Activists blocked some streets on Memorial Day, demanding the mayor’s administration close parts of the street network and open them up to pedestrians and cyclists.

Jordan Pascale / WAMU


May 24, 5:00 p.m.: Climate and safe streets activists will take matters into their own hands Monday when they plan to use cones and other objects to block some streets in the District to vehicles to allow more room for pedestrians.

D.C. has been lagging behind other major cities in either closing residential streets to through traffic or adding new bike lanes and other space for pedestrians as the coronavirus pandemic limits traffic and has spurred more to get outside.

They listed nearly 40 cities that have done some form of adapting streets.

The groups hope to convince Mayor Muriel Bowser and D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson to make the changes permanent. Bowser’s Reopen D.C. plan did call for some of these measures but did not list specific places or timetables, which has frustrated councilmembers and community members alike.

“I think it’s a failure of imagination and a failure of leadership that closing streets hasn’t already been done in D.C.,” said organizer Keya Chatterjee, leader of Safe Streets for Hill East and Near Northeast.

D.C. has expanded some sidewalks near businesses. According to the advocates, District Department of Transportation Director Jeff Marootian told District bike- and pedestrian-advisory groups that they shouldn’t compare D.C. to other cities.

Advocates did not list where they plan to close the streets. It’s unclear how many vehicles will be out on the road in the first place, though travel has slowly rebounded since the pandemic stay-at-home orders began. — Jordan Pascale

More Stories From Sunday

Trinity Presbyterian Church in Arlington on Easter morning 2020. Tyrone Turner / WAMU

Many Local Churches Still Rely On Virtual Services Despite Trump’s Request To Reopen

May 24, 3:45 p.m.: Religious services in the area have gone virtual over the past couple of months. Many places of worship in the D.C. region remained closed this weekend despite President Trump’s urging that governors permit them to reopen.

But that doesn’t mean churchgoers are being shut out.

Alice Tewell, pastor at Clarendon Presbyterian Church in Virginia, says congregants are still connecting with one another online.

“The church is not the building. The church is the people,” Tewell said Sunday. “We are gathering in the way that we want to right now, in the way that is safe for the community.”

Some restrictions on religious gatherings in Northern Virginia may be lifted on Friday. Still, Tewell says her church probably won’t hold services inside until fall, at the earliest.

The church is more likely to reopen by first holding outdoor services, with no singing and everyone wearing masks.

Andrew Merrow, the rector at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Arlington, agrees that church members remain connected. “I would argue that the churches have remained open the entire time during the pandemic,” he says. “It’s just that we’ve been deployed out into the field and aren’t able to come back to our home base yet.”

Merrow says he’s hopeful congregants will be able to meet in some capacity by the end of June, but only if it’s safe. “We will not put our most vulnerable members at risk,” he says. The Episcopal bishops for D.C., Maryland and Virginia have collectively laid out guidance for churches in the region to follow as they plan to safely reopen.

In the meantime, Merrow and Tewell both say the ease of attending church virtually has allowed more people to participate. — Hannah Schuster

Boardwalk visitors keep their social distance on the oceanfront Friday in Virginia Beach, Va. Gov. Ralph Northam lifted restrictions and opened the beachfront Friday and observed the scene, but was not wearing a mask. Associated Press / Steve Helber

Gov. Northam Visits Virginia Beach, Doesn’t Wear A Mask

May 24th, 12:55 p.m.: Warmer weather and a long holiday weekend drew crowds of people to Maryland and Virginia beaches this weekend.

Videos and pictures from a packed boardwalk in Ocean City, Maryland, drew widespread attention Saturday. Relatively few people were seen wearing masks.

At Virginia Beach, the focus was on one visitor in particular — Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam. Photos shared on social media showed Northam greeting people on the beach without wearing a mask or observing social distancing guidelines. In one photo, he’s seen posing for a selfie.

The governor was in Virginia Beach to see how people were responding to the new beach restrictions, which include a ban on group sports and large collections of beach umbrellas. His spokesperson said he did not intend to breach any social distancing guidelines.

“The governor has repeatedly encouraged wearing face coverings inside or when social distancing is impossible. He was outside yesterday and not expecting to be within six feet of anyone,” press secretary Alena Yarmosky wrote in an email. “This is an important reminder to always have face coverings in case situations charge — we are all learning how to operate in this new normal, and it’s important to be prepared.”

Northam received criticism on social media, including from Virginia House of Delegates Republican minority leader Todd Gilbert.

The criticism was bad timing for Northam, who has hinted he may announce a new face mask requirement on Tuesday and advised Virginians to make sure they have face coverings.

The Virginia Department of Health recommends cloth face coverings in public places, like grocery stores, or when it may be difficult to practice social distancing. The guidelines state that masks “are not needed for going outside by yourself or to take a walk or work in your garden.”

The governor allowed the beaches in Virginia Beach to open for recreation on Friday, ahead of the Memorial Day weekend.

Among the new safety guidelines, teams are disinfecting high-touch areas; parking lots are capped at 50% capacity; “beach ambassadors” are on hand to remind everyone to keep at least six feet of distance from others. –Jeffrey Katz and Hannah Schuster

Md. Hospitalizations For The Coronavirus Continue To Drop, Va. Sees Good Signs

May 24th, 11:45 a.m.: Hospitalizations and intensive care unit usage related to COVID-19 patients is showing a sustained drop in Maryland.

Both metrics are at their lowest levels in five weeks, according to Mike Ricci, spokesman for Gov. Larry Hogan. Those are key elements state officials and health experts look at when considering whether to loosen stay-at-home orders.

Testing in Maryland has been expanded in recent days to include more people who don’t show symptoms of the coronavirus. More than 8,000 people were tested in the past day, a high mark for the past month. That also helped the state’s percentage of positive cases — only 10% tested positive in the past 24 hours, which is the lowest rate since March 29.

Maryland reported 818 new cases of the coronavirus on Sunday, the second-lowest in the past 11 days. The state also reported 34 new deaths.

Virginia state reported 495 new cases of the virus, the fewest since April 19. It also reported 12 new deaths, which is the lowest since April 8.

Virginia tested 11,600 people over the past 24 years. The percentage of those who test positive over the past week is at 14% at the last report on Wednesday. Like Maryland, that is a key metric the state is closely monitoring with the target being 10% or less.

D.C. usually releases its daily totals at 10 a.m., but the government has not yet released them yet. Today could mark the 14th day of decline in community spread, which is a metric that would send the District into Phase 1 of reopening. If the District sees a significant rise in cases, it would reset the 14-day clock. This post will be updated when stats are released. –Jordan Pascale 

The economic downturn has more residents looking to local non-profits and food pantries for assistance. Tyrone Turner / WAMU

Fairfax Families in Need: Food, Rent and Mortgage

May 24, 10:45 a.m. In Fairfax, Virginia, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic is increasing the need for many services including mortgage and rent assistance. In a recent email, Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay wrote, “It is unfortunate that we are seeing so much need at this time, but Fairfax County is well-equipped to help.”

From March 1 to May 22, about 800 households received about $685,000 in assistance from the county and nonprofits.

In light of the dire circumstances, the county is stepping up its response to the community especially for those who are food insecure. Families with school-aged children can still pick up free meals during the week at about 50 food distribution sites around the county.

The county also has a map to help navigate these resources by typing in an address and finding the closest food distribution site in the area.

On Memorial Day, the Chinese Christian Church, the Falls Church Anglican and local charity Comunidad will serve food Monday morning at 6567 Arlington Boulevard from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

McKay wrote that any resident in need — whether it’s food insecurity, mental health services or financial assistance — are encouraged to call Coordinated Services Planning during the week at 703-222-0880. — Tamika Smith


D.C. Registers Lowest Number Of New Daily Infections In Almost A Month

May 23, 12:17 p.m.: A day after Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, said that the D.C. region had the highest rate of positive tests in the United States, the numbers of new coronavirus infections across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia continued to show inconsistencies in trends on Saturday.

The District saw its lowest new case count since April 27, but Maryland saw one of its highest. Virginia reported just below its seven-day average for new cases.

D.C., Maryland, and Virginia reported a combined 1,943 new positive coronavirus cases on Saturday morning, bringing the total number of cases to 89,210. The three states and D.C. added 68 COVID-19 deaths, among the lower numbers seen this month. That brings the overall toll to 3,829 fatalities.

These totals include all confirmed and probable cases and deaths linked to the coronavirus that are reported by local jurisdictions.

D.C.

The District reported 73 new positive cases—its second-lowest count since March—bringing the city’s total caseload to nearly 8,000. D.C. added another nine deaths, marking 427 total fatalities.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced on Friday that, barring any major spikes in the data, the District could begin a phased reopening as early as May 29. The D.C. health department is tracking a metric called “community spread” to determine the city’s readiness, and it has reported 12 days of declines (with a goal for 14) as of May 21.

Ward 4 continues to see the highest number of cases (1,666), followed by Ward 5 (1,242). Ward 8 has still tallied the most deaths (91 people), followed by Ward 5 (65 people). Black Washingtonians account for 76 percent of the deaths, despite making up less than half of the city’s population.

D.C. also added nearly 9,000 new test results on Saturday, its highest ever in a single day.

Maryland

Maryland reported 1,071 new cases this morning, among its higher counts, but lower than two days ago when the state reported more than 1,200. Maryland now has 45,495 cases total.

