DC Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

WASHINGTON, DC — Developments in the new coronavirus outbreak continue to unfold rapidly in Washington, D.C.. Patch will be running regular updates as more information is released.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a stay-at-home order on March 30 for all District residents, as the latest step to stem the spread of the new coronavirus. Individuals who violate Bowser's stay-at-home order may be guilty of a misdemeanor and, if convicted, may be subject to a fine not exceeding $5,000, imprisonment for up to 90 days, or both.The stay-at-home order goes into effect on Wednesday, April 1, at 12:01 a.m. Read More: Coronavirus: DC Mayor Orders District Residents To Stay Home

The D.C. Department of Health will be opening a coronavirus testing site for the city's public safety personnel, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced at a March 30 press briefing. The site would test members of the Metropolitan Police Department, D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services and the D.C. Department of Corrections. Read More: DC Health To Open Walk-Up Coronavirus Testing Facilities

The D.C. Department of Health confirmed Sunday, March 29 four additional deaths due to the new coronavirus, which brings the total to nine deaths caused by the virus. The individuals have been identified as a 39-year-old male, a 65-year-old male, a 68-year-old male, and a 73-year-old male. In addition, D.C. Health reported Saturday that a 55-year-old male had died at home. Read More: 4 New Coronavirus-Related Deaths Reported In DC

The U.S. Capitol Complex in Washington, D.C., will remain closed through the month of April, according to a joint statement from officials representing both houses of Congress. The decision was made in response to concerns over the new coronavirus. Read More: US Capitol Complex Closed Through April Due To Coronavirus

President Donald Trump on Sunday, March 29 approved a request by Mayor Muriel Bowser to declare a major disaster in the District of Columbia. Trump's disaster declaration will free up some federal resources to fight the District's growing coronavirus outbreak. Read More: DC Coronavirus: Trump Declares Disaster In District

The Metropolitan Police Department is warning the public to beware of scams related to the new coronavirus. Police say that scammers are taking advantage of the current public health crisis and targeting District residents in a number of ways. Read More: DC Police Warn Public To Beware Of Coronavirus Scams

A staff member of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser who recently tested positive for the new coronavirus died March 27, from the virus. Bowser made the announcement during a Friday morning briefing on the city's coronavirus response. Read More: Bowser Staff Member Dies From Coronavirus: Updated

A third member of the Metropolitan Police Department has tested positive for the new coronavirus on Thursday, March 26. The news comes as the D.C. Department of Health confirms 36 new positive cases of the virus, bringing the overall number of positive cases in the District to 267. Read More: New Data: 3rd DC Police Officer Tests Positive For Coronavirus

Amid a growing coronavirus pandemic, Metro has shut down 19 of its 91 rail stations indefinitely to limit employees' exposure to the disease and to conserve cleaning supplies. The closures include the Gallery Place-Chinatown, East Falls Church, and Arlington Cemetery stations. Click here for the full list. Read More: Metro Cuts Weekend Service Amid Coronavirus Crisis: What To Know

Carine's Bridal Atelier, located at 1623 Wisconsin Ave., is sewing and delivering face masks to health care workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus battle. But to keep that momentum going, Carine's Bridal has created a GoFundMe page and is asking the community for help. Read More: Georgetown Bridal Boutique Sews Masks For Hospital Staff

The D.C. Department of Health confirmed the third death of a District resident Wednesday night due to the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. D.C. Health reported 48 new positive cases, bringing the total number of positive coronavirus cases in the District to 231. Read More: 3rd Coronavirus Death Confirmed; Positive Cases In DC Top 230

Josh Kramer, a freelance cartoonist from Washington, D.C., is presenting drawing tutorials for those stuck at home due to the coronavirus. He started hosting drawing tutorials for kids and adults via Facebook Live, focusing on subjects kids love the most: trucks, dinosaurs and Pokémon. Read More: DC Cartoonist Offers Needed Distraction For Coronavirus Shut-Ins

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser ordered all non-essential businesses in the District to temporarily close all on-site operations in order to mitigate the spread of the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. Bowser also prohibited gatherings of more than 10 people. Read More:All Non-Essential DC Businesses Ordered To Close Over Coronavirus

The D.C. Department of Health confirmed 46 new positive cases of the new coronavirus Tuesday night, bringing the total to 183 positive cases in the District. Read More: Positive Coronavirus Cases In DC Exceed 180

In an effort to protect the health and safety of Metro employees and riders from the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, Metro's Pandemic Task Force is closing 17 additional stations beginning Thursday morning. The additional closures will join the Smithsonian and Arlington Cemetery stations that Metro closed last week, bringing the total number of stations closed to 19. All 19 stations will remain closed until further notice. Read More: Metro To Close 17 More Stations To Stem Spread Of Coronavirus

The D.C. Department of Health confirmed 21 new positive cases of the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, Monday night, bringing the total to 137 positive cases in the District. Read More: Positive Coronavirus Cases In DC Exceed 130

Metropolitan Police Department Chief Peter Newsham confirmed Monday that a second member of his department had a presumptive positive test for the coronavirus. Read More: 2nd DC Police Officer Tests Positive For Coronavirus

People living in outdoor homeless encampments should not be evicted during the outbreak of the new coronavirus unless they can be moved to individual housing units, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended Sunday. Read More: Clearing Homeless Camps During Coronavirus Outbreak Rejected

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Compiled by Johns Hopkins University, this interactive map lets you track confirmed coronavirus cases in real time. Read more: Coronavirus Tracker: Latest Numbers In New Jersey

More information and updates on the new coronavirus can be found from the DC Department of Health, Virginia Department of Health and CDC.

Health officials urge residents to take these steps to avoid the virus:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Avoid contact with sick people.

COVID-19 Fast Facts

• Coronavirus refers to a family of different viruses. For instance, the common cold is a coronavirus. So is SARS. COVID-19, however, is a new strain.
• Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning that they can spread between people and animals.
• Symptoms include a fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
• COVID-19 can spread between people who are about 6 feet apart from each other and through respiratory droplets (produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes), the CDC says.
• An infected person may not experience symptoms for up to 14 days.

SEE ALSO: Virginia Coronavirus Updates: What You Need To Know