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Respiratory Illness Clinics, Virtual Tip Jar | Coronavirus Latest

DC to close non-essential businesses, cartoonist offers fun distraction, daytime homeless center keeps critical services: Patch PM

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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

Coronavirus Cases Climb To 391 In Virginia; 5 More Deaths

The Virginia Department of Health confirmed 391 positive cases of the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, on Wednesday. That reflects an increase of 101 from the day prior. Public health officials also reported five new deaths. The state has 12 reported deaths related to COVID-19.

VA Coronavirus: Governor Calls For More Doctors, Blasts Falwell

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued a call Wednesday for health care professionals and medical students to volunteer to help meet the demand for workers in health care facilities across the state during the coronavirus crisis. Northam's call came as the death toll from the coronavirus in Virginia climbed to 12.

Find out what's happening in Del Rayfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

All Non-Essential DC Businesses Ordered To Close Over Coronavirus

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.

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Coronavirus: Inova Opens 3 Respiratory Illness Clinics In NoVA

On March 25, three respiratory illness clinics opened at three Inova Urgent Care centers in Northern Virginia as a place to test for the new coronavirus, or COVID-19. The clinics in Chantilly, Arlington and Tysons allow staff to evaluate patients with respiratory illness symptoms as well as collect samples for doctor-ordered testing. Patients should first contact their doctor for an evaluation before visiting a clinic.

DC Cartoonist Offers Needed Distraction For Coronavirus Shut-Ins

Josh Kramer would be the first to admit that his job does not qualify him as an "essential" worker in these times of the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.

Although many people might not consider Kramer's job to be "essential," he has proved to be just what many parents need right now — someone who can provide a distraction and a little bit of fun for their children.

Daytime Homeless Shelter Adjusts During Coronavirus Outbreak

The Lamb Center is no longer a place where you'll see the homeless sit down for a meal or hang around to use the center's various services. The new coronavirus outbreak has prompted changes at the Lamb Center, but its guests, volunteers and partnering churches have stepped up to adjust so the homeless can continue receiving services they rely on.

Virtual Tip Jar Lets Servers Earn Amid Coronavirus Closures

When DC bartender Katie Gentsch saw her tips drying up, her activist girlfriend Ana Owens started a movement to help service workers continue to collect tips even if they couldn't go to work, Reuters reported.

Enter the Virtual Tip Jar.

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