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Arlington National Cemetery, Smithsonian museums close because of coronavirus, as regional shutdown spreads Maryland closes schools and bans gathering amid growing coronavirus shutdown
(about 1 hour later)
BREAKING: Arlington National Cemetery and the Smithsonian museums are closing to help stem spread of coronavirus. The state of Maryland closed public schools for two weeks starting Monday, and Gov. Larry Hogan imposed broad restrictions including a ban on gatherings of 250 people or more, the most aggressive steps yet in a region that has started to shut down to stop the spread of coronavirus.
The military cemetery will close to visitors starting Friday. Funerals will be conducted as scheduled, but family members should contact 1-877- 907-8585 for more information on new arrival procedures or if they would like to reschedule a funeral. The cemetery will be open to family pass holders only for visitation from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the cemetery said in a news release. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency and canceled conferences and out-of-state travel for public employees as the number of diagnosed coronavirus cases in his state, Maryland and the District hovered around 40.
The Smithsonian said the National Zoo and all museums in the Washington area and New York City will temporarily close to the public starting Saturday. Arlington National Cemetery will be closed to visitors as of Friday, with strict new rules in place for funerals, and the Smithsonian said the National Zoo and all its museums would shut down starting Saturday.
This is a developing story. It will be updated. Such changes are critical to limit how quickly the virus spreads, physicians on Hogan’s new Coronavirus Response Team said at a news conference with the governor, and to ensure hospitals are not overwhelmed.
Earlier version: “We can all fight back against this virus, and in fact, we need to,” said David Marcozzi, an associate chair at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. “The earlier that we do this, the more layers we put in place, the less this virus can be transmitted.”
The state of Maryland closed public schools for two weeks starting Monday, and Gov. Larry Hogan canceled all gatherings of 250 people or more, including at churches and sporting events.
The measures were part of a string of sweeping actions taken across the region Thursday to slow the spread of coronavirus.
Using his emergency powers, Hogan (R) curtailed hospital visits, closed senior centers, suspended prison visits and ordered state employees who can work from home to do so.
The governor also activated the National Guard, closed the cruise ship terminal at the Port of Baltimore and shut down public access to state buildings – including the State House in Annapolis.
He and other officials said they are particularly concerned that one of the 13 coronavirus cases reported in the state over the last week — a person from Prince George’s County — appears to be a “community transmission.” That means the patient is not known to have been exposed to someone else with the virus.
“For Marylanders, the actions that I have announced here today will be disruptive to your everyday lives, and they may sound extreme, and they sound frightening,” Hogan said. “But they could be the difference in saving lives and in helping keep people safe.
Live updates: See the latest news on the coronavirus hereLive updates: See the latest news on the coronavirus here
It was not immediately clear how long the restrictions would last or whether they would impact Maryland’s April 28 presidential primary. Using his emergency powers, Hogan (R) curtailed hospital visits, closed senior centers, suspended prison visits and ordered state employees who can work from home to do so. He urged private schools in Maryland to close their doors along with public schools.
State officials said they were working on plans to provide childcare for essential workers, including health care workers. Day care centers will remain open for now, but the state is considering whether they must be shuttered too, officials said. State officials said they were working on plans to provide child care for essential workers, including health care workers. Day-care centers will remain open for now, but the state is considering whether they must be shuttered too, officials said.
Hogan directed all Maryland hospitals to adopt new policies to limit the spread of COVID 19, including allowing only one adult visitor per patient and barring visitors under the age of 18 and those who recently traveled internationally. The governor also activated the National Guard, closed the cruise ship terminal at the Port of Baltimore and shut down public access to state buildings — including the State House in Annapolis.
“We are all in this together,” Hogan said. “We cannot stop the spread of this virus without each and every one of you doing our part.” “For Marylanders, the actions that I have announced here today will be disruptive to your everyday lives, and they may sound extreme, and they sound frightening,” Hogan said. “But they could be the difference in saving lives and helping keep people safe.”
Hogan said it was “impossible to know how long this threat” will last. Businesses essential to society — grocery stores, restaurants and gas stations — should stay open, he said.
“We are all in this together, and we cannot stop the spread of this virus without each and every one of you doing your part,” he said.
Maryland Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera ordered all civil and criminal jury trials in circuit courts be suspended starting Monday March 16 through April 3.
Criminal trials, county administrative judges can hold hearings during that time frame, Barbera said in a statement.
Hogan announced the state’s first three coronavirus cases March 5 and declared a state of emergency to speed the delivery of funding and other resources. Since then, eight more cases have been diagnosed — although the state’s official tally is 12, because one of those eight patients lives in Montana and has not been formally classified as a Maryland case.Hogan announced the state’s first three coronavirus cases March 5 and declared a state of emergency to speed the delivery of funding and other resources. Since then, eight more cases have been diagnosed — although the state’s official tally is 12, because one of those eight patients lives in Montana and has not been formally classified as a Maryland case.
