Help Flatten The Curve; Stay At Home On The 4th: D.C. Mayor

WASHINGTON, DC — Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is urging residents to help the District continue its downward coronavirus trend by staying at home for the Fourth of July.

"In D.C., we have flattened the curve, but we have not eradicated the virus," D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said this week. "Large outdoor gatherings are still high risk, especially when people are close together and unable to properly social distance."

She's advising residents to celebrate with backyard family barbecues, sparklers and patriotic decorations.

D.C. Department of Health reported two additional deaths Saturday due to COVID-19, the illness associated with the coronavirus. This brings the total number of deaths in the District to 548.

The health department reports the deaths of a 63-year-old man and a 63-year-old woman.

D.C. Health also confirmed 31 new positive cases of the coronavirus Saturday, bringing the District's total number of positive cases to 10,216.

The district is reporting an average 3.7 percent rate of positive test results among residents, indicating that the levels of virus circulating in the District are falling. As of Friday, 88,123 coronavirus tests have been administered in the District.

Nevertheless, health officials are keeping a close watch on the number of hospital beds available for coronavirus patients, noting that the capacity at acute care hospitals is currently 79.5 percent.

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

Ward 4 is reporting the greatest number of cases with 2,143 residents contracting the coronavirus. Ward 3 has the least number of cases — 472.

Globally, more than 9.6 million people have been infected by COVID-19, and over 489,000 people have died, Johns Hopkins University reported Friday morning. In the United States, more than 2.4 million people have been infected and over 124,000 people have died from COVID-19.

D.C. Health continues to urge District residents to take the following actions to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus:

• 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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