coronavirus

Here's What's Canceled, Closed or Postponed in the DC Area Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic

NBC Universal, Inc. All public schools in Maryland will be closed March 16 through March 27, gatherings of more than 250 people are banned and the governor has activated the National Guard to a higher state of readiness.

Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia are taking preventive measures to stem the spread of coronavirus. As the number of confirmed cases in the area spiked to more than 150, officials have called for restricting mass gatherings of people. Here is a list of services, events and locations that have been affected by the outbreak. We'll continue to update this list, so check back for changes.

General Advisories

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam says nonessential businesses must close and school buildings will remain closed through the end of the academic year.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced this week that nonessential businesses will be ordered to close and police will direct gathering groups to move along. Previously, the mayor ordered restaurants and bars to only serve takeout. Nightclubs and "multi-purpose facilities" are also closed for the time being.

Maryland closed down all nonessential businesses on Monday. Restaurants were previously instructed only to offer carryout, delivery and drive-through service. The state banned all gatherings of more than 10 people.


Federal Offices Teleworking

Federal offices in the D.C. area are open with maximum telework flexibilities to all current telework eligible employees, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management said Sunday night. Check here for more information.


Grocery Stores, Retailers and Malls

AMC Theaters: Closed March 17 until further notice

Apple: Closed until March 27

Arundel Mills & Arundel Marketplace: Closed until further notice

Bloomingdale's: Closed until March 31

Cinemark: Closed beginning March 18

Clarksburg Premium Outlets: Closed until further notice

Fair Oaks Mall: Adjusted hours - Mon-Sat 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. & Sun 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Giant Food: Customers 60 and older, as well as those with compromised immune systems, can shop 6 a.m. - 7 a.m.

Goodwill: Closed until further notice

Harris Teeter: Closed at 9 p.m. every day.

Home Depot: Closed at 6 p.m. every day

J.C. Penney: Closed until April 2

Kohl's: Closed until April 1

Leesburg Premium Outlets: Closed until March 29

Macy's: Closed until March 31

Nordstrom: Closed until March 30

Pentagon City Mall (Fashion Centre at Pentagon City): Closed Until March 29

Potomac Mills: Closed until March 29

Regal Cinemas: Closed until further notice

REI: Closed until March 27

Safeway: 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. shopping window on Tuesdays & Thursdays for senior citizens, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems. Check local store for other shopping hours.

St. Charles Towne Center: Closed until further notice

Tanger National Harbor Outlets: Closed until further notice

Target: Closing at 9 p.m. every day. The first hour of shopping each Wednesday dedicated to senior citizens and those with underlying health concerns.

Trader Joe's: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Walmart: Adjusted Hours, 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Customers 60 and older can shop 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. Tuesdays

Wegmans: On adjusted hours. Stores in Virginia will open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Stores in Maryland will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Westfield Montgomery, Wheaton & Annapolis: Closed until further notice

Whole Foods: Check local store for adjusted hours. Customers 60 and older can shop one hour before opening.


School Closures

Virginia will close all public schools through "at least" the end of the academic year, the governor announced Monday.

Maryland will close all public schools from March 16 until April 24, the governor announced.

D.C. will close public schools from March 16 to April 24, Mayor Muriel Bowser said.


Alexandria City Schools: Closed March 16 to possibly April 13

Arlington Public Schools: Closed March 16. Return April 14.

DC Public Schools: Closed March 16. Return April 27.

All schools will be closed for students from March 16 to April 24. March 16 will be professional development for teachers and spring break will be March 17 to March 23. There will no longer be a Spring Break period in April. From March 24 to April 24, students will participate in distance learning.

DCPS prepared instructional contingency plans that will allow meaningful, relevant learning to take place while schools are closed. We developed resources for every level in grades PK-8 and each graduation requirement course for grades 9-12. Information about how to pick up printed copies of these lessons throughout the city or access them online will be shared in the coming days.

Meals will be available for all students every weekday from Monday, March 16-Tuesday, March 31 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Check here for locations.

