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COVID-19

Virginia and Maryland Governors Announce Plans to Reopen Amid Continuing COVID-19 Concerns

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The governors of Virginia and Maryland have outlined plans to slowly lift restrictions on businesses in the coming weeks, while leaders in the District and suburban Maryland express caution due to rising COVID-19 cases and hospitalization rates. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has proposed a "Phase 1" reopening plan, which would allow for outdoor seating at restaurants, limited outdoor classes at fitness centers, and the resumption of some retail services, but with continued restrictions on gatherings, beaches, and indoor fitness facilities. Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has also announced plans to move towards reopening, but Prince George's County officials have stated that they are not yet ready to consider reopening.

Key Takeaways:

  • Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has announced a "Phase 1" reopening plan, which would allow for outdoor seating at restaurants, limited outdoor classes at fitness centers, and the resumption of some retail services, starting at the end of next week.
  • The plan would continue to place limits on businesses, including keeping movie theaters and indoor gyms closed, and restricting restaurants to outdoor seating with social distancing measures in place.
  • Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has also announced plans to move towards reopening, but Prince George's County officials have expressed concern, citing rising hospitalization rates and the need for increased testing capacity.
  • The District has not yet announced plans to reopen, with Mayor Muriel Bowser stating that decisions on lifting restrictions "need to be based in science and not political expediency."
  • The contrast between the governors' plans and the concerns of local leaders reflects the differing views on how to balance economic recovery with public health concerns.
  • Hair and nail salons in Virginia could operate by appointment only, with one customer per service provider, at least six feet between stations and at half the facility's licensed capacity.
  • Churches in Virginia could resume indoor services, but at 50% capacity, with social distancing measures in place.
  • Retail customers in Virginia would have to be kept at least six feet apart while shopping or standing in line, and masks would be required for employees and strongly encouraged for customers.

Statistics:

  • 256 patients in Prince George's County's five hospitals are positive for COVID-19, compared with 125 patients a month ago.
  • An average of 9 Prince George's residents die each day of COVID-19, with intensive care units at four of the five hospitals more than 70% full.
  • 5,000 tests are being conducted weekly in Prince George's County, a figure officials say is "simply inadequate" and should be closer to 15,000.
  • Prince George's County has requested 90,000 tests from the state, but has not yet received them.
  • The District has reported 119 new COVID-19-related fatalities and 2,128 new infections.
  • Maryland has reported 1,111 new cases and 57 new deaths, bringing the total number of cases and fatalities in the state to 30,485 and 1,560, respectively.
  • Virginia has reported 43 deaths and 772 new infections, bringing the total number of cases to 22,342.

Sources:

  • The Washington Post: "Virginia, Maryland move to loosen restrictions amid COVID-19 outbreak"
  • The Washington Post: "District reports record 19 new COVID-19 deaths, 5,899 total positive cases"
  • The Washington Post: "Maryland reports 1,111 new COVID-19 cases, 57 new deaths"
  • The Washington Post: "Virginia reports 43 COVID-19 deaths, 772 new infections"

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