Gradual Reopening Begins in Maryland and Virginia as Nation's Capital Remains Shut Down

Strategic Insights -

The nation's capital, Washington D.C., will extend its stay-at-home order and closure of nonessential businesses through June 8, while parts of Maryland and Virginia begin a gradual reopening this weekend. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced that the state will move from a stay-home order to a "safer-at-home" advisory, allowing barbershops and hair salons to reopen by appointment only, and nonessential stores and houses of worship to operate at 50 percent capacity with distancing restrictions. However, leaders of Prince George's and Montgomery County, two of the state's most populous jurisdictions, plan to stay closed for now. In contrast, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam is expected to allow the rest of the state to resume indoor worship services, outdoor dining, and shopping at nonessential stores, with strict cleaning and social distancing requirements.

Key Takeaways:

  • Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced a "safer-at-home" advisory, allowing barbershops and hair salons to reopen by appointment only and nonessential stores and houses of worship to operate at 50 percent capacity with distancing restrictions.
  • Leaders of Prince George's and Montgomery County, two of Maryland's most populous jurisdictions, plan to stay closed for now.
  • Virginia Governor Ralph Northam is expected to allow the rest of the state to resume indoor worship services, outdoor dining, and shopping at nonessential stores, with strict cleaning and social distancing requirements.
  • The nation's capital, Washington D.C., will extend its stay-at-home order and closure of nonessential businesses through June 8.
  • The city has seen four days of declining community transmission, but officials want to see that decline continue for two weeks before reopening.
  • Half of the 372 fatalities reported by the state since last Wednesday involved residents or staff at long-term care facilities.
  • The covid-19 death toll in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia passed 3,000 on Wednesday after government health departments reported 103 new fatalities.
  • Known infections in Prince George's passed 10,000, the most of any jurisdiction in the greater Washington area.
  • Maryland also reported that the number of covid-19-related deaths among residents and employees at nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, and group homes has risen to 995.

Statistics:

  • 103 new fatalities reported on Wednesday, bringing the total to 3,000 in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
  • 372 fatalities reported by the state since last Wednesday, with half involving residents or staff at long-term care facilities.
  • 995 covid-19-related deaths among residents and employees at nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, and group homes in Maryland.
  • 10,000 known infections in Prince George's, the most of any jurisdiction in the greater Washington area.
  • 50% capacity allowed for nonessential stores and houses of worship in Maryland.
  • 14-day supply level of protective equipment currently lacking in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

Sources:

  • "Maryland and Virginia to ease shutdowns as D.C. extends stay-at-home order" by Fenit Nirappil, Erin Cox, and Ovetta Wiggins
  • The Washington Post
  • Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser
  • Maryland Governor Larry Hogan
  • Virginia Governor Ralph Northam
  • The Washington Post analysis
  • Government health departments reports
  • The Washington Post contributed reporting by John D. Harden, Emily Davies, Fredrick Kunkle, Rebecca Tan, Laura Vozzella, Gregory S. Schneider, and Julie Zauzmer.