Gov. Ralph Northam also declared a state of emergency Thursday, and canceled conferences and out-of-state travel for public employees, as the number of Virginia coronavirus cases rose to 15 . Hogan and other officials said they are particularly concerned that one of the 13 coronavirus cases reported in Maryland over the last week — a person from Prince George’s County — appears to be a “community transmission.” That means the patient is not known to have been exposed to someone else with the virus.
In the District, which has reported 11 cases, Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a state of emergency on Wednesday. In the District, which has reported 11 cases, Mayor Muriel E. Bowser had declared a state of emergency on Wednesday.
Northam (D), a pediatrician by training, said the state is developing its own coronavirus tests, and urged public schools to make their own decisions on whether to close. Loudoun County Public Schools said its schools will be closed through next week.
Northam also criticized the federal government’s response to the outbreak, saying, “it has become clear to everyone that states .... need to take a greater leadership role.”
“We have new cases in Virginia just since I spoke to you all yesterday. And quite frankly, we’re getting mixed messages from the federal government,” said Northam, who did not elaborate. “We find that unacceptable, so I’m taking the lead on this.”
Coronavirus in the DMV: What you need to knowCoronavirus in the DMV: What you need to know
President Trump has charged Vice President Mike Pence with overseeing the administration’s response, but the effort has been undermined by contradictions and falsehoods — many of them coming from the president himself. Last week, Trump repeatedly spread false information about just how soon a coronavirus vaccine would be available. Northam (D), a pediatrician by training, said Virginia is developing its own coronavirus tests, and urged public schools to make their own decisions on whether to cancel classes. Loudoun County Public Schools will be closed through next week.
In the nation’s capital, a growing sense of urgency took hold, as officials urged the public to take all possible precautions to limit the virus’s spread. As he announced several newly diagnosed cases, Northam criticized the federal government’s response to the outbreak, saying, “it has become clear to everyone that states … need to take a greater leadership role.”
Tours of the White House and the Capitol Visitor Center were canceled until further notice, and restrictions were put in place in the House and Senate office buildings. “We have new cases in Virginia just since I spoke to you all yesterday. And quite frankly, we’re getting mixed messages from the federal government,” the governor said. “We find that unacceptable, so I’m taking the lead on this.”
On Capitol Hill, officials said access to the U.S. Capitol, as well as House and Senate office buildings, will be shut off to tourists until April 1. Only staff members, the news media and those conducting official business will be able to enter. He did not elaborate on his criticism of the federal government.
In the nation’s capital, a growing sense of urgency took hold. Tours of the White House and the Capitol Visitor Center were canceled until further notice, and officials said access to the U.S. Capitol, as well as House and Senate office buildings, will be shut off to tourists until April 1. Only staff members, the news media and those conducting official business will be able to enter.
“We are taking this temporary action out of concern for the health and safety of congressional employees as well as the public,” House Sergeant-at-Arms Paul D. Irving and Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Michael C. Stenger said in a statement. “We appreciate the understanding of those with planned visits interrupted by this necessary, but prudent, decision.”“We are taking this temporary action out of concern for the health and safety of congressional employees as well as the public,” House Sergeant-at-Arms Paul D. Irving and Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Michael C. Stenger said in a statement. “We appreciate the understanding of those with planned visits interrupted by this necessary, but prudent, decision.”
Rail ridership dropped by 100,000 trips Wednesday compared with last week as companies encouraged telework, Metro board members were told Thursday.Rail ridership dropped by 100,000 trips Wednesday compared with last week as companies encouraged telework, Metro board members were told Thursday.
The possibility of fewer passengers has the transit agency preparing to scale back service. Metro officials said Thursday they want to maintain full subway and bus service as long as possible but are preparing for the possibility that they would need to decrease service if too many employees call in sick or work from home.The possibility of fewer passengers has the transit agency preparing to scale back service. Metro officials said Thursday they want to maintain full subway and bus service as long as possible but are preparing for the possibility that they would need to decrease service if too many employees call in sick or work from home.
Sign up for The Washington Post’s coronavirus newsletter A growing list of churches, synagogues, entertainment venues, museums and conference centers have said they would curtail operations or shut down for days.
A growing list of churches, entertainment venues, museums and conference centers have said they would curtail operations or shut down for days. The Smithsonian Institution said it is canceling public events and tours through May 3, although its museums and the National Zoo will stay open.
Arlington’s transit agency is deep-cleaning and sanitizing its buses daily, while libraries have removed “high-touch” items like shared toys.Arlington’s transit agency is deep-cleaning and sanitizing its buses daily, while libraries have removed “high-touch” items like shared toys.