Maryland added another 36 deaths, among the lower counts this month, bringing the state’s total death toll to 2,243.

Prince George’s County continues to have the highest case count, at more than 13,000, while Montgomery County has the most reported deaths, at 550. More than half of the state’s deaths 1,143, and more than 8,400 cases are tied to nursing homes.

Virginia

Virginia reported 799 new cases, following a two-day decline from Thursday (when the commonwealth reported its highest single-day count at 1,229). The total caseload in Virginia now stands at 35,749.

Virginia also added 23 deaths, its lowest number in five days, bringing the state’s total death toll to 1,159.

Virginia’s health department reported another three outbreaks—places with at least two lab-confirmed cases—bringing the total to 323, most of which are at long term care facilities. Northern Virginia continues to be the hardest-hit region across Virginia, with Fairfax County reporting the most deaths and cases. — Elliot Williams

More Stories From Friday

Georgetown head coach Patrick Ewing looks on during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Seton Hall, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020, in Washington. Nick Wass / AP Photo

Patrick Ewing, Georgetown Men’s Basketball Coach And NBA Hall Of Famer, Tests Positive For Coronavirus

May 22, 7:30 p.m.: Patrick Ewing, head coach of Georgetown University’s men’s basketball team and NBA legend, has tested positive for the coronavirus.

Ewing is isolated in a hospital, according to a statement he posted on Twitter.

“This virus is serious and should not be taken lightly,” he said. “I want to encourage everyone to stay safe and take care of yourselves and your loved ones.”

No other member of the Georgetown men’s basketball program has tested positive for coronavirus.

Ewing was named head coach of Georgetown’s men’s basketball team in 2017, after a 15-year run as an assistant coach for several other teams. He was the first pick in the 1985 NBA draft and was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.

Georgetown canceled all spring sports competitions and practices in response to the coronavirus. The NCAA canceled its Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournaments in March. –Debbie Truong

Public schools in Arlington County will likely start next school year distance learning based on the current state of the pandemic. dcJohn / Flickr

Arlington Public Schools Says New School Year ‘Likely’ Will Start Online

May 22, 4:36 p.m.: Arlington Public Schools will likely begin the new school year with remote learning, according to an email sent by Interim Superintendent Cintia Johnson.

In the email posted by ARLnow, Johnson outlined three scenarios for fall classes: operating classes completely online, working with a hybrid model of in-person and remote learning, or reopening schools normally for in-person instruction.

Johnson wrote that starting the school year with distance learning is “a likely scenario,” based on the current state of the pandemic in the region. Reopening schools for normal, in-person instruction, and without social distancing requirements, is the “least likely scenario.”

In order to flesh out plans for the fall, APS is forming a task force of administrators, staff members, parents, and students. Johnson and Francisco Durán, the incoming superintendent, will co-chair the group. Additional information regarding the task force and community input will be released in early June, per Johnson’s email.

Arlington was among the Northern Virginia counties that delayed reopening amid concern that the region fell behind the state’s prescribed reopening metrics. The extended stay-at-home order is set to lift on May 29. —Colleen Grablick

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam gestures as he speaks to a group of volunteers to distribute supplies at health equity community event Tuesday, May 12, 2020, in Richmond, Va. Steve Helber / AP Photo

Northam Hints He May Require Masks In Public

May 22, 3:44 p.m.: Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam hinted Friday that he may require people to wear masks in public areas to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

“Make plans for you and your other family members to have facial protection,” he said in a briefing. “That’s your homework for the weekend. Be ready on Tuesday to go out and about in your business, when it’s essential, with facial protection.”

The Virginia Department of Health recommends cloth face coverings in public places and businesses, but does not require them.

Montgomery County, Md., requires face coverings in stores. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has said masks are required, although responsibility for enforcement is not always clear, as DCist has reported.

In other matters at his Friday briefing, Northam said the state has opened a new call center and hired 315 workers to speed up unemployment claims. People filing for unemployment in Virginia have complained of weeks-long delays. Northam also said Virginia SNAP recipients will be able to order groceries online via Amazon and Walmart beginning May 29. —Daniella Cheslow

John Wall has also undertaken other efforts to help Ward 8 residents during the pandemic. Geoff Livingston / Flickr

Wizard’s All-Star John Wall To Launch Rent Assistance Program For Ward 8 Residents

May 22, 1:43 p.m.: Washington Wizards player John Wall will be providing rent assistance to Ward 8 residents impacted by the pandemic, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced at her Friday press conference.

In collaboration with Lydia’s House and Housing Counseling Services, the John Wall Family Foundation has launched the 202 Assist program. Through a four-week rent relief fundraiser, the JWFF will work with HCS and Lydia’s House to select eligible candidates through an application process. The application portal opens on June 1. 

The program follows several other steps Wall has taken to support the city’s most-at-risk residents throughout the pandemic. Last month, Wall provided Medstar Washington Hospital with 2,300 N95 masks and Chick-Fil-A meals, and gave students at Bright Beginnings — a D.C. nonprofit for children and families experiencing homelessness—items from their Amazon Wishlists.

“The Ward 8 community is special to me,” says Wall in a video announcing the 202 Assist program on Twitter. “It is where I do all my training, and where my teammates and I practice when in season.”

Ward 8 is one of the city’s hardest-hit areas by the coronavirus. It has the highest death toll out of all the city’s wards, with 89 total lives lost to the coronavirus as of May 22. —Colleen Grablick

A lawsuit filed in April on behalf of inmates at the Prince George’s County jail says they’re living in unsanitary conditions and sought the early release of those with medical conditions. Ichigo121212 / Pixabay

Prince George’s County Jail Required To Submit Plans To Protect Inmates

May 22, 1:23 p.m.: A federal judge ordered the Prince George’s County Jail to submit plans to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on Thursday after finding that jail officials acted with “reckless disregard” in the early stages of the coronavirus outbreak, according to the Washington Post.

“Sick calls ignored, temperature checks inaccurate, and nurses telling symptomatic detainees, ‘If you can walk, then you are OK,’” U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis wrote in her opinion, per the Post.

Over the last six weeks, the jail has taken steps to contain the virus including ordering more personal protective equipment for staff, pausing all work details, and more screening and testing according to court documents obtained by the outlet.

The outlet reported that Xenis’ opinion credited the jail for taking some safety measures. “The facility’s physical structure, combined with the lockdown measures implemented, worked to contain the spread of covid-19 when staff and detainees began testing positive,” the opinion reads.

The court order followed a lawsuit filed on behalf of the inmates who gave statements describing the lack of medical care and sanitary conditions within the Prince George’s County Jail. The lawsuit sought compassionate release of medically vulnerable inmates. The judge declined to grant that request.

The Post reported that Xnis ordered Prince George’s Department of Corrections Director Mary Lou McDonough to submit plans in writing to address the vulnerable population within five days.

Prince George’s County has been hit hard by the coronavirus and could begin a phased reopening in early June according to County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.

“After reviewing recent data, we are cautiously moving toward a modified phase one reopening by June 1. While the data has improved, we are not out of the woods yet,” Alsobrooks said in a statement. Both COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths are declining in the county, the executive said. —Victoria Chamberlin

In-Person Camps, Summer School Possible If D.C. Enters Phase 2 By August

May 22, 12:46 p.m.: In-person summer camps and summer classes may be in the cards this summer if the city enters Phase 2 of its reopening plan by August, according to Mayor Muriel Bowser.

During Phase 1 (which could begin as soon as May 29), summer camp programs will be administered through a “camp-at-home” experience, Department of Parks and Recreation Director Delano Hunter said at a press conference on Friday. DPR plans to supply 5,000 supply kits for arts and crafts, science experiments, and culinary activities to children across the city, alongside digital activity guides and engagement. If the city enters into Phase 2, over 3,000 campers could participate in in-person camps at 27 different locations for three two-week camp sessions. Only 10 participants would be permitted at each camp.

Virtual summer school will begin on June 22 and run through July 24. Assuming that D.C. has entered into Phase 2 by August, students may attend in-person bridge learning classes, focused on grades 3, 6, and 9, D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Lewis Ferebee said on Friday.

The 2020-2021 D.C. Public School year will begin on August 31, either online or in-person. Per the ReOpen D.C. task force recommendations, administering in-person learning come fall would require modified schedules, social distancing measures, and classrooms with no more than 10 people, including instructors.

The city did not identify a date at which parents could expect a definite plan for fall learning, but said that officials will be speaking with DCPS parents over the coming weeks to hear concerns and collect information regarding families’ needs. Further planning regarding a fall schedule could be expected as early as June or July, according to Ferebee. —Colleen Grablick

The region has seen historic highs in the number of people filing for unemployment benefits during the pandemic. Tyrone Turner / WAMU

Unemployment Shoots Up In D.C. Region, But Still Lower Than U.S.

May 21, 12:07 p.m.: D.C., Maryland and Virginia all saw sizable increases in their unemployment rates between March and April, according to numbers released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Friday.

Virginia saw the biggest jump, with its unemployment rate rising to 10.6% in April from 3.3% in March amid the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Increases were less dramatic but still significant in D.C., where the April rate was 11.1%, up from 6% in March; and in Maryland, which rose to 9.9% from 3.3%.

With much of the region’s economy based in government activity and knowledge economy jobs, the Washington area continues to experience less overall job loss than the rest of the country. States that derive most of their economic activity from tourism have been much worse off; Nevada, home of Las Vegas, hit 28.2% unemployment in April.

