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D.C. declares state of emergency as officials say ‘non-essential mass gatherings’ should be canceled or postponed D.C. declares state of emergency as officials say ‘non-essential mass gatherings’ should be canceled or postponed
(32 minutes later)
BREAKING: D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) announced six new coronavirus cases in the District on Wednesday and declared a state of emergency in the nation’s capital, giving her the power to order mandatory medical quarantines and to make price gouging illegal. D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) announced six new coronavirus cases in the District on Wednesday and declared a state of emergency in the nation’s capital, giving her the power to order mandatory medical quarantines and to make price gouging illegal.
Bowser’s declaration came hours after the city urged the cancellations of all “mass gatherings” through the end of March and expanded a self-quarantine request for people who visited a church where two staff members and a parishioner have tested positive. Bowser’s declaration came hours after the city urged the cancellation of all “mass gatherings” through the end of March and expanded a self-quarantine request for people who visited a church where two staff members and a parishioner have tested positive for covid-19, the disease caused by the virus.
Bowser has said the city has leased a private facility that can be used to quarantine up to 50 people. She declined to release the location. “We have person-to-person transmission occurring in the District of Columbia as well as at least two individuals whose reasons for covid-19 have yet to be identified,” said D.C. Health director LaQuandra Nesbitt.
This is a developing story. It will be updated. Organizations across the region — from churches to professional sports teams — were scrambling to decide how to react to the threat posed by the virus.
D.C. Health Department officials are recommending that “non-essential mass gatherings, including conferences and conventions,” be postponed or canceled in the nation’s capital. Episcopal leaders said hundreds of churches in the District, Maryland and Virginia — including the National Cathedral — would be closed for the next two weeks. Officials with the Cherry Blossom Festival, which starts in late March said they would cancel some events, including the welcome area on the Tidal Basin and the kite festival. The opening ceremony may be livestreamed instead of having a crowd at the Warner Theatre.
The recommendation — which could affect gatherings from worship services to concerts and festivals to professional sporting events — is in effect through March 31. But Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Washington Wizards and the Washington Capitals, said their games will go on as scheduled at Capitol One Arena. The organization said it has consulted with the National Basketball Association and the National Hockey League, and would continue to assess options as the situation develops.
“Mass gatherings are defined as events where 1,000 or more people congregate in a specific location,” the city said Wednesday in a health advisory. Bowser’s emergency declaration, which came later in the day, means she would have the power to close the arena to spectators if she deems it necessary.
“We also recommend that any social, cultural, or entertainment events where large crowds are anticipated be reconsidered by the organizer.”
The announcement came as organizations across the region — from churches to professional sports teams — were scrambling to decide how to react to the threat posed by the virus.
Episcopal leaders said hundreds of churches in the District, Maryland and Virginia — including the National Cathedral — would be closed for the next two weeks. Officials with the Cherry Blossom Festival said they would cancel some events, including the welcome area on the Tidal Basin, opening ceremony and kite festival. The opening ceremony may be livestreamed instead of having a crowd at the Warner Theatre.
But Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Washington Wizards and the Washington Capitals, said their games will go on as scheduled at Capitol One Arena. The organization said it has consulted with the National Basketball Association and the National Hiockey League, and would continue to assess options as the situation develops.
Live updates: See the latest news on the coronavirus hereLive updates: See the latest news on the coronavirus here
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam reported a 9th coronavirus victim in that state Wednesday morning, bringing the number of people testing positive for covid-19 in the District, Maryland and Virginia to 23. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam reported a 9th coronavirus victim in that state Wednesday, and Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) said a Montana resident in her 70s tested positive while visiting Anne Arundel County. The woman had close contact with someone else who had the virus, officials said.
In addition, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced Wednesday afternoon that a Montana resident in her 70s tested positive while visiting Anne Arundel County, after having close contact with confirmed case. Nearly 30 people in the District, Maryland and Virginia so far have been diagnosed with the virus.
Most of the cases reported in the District, Maryland and Virginia so far have been contracted overseas. Shortly after Bowser declared the emergency declaration, IMP Concerts said all events scheduled for the 9:30 Club, the Lincoln Theatre and The Anthem, as well as shows the 9:30 Club Presents at U Street Music Hall, would be canceled starting March 12, regardless of the size of the gathering. Shows will resume April 1.
Also Wednesday, organizers announced the District’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which was to be held Sunday, would be postponed because of concerns about the virus. “Patrons who have tickets for tonight’s shows can choose to attend as planned -- or if they prefer not to attend, they can contact us for a refund,” the company said in a statement.