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In Maryland, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) said the county was entering a “new phase” in its response because of the resident who appears to have contracted the disease without any known travel history or contact with a known patient.In Maryland, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) said the county was entering a “new phase” in its response because of the resident who appears to have contracted the disease without any known travel history or contact with a known patient.
“We are concerned. We cannot trace at this moment where he was exposed,” Alsobrooks said. “We are concerned. We cannot trace at this moment where he was exposed,” Alsobrooks said. “This means we’re in a different stage.
The man, who is in his 60s, is hospitalized in “critical but stable” condition, said Alsobrooks spokesman John Erzen. In the days leading up to his diagnosis, he largely stayed at home, Alsobrooks said. The man came into contact with 12 firefighters over three occasions, including when he was transported to the hospital, officials said.The man, who is in his 60s, is hospitalized in “critical but stable” condition, said Alsobrooks spokesman John Erzen. In the days leading up to his diagnosis, he largely stayed at home, Alsobrooks said. The man came into contact with 12 firefighters over three occasions, including when he was transported to the hospital, officials said.
In Seattle, epicenter of U.S. outbreak: ‘It’s a very helpless feeling’ Virginia officials told House lawmakers in Richmond afternoon of five new cases in the state.
Virginia officials told House lawmakers in Richmond Thursday of five new cases in the state. Two of the cases are Fairfax County residents — one in his 60s, the other in his 20s — who had close contact with a woman who tested positive for the virus in North Carolina on March 9. Both men are in isolation at home, officials said. Two of the cases are Fairfax County residents — one in his 60s, the other in his 20s — who had close contact with a woman who tested positive for the virus in North Carolina on March 9. Both men are in isolation at home, officials said.
A third person is from Arlington County and is associated with Christ Church in Georgetown, the house of worship where the rector, the organist and a parishioner from Loudoun County have contracted covid-19.A third person is from Arlington County and is associated with Christ Church in Georgetown, the house of worship where the rector, the organist and a parishioner from Loudoun County have contracted covid-19.
This person was already quarantined at home when they developed symptoms, and is in good condition, officials said. D.C. officials advised hundreds of people who were at the church on specific dates in late February and early March to stay home and monitor their health for a 14-day incubation perion. This person was already quarantined at home when they developed symptoms, and is in good condition, officials said. D.C. officials advised hundreds of people who were at the church on specific dates in late February and early March to stay home and monitor their health for a 14-day incubation period.
No details were given about the other two Virginia cases reported Thursday. No details were initially given about the other two Virginia cases reported Thursday.
Northam’s declaration has triggered Virginia’s anti-price gouging statutes, which are designed to protect consumers from paying exorbitant prices for necessary goods and services during an emergency, Attorney General Mark Herring (D) said. Late in the afternoon, the Virginia Department of Health said a person in Loudoun County and a resident of Harrisonburg in their 60s had both been diagnosed with the virus. Two residents of the Newport News area also tested positive — they are believed to have acquired the virus during international travels, the health department said.
“Virginia law offers protections for folks who find themselves in need of things like medicines, cleaning products, hand sanitizers and other necessities during a public health crisis,” Herring (D) said in a statement. The total number of cases diagnosed in the state was not immediately clear.
He said anyone witnessing price-gouging should report it to the attorney general’s office. Meanwhile, Montgomery County Health Travis Gayles said the three people who were first reported to have Covid-19 in the Washington region have recovered fully.
The D.C. attorney general’s office also said Thursday that residents should report price-gouging and be wary of scams, including charities purporting to collect money for coronavirus victims. The three individuals — a couple in their 70s and an unrelated woman in her 50s — had all traveled on cruises along the Nile River in Egypt that have been linked to multiple cases of the virus. They each recently tested negative for the virus and have been released from quarantine, officials said.
District law prevents overcharging for similar goods or services that were sold in the 90 days before the mayor’s emergency declaration. But Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said the state’s most populous county still has patients ill with the virus, and will remain vigilant and comply with the new state restrictions.
Those who work in the District should also know their right to paid sick leave, the attorney general’s office said, as the city’s Sick and Safe Leave Act requires most employers to offer such benefits. “We do expect the number of cases to increase,” Elrich said.
Vozzella reported from Richmond. Paul Duggan, Fritz Hahn, Patricia Sullivan, Marissa J. Lang, Luz Lazo, Antonio Olivo, Ovetta Wiggins and Rebecca Tan contributed to this report. Elrich criticized the federal government for not providing greater resources and said the county is facing a “major problem” with the lack of test kits.
In both Virginia and the District, attorneys general issued warnings against price gouging and scams following the emergency delcartations in their jurisdictions, and urged residents to report suspected wrongdoing.
In Maryland, Hogan tried to reassure residents.
“We will get through this together,” he said.
Vozzella reported from Richmond. Paul Duggan, Patricia Sullivan, Justin Wm. Moyer, Antonio Olivo, Ovetta Wiggins and Rebecca Tan contributed to this report.
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