The national unemployment rate last month was 14.7%. —Ally Schweitzer

Coronavirus data for May 22. WAMU

Cases Top 87,000 In D.C., Maryland, And Virginia

May 22, 11:50 a.m.: D.C., Maryland, and Virginia reported 1,811 new cases of COVID-19 this morning, bringing the total number of cases to 87,267. Another 91 people have died in the three jurisdictions. That’s a higher death tally than the past two days, and brings the toll to 3,761 fatalities.

These totals include all confirmed and probable cases and deaths linked to the coronavirus that are reported by local jurisdictions.

Virginia

Virginia recorded 37 more deaths today, its highest count since Tuesday, May 12. The commonwealth also added 813 new cases today, down quite a bit from yesterday’s 1,229 tally. So far 223,433 tests have been administered.

Across the state, populous Fairfax County continues to see the most deaths and cases.

There have been another six outbreaks, defined as at least two lab-confirmed cases at one particular place, bringing Virginia’s total to 320. Of those outbreaks, 188 are in long-term care facilities, which have reported 4,331 cases and 667 deaths. There are also 1,187 known cases in correctional facilities, and five people have died.

D.C.

The District reported six deaths today, and 418 people have died in all. The city also saw 105 new infections, 7,893 total. Another eight people are known to have recovered, 1,069 in all.

Among other metrics, city officials say they need to see a 14-day decline in community spread; as of Wednesday, the most recent day for which we have data, the reopening metrics show a 12-day decline. D.C. has met or is making progress on the other indicators. Yesterday Mayor Muriel Bowser said the city could begin a phased reopening as soon as Friday, May 29 if there are no more spikes.

Ward 8 continues to see the most deaths (89 people), followed by Ward 5 (65 people). Ward 4 has the greatest overall number of cases (1,657), followed by Ward 5 (1,225 cases). Adjusted for age, Ward 4 has the highest infection rate (1,849.5 cases per 100,000 people), followed by Ward 8 (1,470.1 cases per 100,000 cases).

Maryland

Maryland recorded 48 new fatalities today, an uptick from the past two days, and 893 new known cases. Another 144 people have been released from isolation, marking 3,243 known recoveries. In all, 227,902 tests have been administered in the state.

Over half of the state’s COVID-19 deaths (1,143) are linked to nursing homes; this number is unchanged since yesterday. Montgomery County has the largest share of nursing home-related fatalities and cases, followed by Baltimore and Prince George’s counties.

There are 102 known cases among inmates and 368 among prison staff; so far six inmates have died.

Montgomery County has seen the largest overall number of deaths, while Prince George’s County has seen the highest number of cases. —Julie Strupp

A performance at Wolf Trap. John Taylor / Flickr

Wolf Trap Cancels All Summer Performances

May 22, 11:30 a.m. For the first time in nearly 50 years, the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts has cancelled all of its summer performances.

The foundation normally puts on more than 100 performances across a variety of musical genres at the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in Fairfax County. Its summer programming is a staple in the region.

Wolf Trap President and CEO Arvind Manocha announced the cancellation of all concerts at the Filene Center, the Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods at Wolf Trap National Park, and The Barns at Wolf Trap in a public statement this morning. The summer 2020 programming included over 60 performances, 30 of which have been cancelled, while others are postponed until summer 2021.

Season ticket holders are eligible to receive full refunds, according to the foundation’s website, or can exchange tickets for gift certificates to be used at future events. Wolf Trap is also encouraging patrons to contribute portions of tickets to their Music Moves Us Fund, in order to blunt the economic fall-out of the summer season and sustain the organization’s operations in the future.

In lieu of its summer programming, Wolf Trap will be developing virtual content, and refashioning it’s education programs into digital mediums.

“We think of Wolf Trap in the same way we all think about Wolf Trap,” says Manocha in a video on the cancellations. “One of the essential components of summertime in the greater Washington area. We may not have concerts this summer, but we continue to be a resource to the community.” –Colleen Grablick

More Stories From Thursday

“After reviewing recent data, we are cautiously moving toward a modified phase one reopening by June 1,” said Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. Tyrone Turner / WAMU

Prince George’s County Could See ‘Modified Reopening’ June 1

May 21, 5:20 p.m.: Part of the region hit hardest by coronavirus, Prince George’s County, could begin a phased reopening as soon as June 1, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks announced Thursday.

“After reviewing recent data, we are cautiously moving toward a modified phase one reopening by June 1. While the data has improved, we are not out of the woods yet,” Alsobrooks said in a statement. Both COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths are declining in the county, the executive said.

But Alsobrooks urged residents to observe the still-active stay-at-home order over the coming Memorial Day weekend, “so that we can stay on track to begin reopening by our target date.”

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed support for a possible May 29 phased-in reopening date earlier today, which would, in part, allow some businesses to open their doors with safety precautions and curbside pickup. Montgomery County is also considering opening up “within the next week or two,” according to the county health officer. —Ally Schweitzer

Lauriol Plaza is one of the local restaurants considering partially reopening next week. Ted Eytan / Flickr

Some D.C. Restaurants Are Already Accepting Reservations For Potential Reopen Next Friday

May 21, 3:10 p.m.: Following Mayor Muriel Bowser’s announcement on Thursday that D.C. could begin reopening on May 29, some local restaurants are already preparing for the possibility.

Dupont Circle’s Lauriol Plaza has tentative plans to reopen its patio and rooftop, depending on Bowser’s final decision next week. Co-owner Luis Reyes says seating would be first come, first served, and would allow him to hire back previously furloughed workers, as the restaurant is currently operating with one third of its usual staff.

“It would be great news for us and for the employees who are eager to come back to work,” Reyes says.

Duffy’s Irish Pub on H Street NE tweeted it is now accepting reservations on its patio for that date, writing, “Sign up quick. Seats are limited.” Duffy’s did not immediately respond to DCist’s request for comment on the plan.

On March 16, a mayoral order forced restaurants and bars to close, though they have still been permitted to offer takeout and delivery.

The Mayor’s ReOpen D.C. Advisory Group laid out its recommendations for a phased approach to reopening on Thursday, which included guidance for restaurants and bars. During Phase 1, restaurants could only offer table service outdoors, and would have to enforce social distancing and have “safeguards.”

Bowser said she will issue a final decision on whether D.C. would reopen on May 29 come Tuesday. —Nathan Diller

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, pictured in 2019. Montgomery County, MD / Flickr

Montgomery County Could Begin Reopening As Soon As Next Week

May 21, 1:15 p.m.: Montgomery County could begin a phased reopening as soon as next week, the county said in a press release on Wednesday.

Dr. Travis Gayles, the county health officer, said the number of hospitalizations and the average number of daily cases are headed in the “right direction.” If that continues, he expects the county would be able to start a phased reopening plan “within the next week or two.”

Last week, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich issued an executive order extending the county’s stay-at-home order, after Gov. Larry Hogan lifted the statewide order. His executive order also calls for the county to increase testing capacity by 5 percent of its population each month, increase contact tracing, and review and address disparities in case outcomes across the population.

Local leaders in D.C., Prince George’s County, Baltimore City, and parts of Northern Virginia also extended their orders.

“Life in Montgomery County is going to continue as it was because the circumstances … have not changed enough in order to make opening safe,” Elrich said at a press conference at the time.

Now, that could be changing. As of Thursday, Montgomery County had reported 9,260 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 491 deaths. Eight of the previous 14 days saw a decline in cases and COVID-19 deaths, though not consecutively.

In order to reopen, the county will look at various criteria, including the number of new cases, the hospitalization rate, and death rate, among other factors, which will be reviewed using a rolling average based on the previous 14 days.

Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Thursday that D.C. could also begin a phased reopening as soon as next Friday, May 29, as long the District does not see any spikes in data. —Nathan Diller

Coronavirus data for May 21. WAMU

With Expanded Testing, Virginia Sees Highest Number Of Cases Yet

May 21, 12:58 p.m.: D.C., Maryland, and Virginia reported 2,674 new cases of COVID-19 this morning—the third-highest daily tally since the beginning of the pandemic. That brings the total number of cases to 85,456 total.

Another 66 people have died in the three jurisdictions. That’s down from the past two days, and brings the toll to 3,670 fatalities.

These totals include all confirmed and probable cases and deaths linked to the coronavirus that are reported by local jurisdictions.

Virginia recorded its highest number of new cases yet with 1,229 more infections, bringing the state’s total to 34,137. That jump comes as the commonwealth expands testing; so far 216,890 tests have been administered. The state also registered 25 more deaths today, which is fewer than the past two days.

Across the state, populous Fairfax County continues to see the most deaths and cases.

There have been another three outbreaks, defined as at least two lab-confirmed cases at one particular place, bringing Virginia’s total to 314. Of those outbreaks, 186 are in long-term care facilities, which have reported 4,304 cases and 654 deaths. There are also 1,130 known cases in correctional facilities, and five people have died.

D.C. reported five deaths today, which is the lowest number since May 11. The city also saw 237 new infections, the highest number of new cases in two weeks. Still, the District is also only three days away from meeting a key reopening metric called “community spread,” which is measured in a more nuanced way than simply looking at new positive tests.

Among other metrics, city officials say they need to see a 14-day decline in community spread; as of Tuesday, the most recent day for which we have data, the reopening metrics show an 11-day decline. D.C. has met or is making progress on the other indicators.