Fairfax County Public Schools: Closed Through April 10

  • All FCPS school buildings are closed until further notice. Food distribution at FCPS sites will continue as scheduled.
  • With the school buildings closed, the laptop distribution scheduled for Monday is postponed.  
  • All FCPS administrative offices are closed until further notice.
  • Only essential personnel as defined by FCPS program managers and supervisors will be asked to report to work until further notice. All other employees will work remotely. It is expected that all FCPS personnel reporting to work will practice social distancing to the greatest extent possible.

Beginning Monday, FCPS is expanding grab and go food distribution sites to a total of 18 locations. The food distribution is set up outside the schools.   Breakfast will be served from 8-10:30 a.m. and lunch from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the locations listed here

Falls Church City Public Schools: Closed Through April 14

Fredericksburg City Public Schools: Closed March 13-22

Loudoun County Public Schools: Closed Through April 10

Parents are getting ready for two weeks of no school due to the coronavirus. News4's Darcy Spencer spoke with parents in Prince George's County about the adjustment.

Montgomery County Public Schools: Closed March 16-27

Students may pick up grab-and-go meals Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. No appointment is necessary. For a complete list of participating locations for meal pick-up, please go here.

Prince George's County Public Schools: Closed March 12-27

Students can still pick up free breakfast, lunch and dinner meals at 25 schools in the county. Kids do not need to be accompanied by an adult and they can pick up all three meals at once.

Prince William County Public Schools: Closed March 14-April 14

  • All school-age child care (SACC) is closed until further notice.
  • No PWCS employees should report until further notice (with the exception of designated food service employees, custodians, and designated staff to support critical business who should report as directed).
  • Packaged breakfasts and lunches will be provided to-go at select locations throughout the county, to anyone under the age of 18.  View school sites and times for to-go meals.
  • All activities and community use are canceled until further notice.
  • Per the Governor’s order related to the state of emergency, the state will waive the school hours missed during the Governor’s order covering the closure until at least March 27. Beyond this time, PWCS will continue to have 13.5 days of emergency hours “snow-days” to utilize if necessary to cover school closing.   

Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools

All schools in the archdiocese will be closed March 16-27.

SHABACH! Christian Academy, Maryland

SHABACH! Christian Academy will be closed from March 16 – March 27. Students and parents will receive additional communications directly from the school.

The Basilica School of Saint Mary

The Basilica School of Saint Mary in Alexandria, VA will be closed from March 17 until at least April 13. Parents and guardians should check email for more details.


Some of the most popular tourist spots in D.C., Maryland and Virginia have been closed to address the coronavirus pandemic. News4's Derrick Ward reports.

Closed Sites

Washington, D.C. DMV

The Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Transportation and the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs will close in-person customer service centers starting Wednesday, March 25. Deadlines to renew documents will be pushed back. Here are more details.

City of Alexandria Public Spaces

The city of Alexandria and the Alexandria City Public Schools announced a series of closures on Saturday for public areas including: recreation centers, dog parks, playgrounds and fields.

MGM National Harbor

MGM National Harbor will temporarily close operations by midnight on Monday to comply with Gov. Hogan's emergency order.

"We will reopen as soon as it is appropriate and safe to do so," MGM CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle said in a statement Sunday.

Prince George's County Government Buildings

Starting Monday, Prince George's County will close all of its government buildings and senior residents who rely on meals from the county will now get those meals delivered to their homes. Check here for more info.

Library of Congress

The Library of Congress will close its buildings and facilities until April 1. All library public programs are also postponed or canceled through the end of March.

Montgomery County Public Libraries

All branches will be closed March 16-27.

Smithsonian Museums & The National Zoo

All Smithsonian museums, including those in New York City, and the National Zoo will close temporarily March 14. All public events are canceled or postponed through May 3.

Click here for a list of events.

Washington Monument

The National Park Service temporarily suspended elevator tours of the Washington Monument March 14. People can still visit the grounds.

Supreme Court

The Supreme Court is closed to the public until further notice. The building will be open for official business and case filing deadlines are not extended.

Maryland State Courts

Maryland state courts will be closed to the public for three weeks beginning March 16.

