Health & Fitness

DC Coronavirus Update: 2 New Deaths; 31 Additional Cases

D.C. Department of Health confirmed two additional deaths due to the new coronavirus Thursday, bringing the city's total to 543.

WASHINGTON, DC — D.C. Department of Health reported two new deaths Thursday due to COVID-19, the illness associated with the coronavirus. This brings the total number of deaths in the District to COVID-19 to 543.

D.C. Health also confirmed 31 new positive cases of COVID-19, Thursday, bringing the District's total number of positive cases to 10,159.

According to D.C. Health, 86,731 COVID-19 tests have been administered in the District, 67,594 D.C. residents have been tested, and 1,182 have been cleared from isolation.

Find out what's happening in Washington DCfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The District entered phase two of reopening on Monday, lifting a number of restrictions for residents and businesses. Phase two will allow the number of people allowed at mass gatherings to increase to 50 people. Nonessential businesses, including retailers, will also be permitted to serve up to 50 customers inside their business and continue curbside service.

The District currently has 80 intensive care unit beds available out of 345 total intensive care unit beds. There are currently 206 in-use ventilators and 53 COVID-19 positive ICU patients.

Find out what's happening in Washington DCfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Globally, more than 9.4 million people have been infected by COVID-19, and over 483,000 people have died, Johns Hopkins University reported Thursday morning. In the United States, more than 2.3 million people have been infected and over 121,000 people have died from COVID-19.

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

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