Health Officials Worry About Coronavirus Spike Amid DC Protests

WASHINGTON, D.C. – There were 56 additional cases of the new coronavirus in Washington, D.C., reported on Sunday, as the District adjusts to Phase 1 of reopening amid protests against police brutality.

This brings the total number of cases in the District to 8,857.

Two additional deaths were reported on Sunday: a 79-year-old male and an 87-year-old female, according to data released Monday afternoon. This brings to total number of coronavirus-related deaths in the District to 468.

The District currently has 73 intensive care unit beds available out of 345 total intensive care unit beds. There are currently 272 ICU patients and108 COVID-19 positive ICU patients.

Don't miss updates about the new coronavirus in Washington D.C. Get Patch news alerts.

On Sunday, it was reported that the countdown of sustained decrease in community spread of COVID-19 – the disease caused by the coronavirus – had paused while the data was under review. Based on current data, a new peak was detected as of May 29, which reset the District's Phase 1 count, according to D.C. Health. The count resets at the beginning of each new phase.

Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt, Director of the D.C. Department of Health, said she and other health officials are concerned about a spike in positive cases due to ongoing protests following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last week.

"Mass gatherings are not something we would support at this time," she said. "Whether it be a peaceful protest, or whether people are conducting activities that would be of concern to our law enforcement, individuals are still coming together in large numbers."

Nesbitt said the large gatherings are of concern because, even though many protesters are wearing face masks, health officials have warned that face coverings are not a replacement for social distancing.

The breakdown of cases in D.C. by age is as follows:

• 0-18: 411 cases
• 19-30: 1,502 cases
• 31-40: 1,691 cases
• 41-50: 1,410 cases
• 51-60: 1,431 cases
• 61-70: 1,232 cases
• 71-80: 637 cases
• 81+: 526 cases
• Unknown: 411 cases

The breakdown of cases in D.C. by ward is as follows:

• Ward 4: 1,846 cases
• Ward 5: 1,376 cases
• Ward 7: 1,296 cases
• Ward 8: 1,269 cases
• Ward 1: 1,237 cases
• Ward 6: 757 cases
• Ward 2: 514 cases
• Ward 3: 419 cases
• Unknown: 143 cases

District residents should take the following actions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used if soap and water are not available
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces