Nation's capital and region hit by coronavirus outbreak

WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation's capital and its surrounding area were dragged over the weekend into the coronavirus outbreak as a senior leader of a prominent Episcopal church in Washington, D.C., was identified as the first person in the city to test positive for the virus.

The Rev. Timothy Cole, the rector of Christ Church Georgetown, was in stable condition after being hospitalized Saturday night, according to a statement Sunday from the Rev. Crystal Hardin, the assistant rector. The church has suspended all activities.

There have been several cases reported in the city and the surrounding area in recent days.

Maryland reported two new cases on Sunday, raising to five the total confirmed cases in the state. Virginia reported its second case.

According to Christ Church Georgetown website, Cole has been the rector since September 2016, is married and has two children. ``Out of an abundance of caution, Christ Church has canceled all activities including church services until further notice. We recommend that concerned community members contact their health care providers," the statement said.

Health officials said they had determined as part of their investigation that “an individual’s visitation to Christ Church Georgetown warrants precautionary measures” and they recommended a temporary halt to services. In response, the church publicly identified Cole as the victim.

Officials on Saturday had announced the district’s first positive test, but identified the victim only as a man in his 50s. A second local positive test involves a man who visited the Washington area from Nigeria, but he was being hospitalized in Maryland, Mayor Muriel Bowser said.

The Washington mayor’s office said a city high school linked to the second case is staying closed Monday,...