Employees are to report to work, and the courts will be staffed to handle emergencies like domestic violence petitions, bail reviews, juvenile detention and shelter hearings, and search warrants. Judges can use remote electronic means when possible.

All in-court proceedings in the Southern Division U.S. Courthouse in Greenbelt are temporarily suspended. All emergency criminal, civil and bankruptcy matters will be heard in the Northern Division U.S. Courthouse in Baltimore until further notice.

Virginia Supreme Court

All non-essential and non-emergency court proceedings will be suspended from March 16 until April 6.

Attorneys are required to use e-fillings when possible.

D.C. Court of Appeals

The court is postponing all arguments.

D.C. Superior Court

Criminal and civil trials postponed until May 11.

White House Tours

According to a tweet from NBC News Political Reporter Josh Lederman, "Out of an abundance of caution and until further notice, White House tours have been canceled." The National Park Service has confirmed this to News4.

United States Capitol Visitors Center and Tours, Congressional Offices

The U.S. Capitol and House and Senate office buildings are closed to visitors and tours through April 1, the Associated Press reports.

DC Public Libraries

DC Public Libraries will close on Monday, March 16 and will reopen on Wednesday, April 1, Mayor Bowser said in a tweet on Friday.

Guinness Open Gate Brewery

The brewery will close to visitors from March 13 until further notice.

The Mall in Columbia

The shopping center will be closed for seven days, starting Monday, March 16.

Alexandria Library

All Alexandria library facilities will be closed on Wednesday, March 18 through Tuesday, March 31. More details are here.


Event Cancellations

National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, Petalpalooza and More Events

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade that was scheduled for Saturday, April 4 and Petalpalooza festival scheduled for Saturday, April 11, are both canceled.

The Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival has been postponed to a yet-to-be-determined date.

The Anacostia River Festival will be postponed until Sunday, August 9

D.C.'s St. Patrick's Day Parade

The District's St. Patrick's Parade scheduled for March 15 has been postponed, the parade's committee announced on Tuesday. The decision "was made in the effort to ensure the safety and health of the thousands of attendees from the Washington area that attend the parade every year," the committee said in a statement.

White House Easter Egg Roll

The Office of the First Lady announced the White House Easter Egg Roll has been canceled.

"The health and safety of all Americans must be the first priority," First Lady Melania Trump said.

Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center has canceled all public performances and events scheduled through May 10. Check here for more information about what you can do if you have tickets to canceled shows.

Ford's Theatre

Ford’s Theatre Society is altering its schedule through April 4. Updates will be posted on www.fords.org.

St. Pat's Run Fest, Arlington, Virginia

The 2020 St. Pats Run Fest is canceled. Participants have been moved to the 2021 event.

Some National Cherry Blossom Festival Events

Several events for the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C., are now canceled or postponed, festival organizers announced Wednesday.

Check here for a list of those events.

I.M.P. Music Venues

I.M.P is postponing all events scheduled at the 9:30 Club, Lincoln Theatre and The Anthem. This also includes some events at U Street Music Hall.

The company says it will be in touch with people who have tickets for shows in March once there is a new show date. People may request a refund or tickets to another show of a similar value. Shows will resume on April 1.

Capital One Arena

There will be no events at Capital One Arena until further notice, including NBA and NHL games.

Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament

The 2020 Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament will not allow attendance to its events. The games will be limited to those working directly with participating teams.

Major League Soccer

Major League Soccer has suspended all matches for 30 days effective on March 12.

Washington Capitals

The National Hockey League has suspended all games until further notice.

Washington Wizards

The National Basketball Association suspended all games until further notice. The Washington Wizards will not play any games until the NBA determines next steps.  

DC Defenders

The XFL will not play its regular season games. Ticket holders will receive refunds or credit toward future games.

Rock 'n' Roll Marathon & 1/2 Marathon

Originally scheduled for March 28, the marathon will not be run. The half marathon and 5K distances will be postponed to the fall. Registered athletes will receive details via email.

