What the Data Shows
The number of new COVID-19 cases diagnosed daily in D.C., Maryland and Virginia has markedly improved in the past week, indicating a shift in the fight against the virus.
The seven-day average of new cases, which shows the mean number of COVID-19 diagnoses in each of the past seven days, has been trending downward since mid-April.
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The data is now clearly showing that Maryland is turning around its case surge. The state’s weekly case average is at 987, down from 1,287 one week ago.
First doses of vaccines have been administered to 42% of Maryland residents and nearly 3% have gotten the single-dose shot. However, disparities persist between counties. Montgomery County reports 48% of residents have at least one dose; in Prince George’s, it’s about 34%.
D.C.’s weekly case average has fallen to 86, compared to 120 a week ago. The District counted 93 more cases on Tuesday, and one person died.
One-third of D.C. residents are partially or fully vaccinated, and one in five residents is fully vaccinated, as of Friday’s data.
Virginia had not updated its daily COVID-19 case data before this article was prepared.
Virginia says 43% of residents have been vaccinated with at least one dose and 29% are fully vaccinated.
Hospitalizations have also fallen in D.C., Maryland and Virginia over the past week.
Local Coronavirus Headlines
- Residents of Arlington County and the city of Alexandria who are age 16 and older may now make vaccine appointments directly, without pre-registering first. Those ages 16-17 should look for appointment dates where the Pfizer vaccine is offered, officials said.
- D.C. will loosen COVID-19 restrictions starting Saturday, May 1, use walk-up vaccination sites and discontinue use of its vaccine preregistration system, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Monday. District residents and workers will be able to go to 11 high-capacity vaccination sites without needing an appointment for their first dose.
- In an official opinion issued Monday, Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring concluded that Virginia colleges and universities have the authority to require COVID-19 vaccinations for students.
- Maryland and Virginia health officials told providers to resume their use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine after federal agencies lifted a pause on the vaccine.
- The National Zoo and seven other Smithsonian facilities in the D.C. area are set to reopen in May. Here's how to plan your visit.
- Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced last week that he would further loosen coronavirus-related restrictions on businesses and social gatherings in mid-May. Here's what to know.
- As the District continues to vaccinate its residents, DC Health is aiming to reach Asian Americans through its Faith in Vaccine program.
- A Maryland biotech company developed a test to help predict how sick you may get from COVID-19. The company is awaiting FDA emergency use approval.
- Virginia has a new mass vaccination site at Tysons Corner Center. Here's how to look for an appointment to get your shot there.
- Some mass vaccination sites in Maryland are offering a limited number of walk-up shots every day, no appointment needed.
- A mass vaccination site is open at the Greenbelt Metro station in Prince George’s County. It offers shots to anyone, not just Maryland residents. Go online here to create an account.
- NBC News is making finding information on when, how and where to obtain your coronavirus vaccination easier with its Plan Your Vaccine website.
Key Charts and Graphs
The vaccinated population in D.C. may be overestimated in this map because some non-residents who work in D.C. are included in the totals.
Vaccination Portals by County
As vaccinations in our region ramp up, here's a look at local portals residents can use to sign up for vaccination appointments or sign up to receive alerts.
- Washington, D.C. signups – vaccinate.dc.gov
- Maryland signups – www.marylandvax.org/ and covidvax.maryland.gov
- Virginia pre-registration – https://vaccinate.virginia.gov/preregister.html
- Montgomery County – www.montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/vaccine/
- Prince George's County – www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/3730/COVID-19-Vaccination
- Howard County – www.howardcountymd.gov/Departments/Health/MM-Alerts-and-Recalls/COVID-19-Vaccine
- Anne Arundel County – aacounty.org/covidvax
- Fairfax County – www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/novel-coronavirus/vaccine
- City of Alexandria – www.alexandriava.gov/health/info/default.aspx?id=119270
- Loudoun County – www.loudoun.gov/covid19vaccine
- Prince William County – coronavirus.pwcgov.org/vaccine-information/ & VDH
How to Stay Safe
Anyone can get COVID-19. Here are three simple ways the CDC says you can lower your risk:
- Wear a snug-fitting mask that covers your nose and mouth.
- Avoid being indoors with people who are not members of your household. The more people you are in contact with, the more likely you are to be exposed to COVID-19. If you are indoors with people you don’t live with, stay at least six feet apart and keep your mask on.
- Wash your hands often, especially after you have been in a public place.