“This decision was not made lightly and was done out of caution to ensure the safety and health of the thousands of attendees from the Washington area that attend the parade every year,” said a message posted to the group’s website. The District’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which was to be held Sunday, was postponed indefinitely. And the Walter E. Washington Convention Center suspended its operations through the end of the month.
Among major events that bring thousands of visitors to the nation’s capital are the National Cherry Blossom festival, which starts March 20; the annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon on March 28, which attracts as many as 25,000 runners and thousands more spectators; numerous performances at the Kennedy Center and the Anthem and professional sporting events. Greg O’Dell, the leader of Events D.C., the city’s tourism arm, said events impacted by the closure include three Capital City go-go basketball games, a circus and the finish line and expo associated with the Rock n’ Roll marathon on March 28, which attracts as many as 25,000 runners and thousands more spectators.
Opening Day for the World Series champion Washington Nationals is not until April 2, a few days after the time frame specified by D.C. officials, but the team has an exhibition game scheduled for Nats Park on March 24.Opening Day for the World Series champion Washington Nationals is not until April 2, a few days after the time frame specified by D.C. officials, but the team has an exhibition game scheduled for Nats Park on March 24.
O’Dell said it was too early to tell how much revenue the city would lose and that officials are trying to reschedule some events.
Coronavirus in the DMV: What you need to know
Events D.C. said officials have learned of two more people who have tested positive for the virus who attended this month’s American Israel Public Affairs Committee policy conference at the convention center. The new cases involve people from Ohio and Toronto. There are also three previously reported patients who came to the 18,000-person conference from New York and Los Angeles.
Officials still believe there was a low risk of exposure for people who attended the AIPAC conference in the convention center, O’Dell said, because the attendees who tested positive did not show symptoms during the conference. Indoor venues managed by Events D.C. — including the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, which hosted AIPAC; the D.C. Armory, and the R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center — will undergo a deep cleaning.
“We just wanted to act out of an abundance of caution right now,” O’Dell said. “We want to make sure we take time to clean our facilities again. Now we have an opportunity to do so and provide our employees an opportunity to telework, we thought it was the good and right thing to do”
City health officials have expanded a self-quarantine recommendation for people who visited a church at the center of three confirmed coronavirus cases, and D.C. Public Schools said it would close Monday to give teachers a chance to prepare for distance learning for students. The school system shifted a teacher training day from March 20 to March 16 to do the preparations as quickly as possible.City health officials have expanded a self-quarantine recommendation for people who visited a church at the center of three confirmed coronavirus cases, and D.C. Public Schools said it would close Monday to give teachers a chance to prepare for distance learning for students. The school system shifted a teacher training day from March 20 to March 16 to do the preparations as quickly as possible.
Northam (D) said the latest Virginia case was a person in the Chickahominy Health District, in the area of Hanover County. Officials said the person had traveled to a country that was experiencing an outbreak.
In the District, three cases have been reported that are connected to Christ Church, a historic Episcopal congregation. Rev. Timothy Cole, 59, the church rector, was diagnosed with the virus, as was the church organist and a member from Loudoun County.In the District, three cases have been reported that are connected to Christ Church, a historic Episcopal congregation. Rev. Timothy Cole, 59, the church rector, was diagnosed with the virus, as was the church organist and a member from Loudoun County.
Before he got sick, Cole attended an Episcopal leaders conference in Louisville, Ken.; as of Wednesday two other attendees at the conference have tested positive, organizers said Wednesday. Before he got sick, Cole attended an Episcopal leaders conference in Louisville, Ken.; as of Wednesday two other attendees at the conference also had tested positive, organizers said.
Christ Church emailed parishioners Wednesday to tell them that D.C. health officials have expanded the self-quarantine recommendation announced Monday, to account for days the organist was there.Christ Church emailed parishioners Wednesday to tell them that D.C. health officials have expanded the self-quarantine recommendation announced Monday, to account for days the organist was there.
In addition to people who were at the church on Feb. 24 or between Feb. 28 and March 3, those who were there from March 4-6 should also self quarantine, the email said. The email said the organist played at a funeral on March 6 and those who attended that service are also being alerted.In addition to people who were at the church on Feb. 24 or between Feb. 28 and March 3, those who were there from March 4-6 should also self quarantine, the email said. The email said the organist played at a funeral on March 6 and those who attended that service are also being alerted.
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City officials want people to isolate at home and monitor themselves for symptoms until two weeks have passed since their last time at the church.City officials want people to isolate at home and monitor themselves for symptoms until two weeks have passed since their last time at the church.
Cole is hospitalized and in stable condition and the church organist is at home and said to be in “good spirits” with some mild symptoms, according to officials at the church.
The city’s health department said there is still “no widespread community transmission” of the virus, according to a message from D.C. public schools Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee.