Barring any spikes, Mayor Muriel Bowser said today that D.C. could begin a phased reopening early—as soon as Friday, May 29.

Ward 8 continues to see the most deaths (87 people), followed by Ward 5 (64 people). Ward 4 has the greatest overall number of cases (1,642), followed by Ward 5 (1,204 cases). Adjusted for age, Ward 4 has the highest infection rate (1,831 cases per 100,000 people), followed by Ward 8 (1,453 cases per 100,000 cases).

Maryland recorded 36 new fatalities today and 1,208 new known cases. Another 106 people have been released from isolation, marking 3,099 known recoveries. In all, 220,233 tests have been administered in the state.

Another eight people have died in Maryland’s nursing homes, and over half of the state’s COVID-19 deaths are linked to the facilities. Montgomery County has the largest share of nursing home-related fatalities and cases, followed by Baltimore and Prince George’s counties.

There are 102 known cases among inmates and 368 among prison staff; so far six inmates have died.

Montgomery County has seen the largest overall number of deaths, while Prince George’s County has seen the highest number of cases. —Julie Strupp

Mayor Muriel Bowser listens during a press conference about the District’s coronavirus response on March 31. Patrick Semansky / AP Photo

Bowser Announces D.C. Could Begin Phased Reopening May 29

May 21, 12:05 p.m.: Barring any spikes in data, D.C. could begin a phased reopening as early as next Friday, May 29, Mayor Muriel Bowser said at a press briefing Thursday morning.

The District will be “advancing testing strategy” next week in preparation for reopening, and the city will be “close to where we need to be,” Bowser said. She will make a final decision on Tuesday.

A phase one reopening, per the mayor’s reopening task force, would allow certain businesses to reopen, including barbershops and hair salons, and restaurants could provide service for outdoor seating. Nonessential businesses could offer curbside delivery, an expansion of a pilot program that launched this week.

Worship services would be allowed to open with 10 people or less. Parks, fields, tennis courts, and golf courses would reopen, but playgrounds would remain closed under phase one.

D.C. Health outlined the metrics it’ll use to determine the reopening plans: COVID-19 case decline, testing capacity, and the healthcare system capacity for patients.

Under a phased reopening, the mayor’s task force is also recommending no mass gatherings of over 10 people during phase one (phase two is 50, phase three is 250)  and that people remain 6 feet apart until there is a vaccine.

The health department reported an 11-day-decline in community spread on Thursday—phase one reopening is dependent on a 14-day decline, according to D.C. Health. —Elliot Williams

This post has been updated to reflect the task force’s recommendations for mass gathering size, which increase as the city progresses through stages.

Individuals who meet Centers for Disease Control criteria and age guidelines will be able to register for self-swab COVID-19 tests at 17 Maryland locations. Anupam Nath / AP Photo

17 New COVID-19 Testing Sites Announced In Maryland

May 21, 11:05 a.m.: Eligible Marylanders will soon have access to COVID-19 testing at 17 CVS locations throughout the state, Gov. Larry Hogan announced Thursday.

Individuals who meet Centers for Disease Control criteria and age guidelines will be able to register for self-swab tests at CVS.com beginning this Friday. The 17 locations are distributed across the state, with three locations in Montgomery County and four in Prince George’s County.

In Montgomery County, tests will be offered at CVS locations in Bethesda, Rockville, and Gaithersburg. The Prince George’s testing sites are located in New Carrollton, Upper Marlboro, and Capitol Heights. A list of participating pharmacies can be found on the governor’s website.

“Patients will be required to stay in their cars and directed to the pharmacy drive-thru window, where they will be provided with a test kit and given instructions,” says a press release from Hogan’s office. “A CVS Pharmacy team member will observe the self-swab process to ensure it is done properly.”

Results will be available in about three days, according to Hogan’s office.

The governor announced earlier this week that free COVID-19 tests will also be available at select VEIP stations starting Friday and the Timonium Fairgrounds starting today. No appointment or doctor’s note is required. —Ally Schweitzer

Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC. Tyrone Turner / WAMU

Children’s Hospital Treating 23 Children With Mysterious Illness Linked To COVID-19

May 21, 10:42 a.m.: Children’s National Hospital in D.C. is now treating 23 children for a rare inflammatory disease linked to the coronavirus, a hospital spokesperson confirmed to DCist/WAMU.

The disease, known as pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome (PIMS), can cause severe symptoms in children who otherwise tend to have mild cases of the coronavirus. The illness has emerged in countries around the world, and as of May 13, Children’s Hospital had five such cases. Doctors believe it may result when children develop an overactive immune response to the virus.

PIMS has also been linked to the death of a 15-year-old in Maryland. There is also one confirmed case in Virginia: a child in Fairfax County who was hospitalized on May 5 but is now recovering at home.

The illness, which has been likened to Kawasaki disease, appears to cause problems with the heart and other organs. —Hannah Schuster

The region has seen historic highs in the number of people filing for unemployment benefits during the pandemic. Tyrone Turner / WAMU

Unemployment Numbers Continue To Rise In Washington Region

May 21, 10:20 a.m.: It’s been roughly the same story since March: unemployment numbers across the U.S. and the Washington region have continued to climb to and beyond historic levels due to the economic shutdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

And it’s little different this week, according to new data from the U.S. Department of Labor. An additional 2.4 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week, bringing the national total since the pandemic started in mid-March to 38.6 million.

In D.C., 5,079 more residents applied for jobless benefits, bringing the total through last week to more than 70,000. In Maryland, there were 34,304 new filings for a total approaching 300,000 across the state, and in Virginia, 45,788 filing pushed the commonwealth’s total towards 450,000.

All three jurisdictions are paying out additional unemployment benefits included in the first federal recovery bill, and they have also started paying benefits to workers who would otherwise not be eligible, including self-employed individuals and gig workers. —Martin Austermuhle

A lawsuit filed in April on behalf of inmates at the Prince George’s County jail says they’re living in unsanitary conditions and sought the early release of those with medical conditions. Ichigo121212 / Pixabay

Judge Orders Prince George’s County Test Inmates, But Won’t Free Them

May 21, 8:54 a.m.: A federal judge said Wednesday that she would order Prince George’s County to test inmates in its jail for COVID-19 and take other steps to limit transmission of the virus, but she would not take a step requested by advocates and fully release vulnerable inmates.

According to the Associated Press, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis will order the county to administer tests and identify and isolate infected and symptomatic patients. The order comes in response to a lawsuit filed in April by the Civil Rights Corps accusing the county of jail of being a hot spot for the virus, in part because county authorities haven’t taken steps to prevent its spread.

Conditions within jails and prisons nationwide have come under intense scrutiny during the pandemic. In D.C., a federal judge ordered the city to take additional steps to address COVID-19 inside the D.C. Jail, and city officials have additionally moved to release some inmates. And on Wednesday, Gov. Larry Hogan ordered universal testing of inmates and staff at state prisons and juvenile centers. —Martin Austermuhle

More Stories From Wednesday

Counties around Ocean City and other outdoor hotspots in Maryland and Virginia saw an uptick in visitors over the weekend from parts of the D.C. region still on lockdown orders. Lee Cannon / Flickr

Visitors From Lockdown Areas Head To Reopened Parts Of Maryland And Virginia, Bringing Risk With Them

May 20, 9:13 p.m.: After stay-at-home orders lifted last weekend, reports quickly surfaced of crowds at the newly reopened Ocean City. Now, there is data to support the assertion that people from parts of the D.C. region where lockdowns are still in effect traveled in large numbers to the reopened parts of the state. 

The parts of Maryland and Virginia where stay-at-home orders were lifted last weekend saw an 18% increase in trips by residents who live elsewhere, according to data from researchers at the University of Maryland’s Maryland Transportation Institute. That amounts to 860,000 additional travelers. (The Washington Post was first to report on this increase in local travel.) The research team uses smartphone data to map travel patterns across the nation. 

The top destinations included counties by the Chesapeake Bay, around Ocean City, and Deep Creek Lake, a popular outdoor recreation spot in western Maryland. Virginia saw a spike in visitors to areas that bordered Tennessee, West Virginia, and North Carolina. Lei Zhang, director of the Maryland Transportation Institute, told DCist/WAMU he thinks this indicates that the travel was less about patronizing businesses and more about leaving home and spending time outside.

“People who are still under lockdown in their home areas … seem to really want to go to areas where they can feel nature, that’s more outdoors,” Zhang says. 

Zhang says relatively few of the travelers came from D.C., but a significant portion came from the Maryland and Virginia suburbs.

“That actually could be fairly dangerous, because this gradual and different reopening schedule among different counties and states in our region are actually causing travel of people, and potential travel of viruses, from existing hotspots to otherwise very safe areas,” said Zhang. “Hopefully it doesn’t, but we need to monitor to see if this kind of travel from hotspots to reopened areas may or may not cause new outbreaks.”

The data mirrors what is happening nationally. Americans are starting to approach pre-pandemic levels of out-of-state travel, which Zhang calls “an alarming trend.”

