Dine-in Policy, DMV Sites Closing, Coronavirus Latest | Patch PM

There was plenty of news across Washington, D.C., and northern Virginia on Tuesday. 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

VA Governor Opposes Closing Restaurants To Contain Coronavirus

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said Tuesday he is adopting the federal government's guideline of limiting gatherings to 10 people or more in a confined space in response to the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. But the governor did not order restaurants and bars in the state to close as some local officials in Northern Virginia requested Monday.

• Arlington County Implores Restaurants To Close Over Coronavirus
• Seafood Restaurant Starts Curbside Service In Time Of Coronavirus

DC Health Reports 5 New Coronavirus Cases In The District

The Washington, D.C. government confirmed five new positive cases of the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, Monday night, bringing the total to 22 positive cases in the District.

• DC Council Approves Emergency Coronavirus Legislation

Metro Cuts Service, Urges Only Essential Trips Amid Coronavirus

DC's Metro is making more service reductions Wednesday and asking riders to use transit only for essential trips due to the growing concerns about new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. With reduced service, Metro is aiming to support essential trips for personnel like hospital staff, government officials, and emergency responders.

Coronavirus Closes Virginia DMV Centers, Extensions Offered

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is closing all 75 customer service locations as well as mobile services from March 18 until April 2 as a result of the growing outbreak of new coronavirus, or COVID-19. In addition, the DMV is extending the expiration date for credentials set to expire up to May 15. Online and mail services and DMV Direct call centers continue to run.

VA Governor Waives Waiting Period For Coronavirus Worker Benefits

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam offered workers in the state some relief Tuesday from coronavirus-related financial concerns by waiving a one-week waiting period for workers to receive unemployment benefits through the Virginia Employment Commission. Northam's executive action also will broaden the number of workers who will be eligible to receive unemployment benefits if an employer needs to temporarily slow or cease operations due to the new coronavirus, or COVID-19.

• Virginia Coronavirus Updates: What To Know For Week Of March 15
• Alexandria Mayor Calls For Leniency On Residential Rent Payments
• Closures, Cancellations In Vienna Related To Coronavirus Outbreak
• Falls Church Declares Local Emergency In Response To Coronavirus
• Fairfax County Declares State Of Local Emergency Over Coronavirus
• How Fairfax County Schools Are Tackling Learning During Closure
• Reston Association Adjusts Services Due To Coronavirus
• Herndon Police Department Adjusts Services Due To Coronavirus
• Alexandria Mayor Outlines Possible Coronavirus Response Actions
• Novant Health Toughens Visitor Policy In Response To Coronavirus
• Fredericksburg Issues Coronavirus Rules For Restaurants, Centers
• Manassas Declares State Of Emergency To Deal With Coronavirus
• Virginia Coronavirus: Macy’s Temporarily Closes All Locations

Also Worth a Look Today

• VA Legislature Wraps Up Session Packed With Environmental Issues
• Annandale Fire Injures 1, Causes Estimated $236K In Damages
• Suspect Sought in Burglary Near H Street Corridor: Video
• Bank Robbery Suspect Sought By DC Police, FBI
• Sexual Abuse Of A Minor Suspect Charged By DC Police
• 2 Assaults Investigated By Herndon Police

Across America

• Coronavirus United States: Updates For Tuesday
• 3 Dem Primaries Go On; Coronavirus Upends Ohio
• NYC Should Expect Imminent Shelter-In-Place Order
• Durant One Of Four Nets With Coronavirus: Report
• Tom Brady To Leave Patriots, Continue Career