 100,000 drop in trips from last Wednesday to this Wednesday, Metro spokesman Dan Stessel said. The agency is monitoring its ridership and employee absenteeism numbers after every morning and evening peak period.

[For more on how the area’s transit systems are working to protect customers, see here.]

Metro is preparing to activate Phase III of its pandemic plan in response to the spread of coronavirus if it experiences federal workforce changes, or a significant loss of employees to illness, according to Chief Safety Officer Theresa Impastato. Metro is currently in Phase II, which it implemented last week after the region’s first coronavirus cases were confirmed in Maryland.

The agency is reviewing operations and maintenance, surveying supply chain disruptions, monitoring absenteeism among staff, and “evaluating potential options for reduced or alternate service.”

The agency is also ramping up communications with its employees and its riders, and is rolling out public health messaging on all digital station screens. Workers are cleaning fare gates, handrails, buses, rail cars and MetroAccess vehicles daily, in compliance with CDC protocols, according to the agency. Metro is also conducting spot checks and audits to ensure cleaning is performed to CDC protocols, Impastato says. — Margaret Barthel

Smithsonian Public Events Canceled, Museums And Zoo Remain Open

March 12, 10:18 a.m.: While the Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo currently remain open to visitors, all Smithsonian public programs and events have been canceled through May 3rd. [For more on which events are being cancelled, see here.]

The announcement comes a day after the D.C. Health Department issued an advisory recommending all mass gatherings of more than 1,000 be canceled.

The D.C. region is home to the majority of the Smithsonian’s 19 museums, galleries and gardens. Canceled events include a discussion about D.C.’s issues with food insecurity at the African American History and Culture Museum, a cherry blossom celebration at the American Art Museum, and screenings at the Natural History Museum of films associated with the D.C. Environmental Film Festival, which has also been canceled.

The Smithsonian did not immediately respond to a request for comment about whether the museums themselves will remain open. — Mikaela Lefrak

Wednesday, March 11

• National Cherry Blossom Festival Cancels Some Events, Including Kite Festival
• 9:30 Club, Lincoln Theatre, And The Anthem Postponing Shows Until April 1
• Hundreds Of Episcopal Churches, Including The National Cathedral, To Close
• Bowser Declares State Of Emergency; D.C. Now Has 10 Cases
• Wizards And Caps Will Continue To Play With Fans Present, Says Monumental Sports
• Events DC Suspends Operations After Two More AIPAC Attendees Test Positive for COVID-19
• Ninth Case In Virginia Brings The Region’s Total To 22
• D.C. Health Calls For ‘Non-Essential’ Gatherings Of 1,000 People Or More To Be Cancelled
• Georgetown, GWU, University Of Maryland Move Classes Online
• D.C. Public Schools Will Close Monday So Teachers Can Prepare For Remote Teaching

National Cherry Blossom Festival Cancels Some Events, Including Kite Festival

March 11 6:09 p.m.: Organizers of the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival in D.C. have announced that several early events will be postponed or cancelled due to concerns about coronavirus. The festival was scheduled to run from March 20-April 14. [For more on event cancellations, see here.]

“It is a difficult decision and one that we do not take lightly,” Diana Mayhew, president and CEO of the festival, said in a release.

Cancelled events include the Blossom Kite Festival (originally slated for March 28) and the official welcome area along the Tidal Basin, a co-production of the festival organizers and the National Park Service. The annual Pink Tie Party has been postponed, and the silent auction will now take place online.

The festival’s opening ceremony will no longer take place at DC’s Warner Theater on March 21; organizers are instead looking into live streaming the event.

Meanwhile, the cherry blossoms themselves are still going strong. With warmer-than-expected temperatures in the forecast, the National Park Service has moved up its peak bloom prediction to March 21-24. — Mikaela Lefrak

9:30 Club, Lincoln Theatre, And The Anthem Postponing Shows Until April 1

March 11, 5:35 p.m.: IMP Productions, which runs music shows and events at the 9:30 Club, Lincoln Theatre, The Anthem and U Street Music Hall, has announced that it is postponing all events until April 1. [For more on event cancellations, see here.]

The closure comes after DC Health sent out an advisory earlier Wednesday recommending that any gatherings of 1,000 or more people be postponed until March 31. IMP says it is canceling all shows, regardless of size, “to be cautious.”

