coronavirus

DC Reopening Faces Setback After Data Reveals New Coronavirus Case Peak

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D.C. was on track this weekend to meet the required 14 straight days of declining coronavirus cases for reopening, but a newly discovered spike in cases sent the city back to 11 consecutive days of decline, according to city health officials.

In a phone call with reporters on Sunday, Director of the D.C. Department of Health Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt said data revealed a new peak in cases.

The countdown of sustained decrease in community spread was paused Saturday while the data was under review and a peak was detected, resetting the count to 11 days of decline, Nesbitt said. D.C. had originally marked 11 straight days of decline on Thursday.

(Credit: DC Health Department)

Mayor Muriel Bowser and health officials have said they must see 14 days of declined community spread to lift the stay-at-home order, in addition to hitting other goals. The stay-at-home order is not set to expire until June 8.

Bowser said Thursday the start of a phased reopening appeared possible on May 29. D.C. could still meet that target, Bowser said on News4 Midday. On Monday, Bowser said D.C. was "back on track" with declining numbers. By Wednesday, she'll be able to make an updated announcement on what to expect.

There were 144 new cases and five more deaths on Saturday. There are 8,110 total cases in DC and 432 deaths, as of Sunday.

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