“These out-of-state trips tend to bring in actively infectious people and viruses from one state to another,” Zhang says. “So that’s also another thing we’re monitoring, to see if these quick increases in out-of-state travel might cause new outbreaks in different parts of the nation.” –Jenny Gathright

A county spokesperson said the 20,000 to 30,000 masks are specifically meant for people who are particularly vulnerable to the virus. Vera Davidova / Unsplash

Arlington County Expects A Large Shipment Of Cloth Masks To Distribute Through Area Nonprofits

May 20, 6:27 p.m.: Arlington County will start distributing free cloth face masks to members of the community in several weeks, a county spokesperson confirmed. ARLnow was first to report the news. A county spokesperson told WAMU that an order has been placed for 20,000 to 30,000 masks and emphasized that the masks are specifically meant for people who are particularly vulnerable to the virus. (Black and Latino residents in the region have been hit especially hard by COVID-19.)

“We’re hoping to work with some of our community-based organizations to help distribute the masks,” the spokesperson said. The spokesperson said everyone is encouraged to wear face masks to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

County Manager Mark Schwartz said during a board meeting Tuesday night that the county would be setting up locations “where people who do not have masks could go and get them,” and would release more details next week.

Wearing a mask can significantly reduce virus transmission: Some studies show that even a cotton mask can reduce the number of virus particles emitted from a person’s mouth by 99 percent. The Virginia Department of Health recommends that cloth face coverings fit snugly against the side of the face, be secured with ties or ear loops, and be made of multiple fabric layers and hold up after being put through the laundry. Face masks are required at grocery stores and other retailers in Maryland and D.C. In Virginia, they are strongly encouraged but not required, and stores are allowed to implement their own mask policies for customers. —Jenny Gathright

Summer camps in many counties have been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Aaron Burden / Unsplash

Arlington County Cancels Summer Camps For 2020

May 20, 2:05 p.m.: Arlington County has canceled its summer camps to adhere with health and safety guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic. The county announced the changes today.

County officials say they considered opening the camp and mandating increased social distancing and regular cleaning, but ultimately decided that it was unsafe for campers and staff to return, even for a modified camp experience.

Arlington joins other counties around the region—including Montgomery and Prince George’s in Maryland—that have canceled summer camps for 2020. Arlington has previously shut down its summer basketball and soccer clinics, nature classes, and other recreational activities due to the pandemic.

“We recognize how important camps are to our residents, and we are truly saddened to have to cancel for the summer,” Arlington County Parks and Recreation Director Jane Rudolph said in a statement. “Ultimately, it is the best decision for the safety and health of our community. We will continue to explore opportunities to provide programs and services as national, state and local guidelines allow.”

The parks and recreation department is offering full refunds for anyone who already registered. The county is encouraging anyone who signed up through a contractor to contact them for a refund. —Elliot Williams

Virginia will be added to a program that lets SNAP recipients use their benefits online, with certain retailers. Becky Harlan / WAMU

USDA To Allow SNAP Benefits To Be Used Online In Maryland And Virginia

May 20, 11:50 a.m.: The U.S. Department of Agriculture will allow low income Virginians and Marylanders to use government benefits to buy food online.

Most Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients can only use their benefits in-person at grocery stores. In a letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine of Virginia wrote that “this requirement places SNAP recipients at higher risk of infection. The lawmakers urged him to include Virginia in a program that lets recipients shop online. The senators also asked the USDA to “do everything within its power to expand this program nationwide.”

The 2014 Farm Bill required USDA to establish a pilot program to test the feasibility of using SNAP benefits online with authorized retailers. But only a few states can participate in the program. The USDA is working to expand the program on a case-by-case basis.

D.C. residents can use SNAP benefits for certain purchases through Amazon.

Last month, the Senators pushed for the USDA to waive a requirement that made children physically accompany their parent or guardian to school lunch distribution sites in order to receive federal-reimbursable meals. — Kavitha Cardoza

Coronavirus data for Wednesday, May 20. WAMU

Cases Near 83,000 In D.C., Maryland, And Virginia

May 20, 11:31 a.m.: Another 82 people have died from the coronavirus in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, bringing the death toll to 3,604. The three jurisdictions reported 1,657 new cases, for 82,782 total.

The number of new deaths and infections are less than were reported yesterday. New infections are down over 1,000 from yesterday’s tally, though yesterday saw a jump in cases following a slew of new tests.

These totals include all confirmed and probable cases and deaths linked to the coronavirus that are reported by local jurisdictions.

D.C. reported another seven deaths today (407 total) and 117 more infections (7,551 total) with 40,419 tests administered. Nineteen more people have recovered, bringing the total to 1,059. Among other metrics for reopening, city officials need to see a 14-day decline in “community spread” of COVID-19, which is measured in a more nuanced way than simply looking at new positive tests. The reopening metric data wasn’t available publicly until yesterday. The numbers show a ten-day decline in community spread as of Monday, and they indicate D.C. has met or is making progress on the other measures.

Ward 8 has seen the most deaths (87 people), followed by Ward 5 (63 people) and wards 7 and 5 (57 people). Ward 4 has the greatest overall number of cases (1,569), followed by Ward 5 (1,177 cases).

Adjusted for age, Ward 4 has the highest infection rate (1,747 cases per 100,000 people) followed by Ward 8 (1,422 cases), Ward 7 (1,324 cases) and Ward 1 (1,319). By ethnicity, Hispanic/Latinx residents have the highest infection rate per capita at 24%. Black residents account for 47% of the positives and 77% of the deaths, though 46% of D.C.’s population is black.

Maryland recorded 42 new fatalities today (2,123 total) and 777 new known cases (42,323 total). Another 125 people have been released from isolation, marking 2,993 known recoveries. In all, 215,330 tests have been administered. Yesterday Gov. Larry Hogan announced the state now has the capacity to begin testing people who have been exposed to the virus but aren’t showing symptoms.

Over half, or 1,135, of Maryland’s COVID-19 deaths are linked to nursing homes. This number has been updated today for the first time in a week; previously it stood at 995. Montgomery County has the largest share of nursing home-related fatalities and cases, followed by Baltimore and Prince George’s counties. There are 102 known cases among inmates and 413 among prison staff; so far six inmates and no staff have died.

Montgomery County has seen the largest overall number of deaths (474 and another 41 probable) and has reported 9,052 cases. Prince George’s County has almost as many deaths (432, with another 21 probable fatalities) and thousands more cases: 12,446.

Virginia reported 33 more deaths today (1,074 total) and 763 new cases (32,908 total). So far 210,965 tests have been administered. Residents flocked to new no-referral testing sites in Northern Virginia, and tests were gone within hours. More sites are slated for Fairfax County and Alexandria in the coming days.

Fairfax County continues to see the most deaths (302 people, up 10 from yesterday) and cases (8,163). Henrico has the second-most deaths (114, and 1,321 cases) followed by Arlington (81 deaths and 1,728 cases) and Prince William (79 deaths and 4,054 cases).

There have been another four outbreaks in Virginia, a total of 311 outbreaks, defined as at least two lab-confirmed cases at one particular place. Of those outbreaks, 184 are in long-term care facilities, which report 4,259 related cases and 636 deaths. There are 1,127 known cases in correctional facilities, and five people have died. —Julie Strupp

A rental assistance program in Prince George’s County faced extremely high demand during the coronavirus pandemic Becky Harlan / WAMU

Prince George’s County Stops Accepting Applications For Emergency Rental Assistance Funds

May 20, 11:05 a.m.: Prince George’s County is no longer accepting applications for its Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

County Executive Angela Alsobrooks tweeted Wednesday morning that the pause was “due to an overwhelming response” to the program, which launched May 11 and is designed to help tenants whose income has been affected by COVID-19 pay their rent and utility bills.

“Our team is continuing to process applications and follow-up with those who have already applied for the program,” Alsobrooks added, promising to update residents about the status of the program in the future.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has issued a statewide ban on evictions against tenants who have “suffered a substantial loss of income resulting from COVID-19 or the related proclamation of a state of emergency,” but advocates worry that once this ban is lifted, tenants in arrears will face legal action.

Applicants were eligible for up to $1,800 per month for up to three months, according to the county’s website. The program limited the assistance to households who have incomes at or below 80 percent of the area median income, or $77,600 for a family of four, with payments being made directly to landlords and utility companies. —Andrew Giambrone

A group wants to see parts of 18th Street closed to cars to allow pedestrians more space to practice social distancing. Joe Flood / Flickr

Advocates Push To Close Part Of 18th Street To Cars

May 20, 10:40 a.m.: A new neighborhood advocacy group called the Adams Morgan Commercial Development Coalition (AMCDC) is pushing to make some streets in their neighborhood more friendly to pedestrians and cyclists. They’re calling for the partial closure of a stretch of the 18th Street to vehicles, so the area could be available for food, drinks and retail sidewalk sales.

The alliance is made of residents, business owners, chefs and ANC commissioners. They want to “reinvent 18th street” into a partial walk-bike zone so customers can be served while practicing social distancing. Their efforts were first reported in the Washingtonian.

“Life in Adams Morgan has been flipped upside down. Our Coalition’s leadership will help our neighborhood rebound from this pandemic,” says Japer Bowles, Adams Morgan ANC Commissioner and AMCDC co-founder.

Though the AMCDC was created in direct response to Covid-19, the idea of turning 18th Street into a pedestrian and bike zone isn’t new. Plans circulated to make the area safer in 2017, after a motorist hit three people. — Kavitha Cardoza

A gym owner in Virginia filed suit over the governor’s order closing gyms and other businesses. Ryan De Hamer / Unsplash

Virginia Supreme Court Rejects Gym Owner’s Demand To Open

May 20, 10:00 a.m. Virginia’s Supreme Court has thrown out an appeal from a Gold’s Gym owner challenging Gov. Ralph Northam’s authority to shut down fitness centers.