Anyone who has a ticket for a Wednesday night show will still be able to attend, according to an email from Audrey Fix Schaefer, an IMP spokesperson. If they don’t want to attend the show because of coronavirus concerns, they can contact IMP for a refund.

Anyone with tickets to a March show after Wednesday will be notified of a new date for the show. They will be able to request a similarly-priced ticket to another show or a refund if they can’t make the new date, Fix Schaefer said.

“The health of our employees, patrons, community and artists is paramount,” she said. “We’re hoping everyone takes the precautions the health experts have been sharing. We look forward to seeing everyone in April and beyond.” –– Natalie Delgadillo

Hundreds Of Episcopal Churches, Including The National Cathedral, To Close

March 11, 4:49 p.m.: Episcopal churches in the Washington area will close for two weeks amid the coronavirus crisis, the Washington Post reports.

All 88 church buildings in Maryland and D.C. will be closed to the public, Bishop Mariann Budde told the outlet. The Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia confirmed that 179 churches in Virginia will also be closed until March 25, per the out.

The closures will include the Washington National Cathedral, a regal building in Northwest that draws hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. The National Cathedral is the cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington.

Tens of thousands of parishioners attend services at the hundreds of Episcopal churches set to close for the next two weeks.

The Washington diocese will stream its services on Sundays, per the Post.

D.C.’s first confirmed case of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, was the rector of Christ Church in Georgetown, another Episcopal church. The Reverend Tim Cole remains in stable condition. The city has asked hundreds of parishioners of the church to self quarantine for the next two weeks as a result of their potential exposure. — Natalie Delgadillo

Bowser Declares State Of Emergency; D.C. Now Has 10 Cases

March 11, 4:37 p.m.: D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has declared a state of emergency in the District in response to coronavirus. [See here for full story.]

The mayor has diverted a total of $1.5 million in reserve funds toward the District’s coronavirus response, including purchasing personal protective equipment such as N95 respirators and other supplies for first responders.

Declaring a state of emergency activates a broad range of powers that would enable the mayor to mobilize people and resources more quickly to prevent the spread of the COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. That includes things like mandatory quarantines or curfews, freeing up funds more quickly and preventing price gouging on essentials needed to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The last time Bowser declared a state of emergency in the District was in September 2018 ahead of Hurricane Florence.

D.C. also announced six new confirmed coronavirus cases, Wednesday afternoon, bringing the total in the District to ten. Neighboring states Maryland and Virginia have nine confirmed cases, each. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency on March 5 in response to the state’s first confirmed cases.

In Virginia, Gov. Ralph Northam has not yet declared an emergency, but said Wednesday morning he was “prepared to do so if needed.” Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency on March 5 in response to the state’s first confirmed cases of COVID-19. — Maureen Pao

Wizards And Caps Will Continue To Play With Fans Present, Says Monumental Sports

March 11, 4:00 p.m.: Monumental Sports, the company that owns D.C.’s professional basketball and hockey teams, announced on Tuesday that it plans to move forward with Wizards and Capitals games as scheduled with a live audience, and that any concerts and events at the Capital One Arena are still happening as planned, even as concerns over the coronavirus cause a slew of cancellations across the country.

This policy comes despite an advisory from the D.C. Health Department earlier in the day recommending that all non-essential gatherings with more than 1,000 people be either postponed or cancelled due to the virus’ spread.

Monumental says it made its decision at the direction of the professional sports leagues, the NBA and NHL. So far, one basketball team, the Golden State Warriors, announced it would play its upcoming home game without fans present in the arena.

The company says that it has limited access to the team locker rooms and barred players from community events, as well as increased its cleaning of highly-trafficked areas.

The Wizards’ next home game is slated for Sunday, and the Caps are scheduled to play at Capital One arena on Thursday evening. — Rachel Kurzius

Events DC Suspends Operations After Two More AIPAC Attendees Test Positive for COVID-19

March 11, 3:17 p.m.: Events DC, the city’s quasi-public convention and sports authority, announced Wednesday that it would “suspend operations and services” starting at the close of business on Friday, with plans to resume business on April 1. The organization will not be holding any events during that time.

“Events DC is in constant communication and collaboration with the Mayor, Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and DC Department of Health for guidance and additional information,” the organization said in its statement.

