Isaias, expected to strengthen from a tropical storm to a hurricane, is forecast to bring 3 to 6 inches of rain to the D.C. area from Monday night and throughout Tuesday, which may disrupt efforts to control the coronavirus pandemic.
Maryland and Washington, D.C., have already announced they would suspend testing at community-based sites for Tuesday, Aug. 4.
There are positive signs, however, that the region is slowing a surge of new infections. Seven-day averages of new daily cases are down in the D.C. area.
Still, it's proving difficult to halt spread through the community.
Over the weekend, D.C. health officials urged anyone who attended a Catholic Church on Capitol Hill to quarantine for two weeks after the church's priest tested positive for coronavirus.
FAQ: What to Know About DC's Order to Self-Quarantine After Travel to Virus Hot Spots
What the Data Shows
The number of new coronavirus cases added to official databases each day is declining.
The seven-day average of new daily cases has fallen from last week until today: In D.C. from the mid-70s to 65; in Maryland from the 900s to 895 and in Virginia from 962 from a high of 1,065.
Virginia still added a large number of new cases on Monday, finding 1,278 new COVID-19 infections.
Eight people died from coronavirus, all in Maryland. But the state is touting advances in testing.
Overall, 15.9% of Marylanders have been tested. Only 4.36% percent of tests are coming back positive, signaling that enough people are getting tested.
However, not every district is below the state's goal of a 5% positivity rate. That includes Prince George's County, with a 6.11% rate, and Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Charles County and Talbot County.
The map below shows the number of coronavirus cases diagnosed per 1,000 residents.
Coronavirus Cases in DC, Maryland and Virginia
COVID-19 cases by population in D.C. and by county in Maryland and Virginia
Source: DC, MD and VA Health Departments
Credit: Anisa Holmes / NBC Washington
Local Coronavirus Headlines
- American Airlines says a flight out of Virginia was delayed after a passenger refused to comply with its policy requiring a face mask. Read more.
- D.C. health officials are urging anyone who attended a Catholic Church on Capitol Hill to quarantine for two weeks after the church's priest tested positive for coronavirus. Read more.
- Maryland said all 24 of the state's jurisdictions met the 10% testing threshold. Read more.
- Maryland strengthened its mask rules and advised against travel to nine states. Read more.
- Prince George's County has vowed to crack down on illegal gatherings. Here's more.
- Virginia’s governor and two U.S. senators have urged President Trump to respond to the nation’s worst coronavirus outbreak that has occurred inside an immigrant detention center. Read more.
- D.C. Public Schools have opted to go all-virtual for the fall semester, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Thursday. Read more.
- There is a push for Fauquier County schools to nix the district's plan to offer some in-person classes. Read more.
- D.C. will require residents and visitors entering the city from 27 states to self-quarantine for two weeks. Read more.
Reopening Tracker
- Prince George's County is revising its phase two reopening executive order due to an uptick in coronavirus cases, according to the county executive's office.
- Virginia entered phase three reopening on July 1, loosening restrictions on restaurants, stores, gyms and pools. Northam said more restrictions could be implemented if cases continue to grow.
- Prince George's County entered full phase two on June 23, allowing the MGM Casino and gyms to reopen.
- D.C., entered phase two on June 22, allowing indoor dining, gyms, libraries and houses of worship to reopen with restrictions.
- Montgomery County entered phase two on June 19, reopening with restrictions gyms, houses of worship, indoor dining and retail.
- Maryland entered phase two of reopening on June 10, permitting indoor dining, outdoor pools and outside amusements to reopen.
How to Stay Safe
There are ways to lower your risk of catching coronavirus. Here are guidelines from the CDC:
- 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.
Sophia Barnes, Andrea Swalec and Anisa Holmes contributed to this report