Merill C. “Sandy” Hall, who owns a chain of Gold’s Gym franchises in Virginia, was represented in the case by two Republican state senators: Bill Stanley (R-Franklin) and Ryan McDougle (R-Hanover). He sued in April and said Northam, a Democrat, exceeded his authority in a March 23 executive order when he ordered businesses to close due to the pandemic. Hall asked for an injunction to lift the order and allow gyms to operate.

He brought his case to the state Supreme Court after a judge in Culpeper County Circuit Courtruled in April that the closures were constitutional.

In a statement today, three Virginia Supreme Court Justices wrote that they would not review the circuit court’s decision.

“We are unable to conclude that the circuit court abused its discretion,” they wrote. “Accordingly, the petition is denied.”

Restrictions in some parts of Virginia were partially eased last Friday. Gyms and fitness centers remain closedbut they can host outdoor classes with 10 or fewer guests. Northern Virginia remains under a stricter stay-home order.

In response to the court’s decision, Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring said, “I am really pleased. We were again able to successfully defend Governor Northam’s executive orders that have proven to be effective in keeping our communities safe.”

Senators Stanley and McDougle said in a statement reported by theRichmond Times-Dispatch that they intended to “pursue financial remedies on Mr. Hall’s behalf” and that the decision “gives a governor near-dictatorial powers.” —Daniella Cheslow

More Stories From Tuesday

In a letter to Gov. Larry Hogan, six Maryland county executives and the mayor of Baltimore expressed concern over a lack of resources to address the pandemic. Brian Witte / AP Photo

Maryland County Executives Tell Hogan They Lack Resources To Safely Reopen

May 19, 9:04 p.m.: Six Maryland county executives and the mayor of Baltimore wrote Tuesday to Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) that they did not have what they needed to ease restrictions.

“We lack sufficient resources to achieve our shared goal of safely reopening our jurisdictions,” they wrote.

The letter was signed by leaders in Prince George’s, Montgomery, Anne Arundel, Frederick, Howard, and Baltimore Counties. It added to criticism from state lawmakers in Prince George’s County. On Sunday they charged that Hogan dismissed requests for safety gear and hospital beds even as the county coped with the highest count of COVID-19 cases in the state.

The leaders in the Tuesday letter struck a more conciliatory tone, thanking Hogan for “your continued leadership and partnership.”

The county leaders represent regions where some 80 percent of statewide infections and deaths from COVID-19 took place. All of them extended stay-at-home orders last week even as Hogan said he would let his initial order expire. “The biggest lesson we have learned since Friday is how unclear the public is about your delegation of authority to local leaders,” they wrote.

Further, they said Maryland is not conducting enough testing for COVID-19 and called for a state testing plan.

They also demanded a state-led effort to source protective equipment “to ensure that Maryland’s counties are not competing against one another on the open market.”

Their missive comes as Hogan enjoys an 85 percent approval rate for his handling of the pandemic, according to survey data collected by The Washington Post.

Hogan spokesman Mike Ricci did not respond immediately to a request for comment, but in response to the letter, he posted on Twitter an article about expanded COVID-19 testing in the state. —Daniella Cheslow

Virginia has reported its first case of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, a condition associated with COVID-19. Marcelo Leal / Unsplash

Virginia Reports First Case Of Mysterious COVID-19 Disease In Children

May 19, 5:57 p.m.: Virginia has reported its first case of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), the Fairfax Health District reported Tuesday.

The condition is associated with COVID-19 and was reported in the United Kingdom in late April and in New York City in early May. It has also been reported in other countries.

Children’s National Hospital in D.C. has reported five cases of the infection, which has also been referred to as PIMS (Pediatric Inflammatory Multi-system Syndrome), according to DCist.

Earlier, public health officials thought COVID-19 primarily afflicted adults, while children largely escaped its severe symptoms.

However, MIS-C appears to cause problems with the heart and other organs of a child, Fairfax authorities said. Symptoms include fever, irritability, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and swollen hands and feet. Children infected with the syndrome also test positive for COVID-19 or its antibodies, according to a clinician letter written by State Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver. He asked Virginia healthcare providers to report any patients with these symptoms to their local health departments.

The child who was sickened with MIS-C went into the hospital on May 5 and was discharged to recover at home, according to Fairfax County health officials. —Daniella Cheslow

The parent company of Harris Teeter said it will issue new one-time payments of $400 for full-time workers and half that for part-timers in two installments starting May 30. Kipp Teague / Flickr

After Ending ‘Hero Pay’ For Essential Workers, Kroger Announces ‘Thank You Pay’

May 19, 5:06 p.m.: After ending “hero pay” for its workers, Kroger has announced a new “Thank You Pay” initiative that will provide $130 million in total payments for hourly employees.

“Our associates have been instrumental in feeding America while also helping to flatten the curve during the initial phases of the pandemic,” Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s chairman and CEO, said in a press release. “To recognize and thank our associates for their incredible work during this historic time, we offered special pay in March, April and May.”

The company, which also owns Harris Teeter, said the new one-time payments would be doled out in two installments on May 30 and June 18, with $400 going to each full-time worker, and part-time workers receiving $200. Kroger did not immediately respond to DCist’s request for comment.

The announcement came after the company drew criticism for ending its “hero pay,” which provided workers in its stores with an extra $2 per hour for showing up during the crisis. In a statement issued Saturday, UFCW Local 400, a union that represents thousands of workers in the region, urged Kroger to reinstate “hero pay” in addition to “Thank You Pay.”

“Kroger workers were heroes last week and they will be heroes next week,” the statement read. “As other grocery chains have acknowledged by extending their premium pay programs, our members working on the frontlines continue to get sick and be quarantined, they deserve to be compensated for putting themselves and their families at risk every day they come to work on the frontlines.” –Nathan Diller

Maryland is now expanding drive-through testing to people who have not displayed symptoms of the coronavirus. Tyrone Turner / WAMU

Maryland Expands Testing To Asymptomatic People

May 19, 4:40 p.m.: Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced Tuesday that the state “reached a critical milestone in its testing strategy” and will now be able to expand testing to those who may have been exposed to the coronavirus, but aren’t showing symptoms. The testing will be at four drive-thru facilities in the state, including in Hyattsville and Glen Burnie.

The state has tested more than 200,000 people for the coronavirus, or about 3.5% of its population, according to state health department data. Hogan’s announcement also authorized pharmacists in the state to order and administer coronavirus tests.

The move comes one day after Prince George’s County lawmakers sent a letter to Hogan, saying the governor didn’t provide adequate personal protective equipment, test kits, and other resources to the county. Prince George’s County is the hardest-hit county in the state.

In a statement, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks said on Tuesday that she appreciated the governor heard concerns from herself and the delegation and welcomed the new testing sites.

“To this point, our health department had only received 160 tests from the state, which added additional urgency to our request,” Alsobrooks said. “We will continue to need other items like PPE, contact tracers, and other resources, the state has committed to provide, which are required to meet its metrics for reopening.”

Two new drive-thru test sites are also set to open in Hyattsville and Clinton in Prince George’s County. Testing at the drive-thru sites doesn’t require an appointment or a doctor’s approval and there are no out-of-pocket costs. –Dominique Maria Bonessi

COVID-19 testing sites are being rolled out across Virginia by the state’s health department. No appointments or doctors’ referrals are needed. Governor Tom Wolf / Flickr

Free COVID-19 Testing Rolls Out Across Northern Virginia

May 19, 3:46 p.m.: The Virginia Department of Health is supporting free testing sites across the state, and patients in Manassas seized the opportunity to get tested Tuesday. More than 1,000 tests were taken by 11 a.m., according to a spokeswoman with the Prince William Health District Amanda David.

The popularity of the tests may be because no appointments or doctors’ referrals are needed. A site in Woodbridge ran out of its 1,050 tests Monday, according to David. Those tests were provided by Mako Medical Laboratories, via a contract with the VDH, she said.

Loudoun County announced free testing Wednesday in Leesburg, and more testing sites are planned next week for Fairfax County and Alexandria.

Gov. Ralph Northam (D) said Monday the tests were part of a statewide effort to tackle hot spots.

“This is one example of how the health equity group and the Department of Health are working together with the National Guard to target testing and support at-risk communities who need it the most,” he said.

Northern Virginia has seen the bulk of the state’s infections. The region’s leaders requested an exemption from the state’s easing of coronavirus restrictions, and the area remains under stay-home orders until May 29. —Daniella Cheslow

Usually, the D.C.’s small landlords are less regulated than larger entities. Ashley Brown / Flickr

D.C. Will Require Small Landlords To Provide Flexible Rent Terms

May 19, 12:31 p.m.: Small D.C. landlords will soon have to offer alternative rent payment plans to tenants facing financial hardship during the public health crisis.

D.C. Councilmembers approved a measure Tuesday that extends existing, temporary rent repayment legislation to landlords who rent fewer than five units in the District. Usually, the city’s small landlords are less regulated than larger entities; they’re exempt from rent control requirements and the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act, for example.

But Tuesday’s amendment — backed by Democratic Councilmembers Brianne Nadeau (Ward 1) and Charles Allen (Ward 6) — found an overwhelming majority of members supportive of protecting tenants struggling to pay rent, regardless of who owns their building.

