Cherry Blossom Event Changes, Coronavirus Latest: News Nearby

There was plenty of news across Washington, D.C., and northern Virginia on Wednesday. If you missed any of it on your local Patch, here's a roundup of some of the top stories from the past 24 hours.

Latest Coronavirus News In DC/VA

Virginia Coronavirus Updates: What You Need To Know

The new coronavirus situation in Virginia and the U.S. continues to rapidly change. The Virginia Department of Health confirmed nine presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 as of Wednesday.

National Cherry Blossom Festival To Postpone, Cancel Some Events

The National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC announced Wednesday that some events will be canceled or postponed due to new coronavirus concerns. The changes apply to events through March 31, and organizers are considering what changes to make for April events.

Coronavirus Concerns Prompt Events DC To Suspend Operations

Amid growing concerns about the spread of the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, the D.C. Department of Health is recommending that all events and gatherings of people over 1,000 in size to be postponed or cancelled, according to DOH release. This includes conferences and conventions.

Beyer Self-Quarantines After Contact With Coronavirus Patient

Rep. Don Beyer announced a self-quarantine after contact with a friend in DC who tested positive for the new coronavirus.

Update: DC's St. Patrick's Parade Postponed To Later Date

In response to concerns about the new coronavirus and to ensure the safety of everyone who planned to attend the March 15 St. Patrick's Parade in Washington, D.C., the organizers announced Wednesday that the event will be postponed to a future date.

• Coronavirus-Related Restrictions Placed On Novant Health Visitors
• Coronavirus Concerns Cause Grocery Shortages In Prince William
• New Coronavirus Patient Visited Virginia Theological Seminary
• DC Sports Teams To Allow Spectators Despite Coronavirus Outbreak
• COVID-19: DC Public Schools, Area Universities Alter Plans
• Coronavirus Concerns Lead UVA To Move All Classes Online
• Nova Community College Turns To Virtual Classes Amid Coronavirus

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Other DC, NoVA Top News

Students Charged For Swastika Graffiti At Middle School: Police

Two students at Stonewall Middle School in the Manassas area were charged Tuesday with destruction of property for drawing swastika symbols and other words on a building near the school's track, the Prince William County Police Department said.

Woodbridge Woman Wins $1M In Millionaire Maker Lottery Game

Jacquelyn Lombos was driving with a friend from her home in Woodbridge to Hampton Roads. About halfway there, they stopped for gas in Henrico County when Lombos bought a Millionaire Maker Scratcher ticket from the Virginia Lottery.

Fredericksburg Named South's 5th Best Small Town: Southern Living

Fredericksburg claimed the fifth spot in the South's Best Small Towns 2020 list in Southern Living. A reader vote placed Fredericksburg ahead of the likes of Aiken, South Carolina; Thomasville, Georgia; Beaufort, North Carolina; and Natchitoches, Louisiana. Another Virginia town, Williamsburg, captured the top spot on the Best Small Towns 2020 list.

• Police To Conduct Sobriety Checkpoint In Woodbridge Area
• Parking, Bus Alternatives Suggested For Falls Church Metro Riders
• Vienna Government Issues Bonds To Fund Police Station, More
• Four Courts Four Miler Teams With DC Races For St. Pat's Run Fest
• Max Tax Hike Of 2.5 Cents To Be Considered By Alexandria Council
• Greenbelt Man Charged In Knife Assault Near National Arboretum
• Homicide In Washington Highlands Under Investigation By Police
• Loudoun Pushes Participation In Census On Eve Of Its 2020 Launch

Across America

• Biden Expands Delegate Count In Dem Primaries
• Coronavirus United States: Update For Wednesday
• Polling Places At Chicago Nursing Homes
• Allergies Divert Newark-Bound Flight: Reports
• Americans Over 60 Told To Prepare For Coronavirus