coronavirus

Coronavirus in DC, Maryland, Virginia: What to Know on Dec. 27

Here's what to know about the coronavirus data, resources and reopenings across the D.C. area

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Whether and when residents of the D.C. area will see financial relief remained in limbo Sunday as President Donald Trump refused to sign an end-of-year COVID relief and spending bill after it had won sweeping approval in both houses of Congress.

Without the widespread funding provided by the massive measure, a government shutdown will occur when money runs out at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday.

Washington has been reeling since Trump turned on the deal after the White House had assured Republican leaders that Trump would support it.

Instead, he assailed the bill's plan to provide $600 COVID relief checks to most Americans — insisting it should be $2,000. House Republicans swiftly rejected that idea during a rare Christmas Eve session. But Trump has not been swayed in spite of the nation being in the grip of a pandemic.

President-elect Joe Biden called on Trump to sign the bill immediately as the midnight Saturday deadline neared for two federal programs providing unemployment aid.

Here's how Giant pharmacies are vaccinating healthcare workers in the district. News4's Derrick Ward reports.

With COVID-19 cases surging and a difficult winter expected, state and local officials as well as health care professionals are taking steps to raise awareness about getting help during a time of rising mental health concerns, particularly during the holiday season when the problem can become more acute.

Dr. David Marcozzi, a professor of emergency medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine who is a senior medical advisor for COVID-19 to Gov. Larry Hogan, heightened attention on mental health during the pandemic when he spoke about the suicide of a longtime friend during a news conference last month.

“Let's make sure we reach out,” he said, pausing as he spoke with difficulty. "Let’s make sure we support each other and talk to a professional if helpful.”

What the Data Shows

D.C reported 492 more cases of the virus in the past two days. Six more residents died, including a 30-year-old man. The D.C. Health Department flagged the city’s daily case rate as high and cautioned that more than 12% of total hospital capacity is now devoted to COVID-19 patients.

Maryland reported 1,758 more cases of the virus. Thirty-one more people died. Updated data for Virginia was not immediately available.

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Although COVID-19 treatments have improved and a vaccine is on the way, even a mild case of the virus can cause long-term complications — including the possibility of erectile dysfunction. Infectious disease expert Dr. Dena Grayson joined LX News with a warning not to let our guards down as we wait for a vaccine.

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.
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