The measure requires landlords to agree to alternative payment plans for tenants who can demonstrate the pandemic has made them unable to pay all or most of their rent.

Chairman Phil Mendelson spoke against the amendment, warning of unintended consequences. “If we adopt this, we don’t know what harm we’ll be causing to small landlords,” he said.

Mendelson found support from Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (D-Ward 5), chair of the council’s business and economic development committee, who urged his colleagues to slow the pace of tenant protections being legislated on an emergency basis. But they were outnumbered by the Council’s 10 remaining members.

The measure — part of the body’s latest round of temporary coronavirus legislation — can become law with or without a signature from Mayor Muriel Bowser. It will remain in effect during the city’s state of emergency and for one year afterward. —Ally Schweitzer 

Coronavirus data for Tuesday, May 19. WAMU

D.C. Releases Reopening Metric Data, Maryland Cases Jump With An Uptick In Testing

May 19, 11:53 a.m.: Another 93 people have died from the coronavirus in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, breaking a six-day decline in fatalities, but on par with last week’s tallies. That brings the toll to 3,522 fatalities. The three jurisdictions reported 2,953 new cases, 81,125 total, a jump that coincides with a surge in testing. These totals include all confirmed and probable cases and deaths linked to the coronavirus that are reported by local jurisdictions.

D.C. reported another eight deaths today (400 total) and 164 more infections (7,434 total) with 39,374 tests administered. Twelve more people have recovered for a total of 1,040. As WAMU’s Martin Austermuhle reported yesterday, among other metrics for reopening, D.C. officials need to see a 14-day decline in “community spread” of COVID-19. That benchmark is measured in a more nuanced way than simply looking at new positive tests. The reopening metric data weren’t available publicly until today; the data show a nine-day decline in community spread as of Sunday, and that D.C. has met or is making progress on the other measures.

The neighborhoods of Columbia Heights and 16th Street Heights have the highest number of cases (447 and 398 respectively), though the numbers look different when controlled for population. Ward 8 has seen the most deaths (86 people), followed by Ward 5 (63 people), Ward 7 (56 people) and Ward 4 (54 people). Ward 4 has the greatest number of cases (1,528), followed by Ward 5 (1,157 cases).

Adjusted for age, Ward 4 has the highest infection rate (1,698 cases per 100,000 people) followed by Ward 8 (1,393 cases) and Ward 7 (1,310 cases). By ethnicity, Hispanic/Latinx residents have the highest infection rate per capita at 24%. Black residents account for 47% of the positives and 77% of the deaths, though only 46% of D.C.’s population is black.

Maryland recorded 58 new fatalities today, the highest count in a week, marking 2,081 total. The state has 1,784 new known cases, 41,546 total. That jump in cases coincides with an influx of more than 7,000 new tests received; in all 208,658 tests have been administered. Another 51 people have been released from isolation, 2,868 total.

The 80+ age group has the highest number of deaths, 884 confirmed plus another 63 probable, followed by the 70-79 age band with 478 confirmed and 16 probable deaths. The age 30-39 group has the most cases, 7,617, and 24 confirmed and 3 probable deaths. A bit under half, or 995, of Maryland’s COVID-19 deaths are linked to nursing homes. This number is unchanged since last Wednesday. Montgomery County has the largest share of nursing home-related fatalities and cases, followed by Baltimore and Prince George’s counties.

Montgomery County has seen the largest overall number of deaths (465 and another 38 probable) and has reported 8,950 cases. Prince George’s County has almost as many deaths (424, with another 21 probable fatalities) and thousands more cases: 12,240.

Virginia reported 27 more deaths today (1,041 total) and 1,005 new cases (32,145 total), both a bit higher than the seven-day average. So far, 201,183 tests have been administered.

Fairfax County continues to see the most deaths (292 people) and cases (8,020). Henrico has the second-most deaths, 114, and 1,299 cases, followed by Arlington with 79 deaths and 1,688 cases and Prince William with 73 deaths and 3,934 cases.

There has been another outbreak in Virginia, defined as at least two lab-confirmed cases at one particular place. Of the 307 outbreaks, 183 are in long-term care facilities, which report 4,223 related cases. There are 1,110 known cases in correctional facilities, and five people have died. —Julie Strupp

The Chincoteague pony swim draws crowds every year. United States Coast Guard, PA2 Christopher Evanson / Flickr

Chincoteague Cancels Pony Swim, For First Time Since WWII

May 19, 8:42 a.m.: It’s an annual summer tradition on Virginia’s Eastern Shore: wild ponies on Assateague Island are herded up with their foals and driven across a narrow channel to neighboring Chincoteague, where the foals are then auctioned off. The event typically draws tens of thousands of spectators to the remote islands—but not this year.

“The foals of the pony herd will be sold by way of online auction, with a date to be determined by the Pony Committee,” wrote Alex Tucker, president of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, on Facebook. The firefighters are responsible for care of the ponies and for the annual swim and auction, which raises funds to support the fire department. “Please understand that this was not an easy decision to make, with the last pony penning being canceled over 78 years ago during the second World War,” Tucker wrote.

Assateague Island is a national wildlife refuge, and the ponies have resided there for hundreds of years, their origins shrouded in legend. They were made famous in the 1947 book, “Misty of Chincoteague,” and a 1961 film adaptation.

The firefighters decided to cancel the swim after analyzing Gov. Ralph Northam’s three phases for reopening the Commonwealth. Phase I began in most of Virginia on May 15, loosening restrictions on some businesses. But limits on public gatherings could be in place well into the summer.

This year’s swim was scheduled for July 29. —Jacob Fenston

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The county has yet to announce when pools will reopen but said people can expect new safety procedures when they do. julien haler / Flickr

Montgomery County Pools Will Not Reopen For Memorial Day Weekend

May 18, 8:03 p.m.: Pools in Montgomery County will not reopen for Memorial Day weekend, the county announced today.

While parts of Maryland have started to lift some restrictions put in place to stop the spread of COVID-19, Montgomery County remains under a stay-at-home order.

“We know that many in the community equate pool openings with the official start of the summer season, but ongoing COVID-19 restrictions make it impossible to safely open so that swimmers and employees are protected from the spread,” County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles said.

The restrictions apply to pools operated by Montgomery County Recreation, private swim clubs, and pools in apartment buildings and condo complexes.

The county’s announcement does not say when pools might reopen, but it does note that when they do, guests “can expect to see new procedures in place to ensure the safety of everyone.”

This might include limiting the number of people at the pool, closing some pool features, making sure everyone is at least six feet apart on the deck, and requiring that guests bring their own pool chairs.

As summer inches closer, leaders have grappled with how to ensure safety in outdoor areas like pools and beaches. Visitors have returned to Ocean City, and today Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced the beaches in Virginia Beach could reopen for recreation this Friday. –Hannah Schuster

Some local jurisdictions have canceled their Fourth of July fireworks celebrations. CM BEHOUNEK / Flickr

Manassas Park, Vienna Cancel July 4th Fireworks Displays

May 18, 7:39 p.m.: The city of Manassas Park has canceled its annual July 4th fireworks celebration due to the “still uncertain nature” of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While we are disappointed to cancel one of our biggest events of the year, we believe this choice is best for the safety of our residents and our community,” the city said in an announcement.

According to the announcement, the city considered numerous alternatives that could have allowed the celebration to go on, but in the end, canceled, given the reality that social distance guidelines are likely to be in effect through the summer.

It was also a financial decision, as the city had to “work quickly” to come up with an agreement with its fireworks vendor. As of now, there is no plan to reschedule the fireworks, but city officials worked out a deal with the vendor to shift costs to next year.

Other local jurisdictions have canceled Fourth of July events. The town of Vienna in Fairfax County canceled its fireworks and its Sprinklers & Sparklers event, Patch reported today.

Instead, the town plans to offer residents a “4th of July in a Box,” which will provide “everything you need to celebrate Independence Day at home with your family.” The boxes will include s’mores supplies, glow sticks, a picnic blanket, a craft activity for kids, and an “assortment of patriotic accessories and toys.”

The McLean Community Center canceled its fireworks display last week. The pandemic has led to countless event cancellations. Other summer staples, like camps, are also grappling with whether they can open this summer.

President Trump, however, has said he intends to host a repeat of last year’s “Salute to American” July 4th celebration on the National Mall, which included displays of military vehicles and flyovers. He did say attendance could be limited and that visitors will likely need to stand at least six feet apart. –Hannah Schuster

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said everyone visiting the beach must observe social distancing. Nicolas Henderson / Flickr

Virginia Beach Beaches To Reopen Friday For Memorial Day Weekend

May 18, 3:35 p.m.: Gov. Ralph Northam will reopen beaches in Virginia Beach for recreation on Friday — in time for Memorial Day weekend. Over this past weekend, crowds had set up blankets and umbrellas there, even though restrictions were still in place.

In making the announcement on Monday, Northam said everyone visiting the beach must observe social distancing.

“If people swarm the beaches and ignore social distancing rules, I will not hesitate to reinstate Phase One restrictions or even close the beaches outright,” the governor warned. “My message to Virginians is this, and it’s very simple: You must be responsible.”

He said the beach can be used for activities like swimming and sunbathing, but group sports, alcohol, tents and groups of umbrellas will not be allowed. He added that parking will be capped at 50 percent capacity, and high-touch surfaces will be disinfected periodically.