Marine Corps 17.75K

The Marine Corps 17.75K scheduled for March 28 is canceled. Registrants will still earn guaranteed spots in the 45th Marine Corps Marathon in October.

Echostage

The Ekali show on March 14 and the Nervo/Deorro show on March 21 have both been postponed. The Ekali show has been rescheduled for August 29 and the new date for the Nervo/Deorro show is to be determined.

Miss DC for America and Mrs. DC America Pageant 2020

The 2020 Miss DC for America and Mrs. DC America pageant previously scheduled for April 4 at the Kennedy Center has been rescheduled for June 6.

DC Black Pride 2020

The Center for Black Equity has canceled DC Black Pride 2020, and will celebrate next year in 2021.

Capital Pride

Capital Pride June events, including the Pride Parade and Festival, have been postponed.


Church Closures

Services at D.C.-Area Episcopal Churches

The Washington National Cathedral and hundreds of other Episcopal churches in the D.C. area are closed after the Episcopal Diocese of Washington canceled all public worship services and normal parish operations for two weeks, effective March 12.

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde said that the diocese will asses the situation on March 25, with the aim to reopen worship services on March 29. The Washington National Cathedral will livestream its worship services on Sunday, March 15 and Sunday, March 22. White Elephant donations are also postponed until further notice.

Archdiocese of Washington

No Masses open to the public will be celebrated beginning March 14 until further notice. Archbishop Wilton Gregory issued a dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass to all parishioners. Wedding and funerals can go on but should be limited to immediate family. All Catholic schools in the archdiocese will be closed March 16-27.

Catholic Diocese of Arlington

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge has granted dispensation from Sunday Mass obligation to everyone over 60 years of age, those with chronic illness and those with immune system deficiencies. This also includes people who provide care for people with these conditions.

All major non-liturgical events scheduled for March 14 and 15 are canceled or postponed.

The diocese says it encourages parishioners who have symptoms such as fever, cough and body aches, to avoid coming to Mass or participating in any parish activity until 24 hours after symptoms have subsided.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints told its congregation Thursday that it would be suspending church gatherings worldwide, including worship services and sacrament meetings, until further notice. Local leaders will figure out how to make the sacrament available to members at least once a month.

The First Baptist Church of Glenarden, Maryland

For the week of March 14 – March 21, all First Baptist Church of Glenarden facilities/campuses will be closed to everyone except essential employees. No worship services will be held on Sunday, March 15. Members are encouraged to worship from wherever they are, or visit their YouTube channel.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

The Basilica will be closed to the public on March 17 until further notice. The National Shrine will continue to livestream their Mass every Sunday at noon.


Universities Moving Online

American University

Starting Wednesday, March 18, all American University classes will move online, continuing through the end of the semester.

The university said it encourages students to go home for the rest of the semester. Students who are not able to do so are advised to contact the Office of Campus Life for help.

Bowie State University

Bowie State University is canceling classes on March 12 and March 13 in preparation for remote instruction.

The university says students should not plan to return to campus after spring break until April 6. Students are advised to take everything they need when heading back home for spring break in case the university closes for an extended period of time.

The Catholic University of America

Catholic University said classes will remain online through the end of the semester and residence halls will remain closed.

Gallaudet University

Gallaudet University will move all classes online from March 23 to May 4. Core functions and services will be available remotely.

Georgetown University

Georgetown University is moving all on-campus classroom instruction online beginning March 16 until further notice.

The university advises students to remain home while online instruction is ongoing, but the campus will remain open.

George Washington University

George Washington University will move most classes online for the remainder of the semester. The May commencement ceremonies will not be held in person.

All faculty and staff will maintain regular work schedules, and the university will remain open throughout this period.

Howard University

Howard University will move to remote instruction until the end of the semester. Residence halls will close March 22.

The university said Commencement and All Class Reunions are canceled.

Marymount University

Classes will resume online on March 18 and will continue remotely through March 29.

University of Maryland

The University of Maryland canceled all classes on March 13. Long-distance learning will continue through the end of the semester for University System of Maryland universities, and there will not be traditional commencement ceremonies.