Coronavirus in the DMV: What you need to know
Officials in the D.C. region have said those who are sick should stay at home and health experts are reminding people to wash their hands thoroughly and regularly. Those with compromised immune systems are also advised to take precautions. And anyone who develops a fever, cough or shortness of breath is advised to see a doctor and get tested.Officials in the D.C. region have said those who are sick should stay at home and health experts are reminding people to wash their hands thoroughly and regularly. Those with compromised immune systems are also advised to take precautions. And anyone who develops a fever, cough or shortness of breath is advised to see a doctor and get tested.
Several colleges in the D.C. region are temporarily stopping in-person classes to try to stop the fast-spreading virus. In Virginia, Fairfax County Public Schools are preparing to have students do distance learning for the coming weeks.Several colleges in the D.C. region are temporarily stopping in-person classes to try to stop the fast-spreading virus. In Virginia, Fairfax County Public Schools are preparing to have students do distance learning for the coming weeks.
The federal government, the country's largest employer and the largest employer in the D.C. region, has told people to be prepared to work remotely full time.The federal government, the country's largest employer and the largest employer in the D.C. region, has told people to be prepared to work remotely full time.
Maryland businesses will have an automatic extension on state tax filings, until June 1, state Comptroller Peter Franchot said. The federal Internal Revenue Service deadline of April 15 for income and corporate taxes remains unchanged.Maryland businesses will have an automatic extension on state tax filings, until June 1, state Comptroller Peter Franchot said. The federal Internal Revenue Service deadline of April 15 for income and corporate taxes remains unchanged.
The new positive case in the Hanover area is an older teen male who visited a country where there is “ongoing transmission” of the virus, said Caitlin Hodge, a spokeswoman with the Chickahominy Health District in Virginia. The new positive case in Virginia is a male teenager in the Chickahominy Health District, in the area of Hanover County. He visited a country where there is “ongoing transmission” of the virus, said Caitlin Hodge, a spokeswoman with the Chickahominy Health District in Virginia.
The teen, who does not attend school, returned from his trip on March 4, started having symptoms on March 8, and tested positive, Hodge said.The teen, who does not attend school, returned from his trip on March 4, started having symptoms on March 8, and tested positive, Hodge said.
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The Montana woman who tested positive in Maryland will not be classified as a Maryland case, Hogan said, but the state and Anne Arundel county officials will investigate whether people she came in contact with in Maryland could be at risk. The woman is currently hospitalized.The Montana woman who tested positive in Maryland will not be classified as a Maryland case, Hogan said, but the state and Anne Arundel county officials will investigate whether people she came in contact with in Maryland could be at risk. The woman is currently hospitalized.
Events DC, the District’s tourism arm, said Wednesday that officials learned of two more people who have tested positive who attended this month’s American Israel Public Affairs Committee policy conference in Washingtone. The new cases involve people from Ohio and Toronto. There are also three previously reported patients who came to the 18,000-person conference from New York and Los Angeles.
Indoor venues managed by Events DC — including the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, which hosted AIPAC; the DC Armory, and the R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center — will undergo a deep cleaning, officials said.
At a news conference Wednesday, Northam said steps were being taken in several agencies including schools, transportation and health to make sure the commonwealth is prepared to deal with the virus. He has not yet declared a state of emergency but said he is “prepared to do so.”At a news conference Wednesday, Northam said steps were being taken in several agencies including schools, transportation and health to make sure the commonwealth is prepared to deal with the virus. He has not yet declared a state of emergency but said he is “prepared to do so.”
Virginia officials said the state’s public lab has testing supplies for 300 to 400 patients, and they anticipate soon receiving additional tests to increase that capacity to 600.
Until testing capacity increases, health department officials will give priority to people who have had contact with others with confirmed cases, who have traveled to impacted areas and who live in nursing homes. They said that anyone who has a fever, cough or difficulty breathing to call their doctor ahead of time rather than just showing up at the office to prevent the possible spread of infection. Private labs do not have to follow that criteria.
Dr. Daniel Carey, Virginia’s secretary of Health and Human Resources, said that given the limited number of tests available, it makes sense for doctors to first test patients for flu, pneumonia or bacterial infections to rule those things out.
He said there are enough tests available for anyone who meets the criteria for testing -- meaning they have traveled to a hot spot, had contact with a confirmed case or lives in a nursing home.
“Who we test will change as the availably of testing increases,” Carey said.
Vozzella reported from Richmond. Erin Cox, Luz Lazo, Justin Wm. Moyer and Fenit Nirappil contributed to this report.Vozzella reported from Richmond. Erin Cox, Luz Lazo, Justin Wm. Moyer and Fenit Nirappil contributed to this report.