The directive applies only to Virginia Beach and First Landing State Park, which is next to Virginia Beach. Virginia’s other beaches are only open for exercise. But Northam suggested those other jurisdictions could look to this reopening plan as a model. —Hannah Schuster

Residents occupies the old DGS Delicatessen space. Min Cheng / DCist

D.C. Scraps Proposal To Expand Outdoor Dining Space

May 18, 1:41 p.m.: A provision that would have allowed D.C. eateries to expand their outdoor dining capacity has been pulled from emergency legislation that the D.C. Council will consider Tuesday.

The Council was expected to review a proposal that would allow individual restaurants and organizations such as business improvement districts to apply for free outside dining permits from the District Department of Transportation, who could siphon off nearby traffic to secure more outdoor dining space. But in the latest draft of the Coronavirus Support Emergency Amendment Act of 2020, the proposal has been withdrawn.

“There was objection to inclusion of it at this time from several sources, including the Executive, and it was noted that the ReOpenDC Advisory Committee and [Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration] are working on this issue and will have their recommendations later this month,” reads a statement from D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson’s office.

Under the proposal, permit holders could maintain the expanded space for up to a year after the District’s state of emergency ends. To obtain a permit, restaurants with an existing sidewalk cafe would need to demonstrate support for an expansion from their advisory neighborhood commission. The proposed street closure could not impose “significant public safety concerns.”

Last week, Mayor Muriel Bowser extended the city’s stay-at-home order through June 8. The D.C. Council is expected to take up a revised version of the dining proposal at its meeting on June 9. —Eliza Berkon

D.C. officials say they need an additional $755 million in federal relief funds for coronavirus response. Mark Fischer / Flickr

D.C. Got Less Than Half Of What States Got For COVID-19 Relief. City Officials Say They Need The Rest

May 18, 1:28 p.m.: D.C. has spent more than $200 million of the $495 million it received from the federal government for its coronavirus response.

During a discussion of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s revised 2020 budget and new 2021 budget, city officials said the funds have been used to pay public safety and health workers, to make grants to businesses and community organizations, to support vulnerable families, broaden IT access and support, and to cover healthcare programs such as contact tracing, testing and PPE.

Officials said the city needs an additional $755 million to combat the virus effectively and safely reopen the city. If that money were to be granted, it would bring the city’s total federal relief funding to $1.25 billion.

That is, in part, a symbolic number: each of the 50 states received at least that amount from the federal recovery package. The District, meanwhile, was categorized as a territory rather than a state and received less than half that amount despite having a larger population than two states, Vermont and Wyoming. —Mikaela Lefrak

The state says it is looking for volunteers for the program, which it will source through the Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps website. Doro Sverige/rawpixel-769305-unsplash / Flickr

Maryland Creates Volunteer Group To Aid Seniors During Pandemic

May 18, 1:05 p.m.: Maryland announced the creation of a Caregiver Service Corps, a program that will provide volunteers and help to seniors who need support during the pandemic.

The corps will “quickly deploy volunteers and other resources to the homes of seniors who need urgent assistance with everyday tasks when their typical caregiver becomes unable to help them due to COVID-19 exposure, illness, or other challenges,” according to a news release.

Home care help is increasingly scarce amid the pandemic, as both seniors and aides alike fear heightened risk for COVID-19. The Caregiver Service Corps is designed to fill in gaps that arise if regular caregivers are no longer able to assist seniors with tasks like daily hygiene, grocery or medication pick-ups, meal preparation, or help with connecting to telehealth options.

Seniors who need assistance should call 2-1-1 to reach the Caregiver Service Corps help center, which will match them with a volunteer. Phone lines will be open daily.

The state says it is looking for volunteers for the program, which it will source through the Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps website.

“We are delighted to be able to provide the Caregiver Services Corps program to give older Marylanders reassurance they have support at this time,” said Department of Aging Secretary Rona Kramer. “I would also like to urge Marylanders to volunteer to be a part of this effort. You can help your neighbors in the community who need assistance.”

Volunteers don’t need to have a medical background, and there are non-contact volunteer positions available. —Margaret Barthel

Coronavirus data for Monday, May 18.

D.C., Maryland And Virginia Report Lowest Combined Death Count In Six Days

May 18, 12:26 p.m.: Another 45 people have died from the coronavirus in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, the lowest combined number since last Tuesday’s report. That brings the toll to 3,429 fatalities.

The three jurisdictions reported another 1,907 known cases, 78,172 total. These totals include all confirmed and probable cases and deaths linked to the coronavirus that are reported by local jurisdictions.

A continually updated state-by-state testing capacity comparison from Johns Hopkins University ranks the District 9th in the country for tests per capita, while Maryland is 21st and Virginia is 44th.

D.C. reported another nine deaths today (392 total) and 147 more infections (7,270 total) with 3,782 tests administered. Five more people have recovered, a total of 1,028. Hispanic/Latinx residents have the highest infection rate per capita at 24%. Black residents account for 47% of the positives and 77% of the deaths, though only 46% of D.C.’s population is black.

The neighborhoods of Columbia Heights and 16th Street Heights have the highest number of cases (427 and 391 respectively), though the numbers look different when controlled for population. Ward 8 has seen the most deaths (84 people), followed by Ward 5 (62 people), Ward 7 (54 people) and Ward 4 (52 people). Ward 4 has the greatest number of cases (1,497), followed by Ward 5 (1,133 cases). Adjusted for age, Ward 4 has the highest infection rate (1,663 cases per 100,000 people) followed by Ward 8 (1,375 cases) and Ward 7 (1,285 cases).

Maryland recorded 31 new fatalities today, the lowest count in six days, marking 2,023 total. The state has 958 new known cases; Maryland has reported 39,762 total and administered 201,506 tests.

The 80+ age group has the highest number of deaths, 852 confirmed plus another 65 probable, followed by the 70-79 age band with 465 confirmed and 15 probable deaths. The age 30-39 group has the most cases, 7,266, and 23 confirmed and three probable deaths. Just under half, or 995, of Maryland’s COVID-19 deaths are linked to nursing homes; that figure is unchanged since Wednesday. Montgomery County has the largest share of nursing home-related fatalities and cases, followed by Baltimore and Prince George’s counties.

Montgomery County has seen the largest overall number of deaths (442 and another 38 probable) and has reported 8,417 cases. Prince George’s County has almost as many deaths (415, with another 21 probable fatalities) and thousands more cases: 11,608.

Virginia reported five more deaths today, the lowest toll in weeks, for 1,014 total coronavirus-related fatalities. The Commonwealth recorded 31,140 total cases of the virus, 802 of them new, down from the past few days. 194,677 tests have been administered.

Fairfax County continues to see the most deaths (284 people) and cases (7,843). Henrico has the second-most deaths, 113, and 1,272 cases, followed by Arlington with 77 deaths and 1,639 cases and Prince William with 70 deaths and 3,759 cases.

There have been a total of 306 outbreaks in Virginia, defined as least two lab-confirmed cases at one particular place. Of those outbreaks, 182 of them are in long-term care facilities, which report 4,154 related cases. There 1,108 known cases in correctional facilities, and five people have died. —Julie Strupp

Maryland’s state house in Annapolis. Tyrone Turner / WAMU

County Legislators Denounce Hogan’s Coronavirus Response In Prince George’s

May 18, 9:33 a.m.: Maryland lawmakers representing Prince George’s County criticized Gov. Larry Hogan’s (R) handling of the COVID-19 pandemic on Sunday.

The governor has not made good on pledges to supply personal protective equipment, testing kits and other necessary items to the county, legislators wrote in a letter to Hogan.

“We are alarmed at your Administration’s silence and lack of response to urgent requests from Prince George’s County, the hardest hit jurisdiction in the State,” wrote state Sen. Joanne Benson (D-Prince George’s County) and Del. Erek Barron (D-Prince George’s County).

Prince George’s County has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the state, and the second highest number of deaths, after Montgomery County.

Michael Ricci, Hogan’s communications director, told The Washington Post that the lawmakers’ letter “lacks credibility” and that the state has provided the county with necessary supplies. He also said the county has done more testing than any other Maryland jurisdiction.

While the state has begun a gradual reopening, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks has extended stay-at-home orders in the county through June 1. —Eliza Berkon

Arlington National Cemetery. Carlos Delgado / Wikimedia

Arlington National Cemetery Will Open Only To Family Pass Holders Memorial Day Weekend

May 18, 8:04 a.m.: Arlington National Cemetery will remain closed to the public next weekend, open only to family pass holders during a national holiday designed to honor fallen members of the U.S. military.

The cemetery has been closed to visitors since mid-March. Those with family passes must wear face coverings when they are within six feet of others, and may only visit designated gravesites.

Memorial Day events at the cemetery date back to Decoration Day in 1868, when Arlington House, the onetime home of Gen. Robert E. Lee, was draped in mourning and members of the Grand Army of the Republic adorned the gravestones of Civil War veterans with flowers.

“For 152 years, the American public has come to know Arlington National Cemetery as the place to remember those who sacrificed many times before us and those who will make the sacrifice in the future,” the Office of Army Cemeteries executive director Karen Durham-Aguilera said in a statement.

The cemetery will be hosting virtual visitation opportunities through the weekend on their website or social media channels. —Eliza Berkon

For more on how coronavirus has impacted the D.C. region, see these updates from the week of May 11-May 17.

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