The news comes as two additional attendees of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee conference have tested positive for COVID-19, per Events DC’s statement. The two attendees from Ohio and Toronto, respectively, join two previously reported patients from New York and one from Los Angeles, bringing the total number of conference attendees to test positive for the virus to five. A number of lawmakers who attended AIPAC and the

The Walter E. Washington Convention Center, where the conference was held last week, will be deep cleaned, according to Events DC, which manages the space. Other indoor Events DC spaces, including The Entertainment and Sports Arena, the DC Armory, the R.I.S.E Demonstration center, and the organization’s offices, will also be thoroughly cleaned.

As D.C. Health calls for events with 1,000 or more people to be cancelled or postponed, Events DC’s calendar joins a growing number of local arts and culture events that aren’t happening as planned, including the annual D.C. Environmental Film Festival and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The city’s plans for the Cherry Blossom Festival are not yet clear. —Lori McCue

Ninth Case In Virginia Brings The Region’s Total To 22

Virginia announced its ninth confirmed coronavirus patient on Wednesday morning, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia to 22.

Four cases have been confirmed in D.C. and nine are in Maryland, which declared a state of emergency on March 5: three in Prince George’s County, five in Montgomery County, and one in Harford County.

Virginia has not declared a state of emergency but “we are prepared to do so if needed,” Governor Ralph Northam said at a press conference Wednesday morning. The District of Columbia has also not declared a state of emergency, though Mayor Muriel Bowser has said she is considering doing so in order to impose quarantines.

The latest Virginia patient is located in the Chickahominy Health District close to Hanover County, and health officials say the person had recently traveled to a country flagged as having widespread, ongoing transmission of the virus. State epidemiologist Dr. Lilian Peake says all of the Virginia COVID-19 patients are in stable condition.

Officials say Virginia’s health laboratory currently has the capacity to test 300-400 patients a day, and two additional kits that would expand capacity by 200 patients are expected to arrive Wednesday. The state has also placed new orders for the maximum number of kits allowed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Northam said some private laboratories are now able to perform tests as well.

Northam encouraged Virginians to rely on the state health department’s official channels to stay updated on the virus. “There’s a lot of misinformation out there, and we are also hearing troubling reports of stigma against Asian-Americans,” he said. “That is not acceptable.”

Karen Kimsey, the Director of the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, said Wednesday that officials are exploring “short-term flexibilities” that would make applying for coverage through the state’s recently-expanded Medicaid program faster and more streamlined.

Here is more information on the region’s confirmed cases:

• Two are associated with the Department of Defense — one in Quantico, Va. and one in Spotsylvania County, Va.
• 10 patients — four in Virginia and six in Maryland — recently returned from Nile riverboat cruises in Egypt.
• Three cases in the region have been connected with Christ Church in Washington, D.C.: One patient in Loudoun County, Va. and two others in D.C. Health officials have asked people who were at the church on Feb. 24 or between Feb. 28 and March 6 to self-quarantine.
• The other diagnosed COVID-19 patients in Virginia returned from countries that have been given a Level 3 Travel Health Notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for widespread, ongoing transmission of the coronavirus. One is in Arlington, and another is in the Chickahominy Health District in the Hanover County area.
• Two other diagnosed COVID-19 patients in Maryland recently traveled overseas: a Harford County resident and a Montgomery County resident.
• The final Maryland patient, a Prince George’s County resident, contracted the virus on a trip to Boston.
• A Montana resident visiting Anne Arundel County has tested positive. It will be classified as a Montana case, but local health departments will investigate.
• D.C.’s other patients include a man who attended Boston’s Biogen conference, which has been linked to dozens of coronavirus cases, and a 79-year-old man whose contacts D.C. health officials are working to trace. — Jenny Gathright

D.C. Health Calls For ‘Non-Essential’ Gatherings Of 1,000 People Or More To Be Cancelled

March 11, 12:44 p.m.: D.C. Health is recommending that all “non-essential mass gatherings” be cancelled or postponed, effective through March 31, according to a health advisory issued Wednesday.

Mass gatherings are being categorized as any events where 1,000 people or more are expected to congregate in one location, such as conferences and conventions. “We also recommend that any social, cultural, or entertainment events where large crowds are anticipated be reconsidered by the organizer,” the statement reads.

