This story is no longer being updated. Go here for the latest coronavirus updates on July 9, 2020.
The U.S. has surpassed 3 million confirmed coronavirus diagnoses and the data shows that D.C., Maryland and Virginia aren't exempt from a concerning upward trend in the number of confirmed new cases.
Infections are trending upward in Maryland and Virginia. Washington, D.C., announced on Wednesday the most cases uncovered in a single day since June 10.
What the Data Shows
The 7-day moving average for new cases in Virginia and Maryland continues a slow upward trajectory, as shown by the graph above.
The rise isn't as dramatic as what was happening at the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak, but there's clearly a slight upward trend happening.
Daily hospitalizations in Virginia are also on the rise. On Wednesday, 594 patients were hospitalized for coronavirus compared to 535 last week. Hospitalizations in Maryland and D.C. have plateaued around 400 and 90, respectively.
In D.C. new cases have remained consistent at around 35 new COVID-19 diagnoses per day. But Tuesday's 73 new cases is the highest number counted in a single day since June 10.
It's unclear why. There could have been a backlog to reports after the holiday weekend. Or, it could portend a new spike in cases.
Health officials in the District also uncovered a new peak in community spread, indicating there was a temporary increase in residents infecting others. Community spread in the city has declined for three days during phase two.
Health officials have long warned that moving forward with reopening would lead to more infections and deaths. But it's too soon to tell if the Fourth of July holiday had any impact.
Prince George's, Montgomery and Fairfax counties remain in the top 50 areas with the most diagnoses in the country, according to national data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
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
- After problems in Maryland's mostly mail-in primary last month, Gov. Larry Hogan has directed all polling locations and early voting centers to open for November's election. He also directed absentee ballot request applications to be mailed for every eligible Maryland voter. Read more.
- D.C. is concerned there may be "excess deaths" not attributed to coronavirus because residents are avoiding hospitals. Read more.
- More than 5,000 Washington, D.C.-area child care centers remain closed, some of which will never reopen, according to a review of state records by the News4 I-Team. Read more.
- Some dealers at MGM National Harbor say they do not feel safe after a fellow dealer tested positive for COVID-19. Learn more.
- Novavax Inc., a biotechnology company based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, has received $1.6 billion from the federal government to develop, test and manufacture its COVID-19 vaccine candidate. Read more.
- At least 120 nursing homes and 1,000 deaths have been removed from a public list of coronavirus outbreaks in Maryland. Read more.
Reopening Tracker
- Virginia entered phase three reopening on July 1, loosening restrictions on restaurants, stores, gyms and pools.
- Prince George's County entered full phase two on June 23, allowing the MGM Casino and gyms to reopen.
- Washington, 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 the CDC guidelines.
- 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