University of Virginia

The University of Virginia said it will move all classes online beginning March 19. The University also prohibited and canceled all events with more than 100 people. The university’s buildings and UVA Health will remain open.

Students are encouraged to stay at home or return home. The University said it will allow students back on campus when it is safe.

Washington Adventist University

Classes will be canceled March 16 and 17 to prepare for online learning, which will begin March 18 and continue through April 3. Residence halls and the dining hall remain open. All athletic events and other events planned for 250 people or more are canceled. The WAU New York Concert Tour is canceled.


Self-Quarantines

Christ Church Georgetown, D.C.

"All visitors to Christ Episcopal Church, Georgetown on February 24th, and between February 28th and March 3rd could have been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19, and DC Health is recommending that anyone who visited Christ Episcopal Church, Georgetown on those dates isolate themselves at home for 14 days from the last time they visited the church."

Virginia health officials are telling congregants of the chapel at the Virginia Theological Seminary to monitor themselves for coronavirus symptoms. News4's Jackie Bensen reports the seminary has a connection to the D.C. church where a rector and organist have the virus.

Immanuel Chapel at Virginia Theological Seminary

On March 10, 2020, the Alexandria Health Department was notified that a resident of Washington, D.C., who now has a confirmed case of COVID-19 spent time at the Immanuel Chapel of the Virginia Theological Seminary. All congregants and visitors to the Immanuel Chapel between February 26 and March 4 are advised to monitor themselves for symptoms for 14 days from their last visit, as they may have been exposed to the coronavirus.

Securities and Exchange Commission, D.C.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commision (SEC) is requiring some Washington, D.C., employees to telework after learning that an employee is being tested for the coronavirus.

The SEC is requiring all employees and contractors who work on the ninth floor of the D.C. headquarters, where the patient worked, to telework, "out of an abundance of caution." All other headquarters personnel are encouraged to telework.

Transportation

DC Streetcar

Streetcar service is temporarily suspended.

Arlington Cemetery Station Metro Station

The Arlington Cemetery Blue Line Station is closed because the cemetery is closed to regular visitors. Trains will bypass the station.

Arlington Transit

The Arlington Transit Bus Service will be reduced starting March 16. ART 41, 42, 45, 51, 55, 77 and 87 will operate on Saturday schedules.

Go here for additional changes.

Montgomery County Department of Transportation

Ride On and Ride On Extra will stay on normal schedules.

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation will suspend fares for its Ride On service.

Go here for more information.

Prince George's County TheBus

Service suspended on Routes 11, 12, 14, 15x, 21x, 22, 23, 25, 27, 34, 35s, 51 and 53. No fare charged on TheBus routes in service until further notice. Riders enter and exit using the rear doors only to limit close contact with drivers with exceptions for those with disabilities and mothers with strollers.

OmniRide

Friday service levels will be offered during weekdays starting March 25 on these OmniRide Express routes:

  • D-100 Dale City-State Department
  • D-200 Dale City-Pentagon-Rosslyn/Ballston
  • D-300 Dale City-Pentagon-L’Enfant Plaza-Navy Yard
  • L-200 Lake Ridge-Pentagon-Crystal City
  • MC-200 Montclair-Pentagon
  • 602 Manassas-Pentagon

The following routes will not operate as of March 25:

  • D-400 Dale City-Mark Center
  • L-100 Lake Ridge-DC
  • L-300 Lake Ridge-Mark Center
  • MC-100 Montclair-DC
  • RS-South Route 1
  • Tysons-Woodbridge
  • 601 Manassas-DC
  • 543 Stafford-DC

These routes will continue to operate regularly scheduled service:

  • 611 Gainesville-Washington
  • 612 Gainesville-Pentagon-L’Enfant Plaza-Navy Yard
  • 622 Haymarket-Ballston-Rosslyn
  • 942 Stafford-Pentagon
  • 60 Manassas Metro Express-Tysons
  • 61 Linton Hall Metro Express-Tysons
  • Prince William Metro Express-Franconia-Springfield
  • 96 East-West Express
  • All OmniRide Local and OmniRide Access paratransit services
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