A number of conferences and arts events have already been cancelled, including the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Mayor Muriel Bowser plans to hold a press conference Wednesday afternoon to share updates on major events like the National Cherry Blossom Festival, according to a spokesperson from the mayor’s office. (The buds are expected to bloom in as few as 10 days, which usually brings throngs of people to the Tidal Basin). — Elliot Williams

Georgetown, GWU, University Of Maryland Move Classes Online

March 11, 11:20 a.m.: Georgetown University, George Washington University, and the University of Maryland are moving their classes all-online in response to coronavirus.

Georgetown said it is suspending all classes on campus until further notice starting Monday, according to a message posted to the university’s website. The school’s campus will remain open, but officials said “we strongly encourage undergraduate students to return to their permanent addresses while this virtual learning environment is in place.”

University of Maryland President Wallace D. Loh said Tuesday night that classes after the week of spring break are canceled and will resume online March 30. Students will take classes online until April 10, according to a message Loh sent to the university community.

“These temporary measures will be inconvenient, even disruptive,” Loh said. He added that the university is strongly advising against any large gatherings in the next 60 days.

George Washington University also announced Tuesday that it would move classes online for at least two weeks after spring break. Students who wish to remain on campus will need to apply to stay.

The universities’ responses came less than a day after American became the first local university to announce it was moving instruction all-online. Dozens of colleges and universities around the country have cancelled classes around the country. — Debbie Truong

D.C. Public Schools Will Close Monday So Teachers Can Prepare For Remote Teaching

March 11, 11 a.m.: Classes in D.C. public schools are canceled Monday so educators can prepare to teach students remotely, according to a letter D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee sent families Wednesday.

Teachers were scheduled to have a professional development day on March 20, but that was moved up so the school system could plan with teachers earlier, on Monday. That professional development day will now include planning for the possibility of school being closed for an extended period of time, Ferebee said.

Classes are scheduled to resume the rest of the week.

D.C. Health has reported four positive results for tests of COVID-19 in the District, with 39 potential cases currently under investigation.

“This situation remains dynamic, with preparation being critical every day,” Ferebee said. “With this in mind, DCPS is accelerating our planning timeline with teachers and school leaders to ensure that our educators are fully equipped to support distance learning as needed.”

This is just one step in DCPS’ emergencyplanning around the COVID-19 outbreak, Ferebee said. — Debbie Truong and Elliot Williams

Tuesday, March 10

• Virginia Rep. Don Beyer Is Self-Quarantining After Contact With Friend Who Tested Positive
• Fairfax County Public Schools Declares Student Holiday On Monday
• Washington Post Encourages Employees To Work From Home
• aryland Gov. Instructs Nursing Homes To Avoid Outside Contact To Avoid Coronavirus Outbreak
• American University Cancels In-Person Classes, First D.C.-Area University To Move Online
• The D.C. Area Now Has 18 Confirmed Cases

Virginia Rep. Don Beyer Is Self-Quarantining After Contact With Friend Who Tested Positive

March 10, 7:35 p.m.: Virginia Rep. Don Beyer announced that he will self-quarantine after having dinner with a friend in D.C. who later tested positive for COVID-19.

Beyer said that health officials contacted him and his wife today, explaining that his friend’s infection began shortly after they met on February 28.

At least five Republican lawmakers are self-quarantining after attending the Conservative Political Action Conference and interacting with someone who had been infected with the virus. California Rep. Julia Brownley is also self-quarantining after coming into contact with someone in D.C.

Neither Beyer or his wife have shown any symptoms in the 10 days since their contact and the lawmaker said he “understands that the probability that we have an infection is low.” His office will be closed until Monday. — Rachel Sadon

Fairfax County Public Schools Declares Student Holiday On Monday

March 10, 4:27 p.m.: Fairfax County Public Schools, one of the country’s largest school systems, is declaring Monday a student holiday to allow staff to prepare for a possible coronavirus outbreak. School staff will use the day to prepare for remote learning in the event that schools close.

The Virginia district is also canceling overnight field trips in and out of the state until April 12, according to a letter Superintendent Scott Brabrand sent the community Tuesday. All field trips to New York, where Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo (D) declared a state of emergency, are also cancelled.

“The decision is made in an abundance of caution for our students and staff,” Brabrand said. — Debbie Truong

Washington Post Encourages Employees To Work From Home

March 10, 3:34 p.m.: In a staff-wide email sent Tuesday afternoon, the publisher of the Washington Post encouraged the newspaper’s employees to work from home if possible starting on Wednesday due to over the new coronavirus, “if your role and equipment needs make it practical to do so.”

Publisher Fred Ryan emphasized that the Post wasn’t mandating that employees work from home, and that the newspaper will “continue our operations at full scale even with this change in employee locations.” The request, first reported by Washingtonian, will be in place until at least the end of the month, he wrote, and the newspaper’s leaders will continue to monitor the situation.

This isn’t new for some Post reporters—those who covered the Conservative Political Action Conference are among the D.C. journalists and politicians under self-quarantine after an attendee was diagnosed with COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.

Shortly after Ryan’s email went out to staff, the vice president of human resources at WaPo, Wayne Connell, sent out tips to employees about best practices for working from home. According to Connell, those under self-quarantine will be paid as usual and will not be expected to use vacation or sick time. — Rachel Kurzius

Maryland Gov. Instructs Nursing Homes To Avoid Outside Contact To Avoid Coronavirus Outbreak

March 10, 2:59 p.m.: Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has asked nursing homes in the state to restrict access to visitors to help prevent the spread of coronavirus among some of the state’s more vulnerable residents.

Hogan, delivering remarks before an emergency Cabinet meeting, said he wanted to prevent the likelihood of a situation similar to that in Seattle, where 19 residents have died and 31 others have tested positive for coronavirus. Experts say the old and chronically ailing are at the highest risk of contracting coronavirus and are more likely to have more severe cases.

The governor has also said workers at long-term care facilities should avoid international travel and should leave work if they’re feeling ill or believe they are experiencing possible symptoms of the coronavirus.

“I want to continue to remind everyone that this is truly an all-hands-on-deck operation and it is going to get worse before it gets better,” Hogan said. — Mary Tyler March

March 10, 2:51 p.m.: The University System of Maryland, the state’s public higher education system, urged its colleges and universities on Tuesday to keep students off campus for two weeks after spring break. The break starts Saturday and ends March 22. — Debbie Truong

American University Cancels In-Person Classes, First D.C.-Area University To Move Online

March 10, 1:13 p.m.: American University became the first local university to cancel its in-person classes in response to news of coronavirus cases in the region.

The university said it will go all online through at least April 3 because of the virus.

“While the risk to our community remains low at this time, this could change quickly,” AU president Sylvia Burwell said in an email to students. “Our precautionary actions will help limit potential exposure to COVID-19 and enhance our ability to manage and/or isolate any suspected or confirmed cases that may occur at the university.” The school also is extending its spring break and resuming online classes later than initially planned.

Burwell added that the schedule would leave enough time to resume in-person instruction and finals before the end of the semester “if conditions support that decision.”

Other U.S. universities, including Harvard and Ohio State made similar moves in recent days. — Martin Austermuhle and Rachel Sadon

The D.C. Area Now Has 18 Confirmed Cases

March 10, 12:52 p.m.: New confirmed cases of coronavirus were reported in the Washington region late Monday night and early Tuesday, bringing the area’s total to 18 known cases.

Prince George’s County officials announced three additional patients in Maryland, marking eight total cases in Maryland. The first patient contracted the virus during a trip to Boston, while the other two new cases had recently travelled on an international cruise, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks said on Tuesday.

D.C. officials confirmed Monday night that the District is handling three additional presumptive positive cases, bringing the city’s total to five. The first confirmed case was the highest-ranking clergy member at Chris Church Georgetown, and at least one of the new cases is a 39-year-old parishioner. A 77-year-old man who tested positive had attended Boston’s Biogen conference, which has been linked to a surge in coronavirus cases. And he third new case is a 79-year-old man. The D.C. Department of Health is conducting contact tracing in all cases.

Mayor Muriel Bowser has directed that $1 million from a contingency fund be deployed for use by first responders and front-line staff to acquire protective equipment and other supplies.

And Loudoun County, Va., announced its first case on Tuesday, bringing Virginia’s total confirmed cases to five; four of those cases are in Northern Virginia.

Maryland reported the region’s first confirmed coronavirus cases on March 5. The first three cases involved Montgomery County residents who had traveled on a Nile River cruise in Egypt. Another two cases were confirmed days later: a Harford County resident in her 80s and another Montgomery County resident in his 60s.

While most of the city’s arts institutions are operating normally, several events have already been cancelled and officials are bracing for a decline in tourism. Bowser has said that officials are actively monitoring the situation, but has not cancelled the popular Cherry Blossom Festival, slated to begin on March 20. — Mary Tyler March and Rachel Sadon