As MD Mask Order Takes Effect, Hogan Cautions Marylanders

MARYLAND — More than 1,100 new cases of the coronavirus were confirmed in Maryland Friday, according to the Maryland Department of Health.

There are 87,177 cases of the virus in Maryland, authorities said, an increase of 1,169.

"As we head into the weekend, Marylanders should keep in mind that the top activities reported in contact tracing investigations were family gatherings, house parties, and outdoor events," Gov. Larry Hogan said. "It’s easy to become complacent, but we can’t afford to let our guard down."

The governor reported earlier in the week that people who tested positive for the virus had said they had been doing things like meeting people outside and reporting to office jobs.

These were the top activities among coronavirus patients, he said:

• 54 percent worked outside the home
• 44 percent attended family gatherings
• 39 percent went shopping
• 23 percent went to house parties
• 23 percent dined outdoors
• 23 percent dined indoors
• 21 percent patronized outdoor events

"We cannot say with specificity how they got the virus or where they got the virus, but these are commonalities," Hogan said, "And they are significant."

To help slow the spread of the virus, an expanded masking order takes effect at 5 p.m. Friday in Maryland that requires people to wear face coverings in public places as well as outdoors when physical distance of 6 feet is not possible.

Exceptions include those with disabilities for whom it would be unsafe to wear a mask; those receiving services like dental care, shaving or facial treatments; people eating or drinking; workers for whom it would be unsafe to wear a mask; those swimming or engaged in physical activity during which it would be a safety risk to wear a mask; and those operating public transportation who are the sole operator in a separate compartment.

July Saw Increase In Hospitalizations, Decline In Positivity

Here's a look at the past month in coronavirus developments in Maryland:

• Hospitalizations: Increase of 129 (July 1 hospitalizations: 461; July 31 hospitalizations: 590)
• Deaths: Increase of 285 (July 1 deaths: 3,077; July 31 deaths: 3,362) Previous month
• Positivity rate: Decrease of 0.22 (July 1 positivity rate 4.76; July 31 positivity rate 4.54)

The increase in hospitalizations was a new trend, after two months of declining hospitalizations.

However, during the months that coronavirus hospitalizations had been decreasing, the rate of deaths was also much higher.

• In June hospitalizations went down by 722, while there were 631 deaths.
• In May hospitalizations went down 485, and there were 1,313 deaths.

By contrast July saw an increase of 129 hospitalizations, while there were 285 deaths.

For the latest developments on the coronavirus in Maryland, get Patch news alerts.

Find more information about getting tested here: covidtest.maryland.gov.

Coronavirus in Maryland: A Snapshot

Here is a look at Maryland's coronavirus numbers as of Friday, July 31:

Maryland Hospitalizations, Deaths

Maryland Coronavirus Cases By Jurisdiction

Maryland Coronavirus Cases By Age And Gender

Maryland Coronavirus Cases By Race And Ethnicity

Maryland Coronavirus In Group Living Facilities

The Maryland Department of Health updates data on coronavirus cases and deaths in congregate living facilities on Wednesdays. Here is the information as of Wednesday, July 29:

Symptoms Of Coronavirus

Contracting the coronavirus can result in mild to severe illness. Older adults and those with underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart or lung disease, are the most at risk of complications from COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

These symptoms of coronavirus can appear two to 14 days after exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Those who have trouble breathing, feel persistent pain or pressure in the chest, experience new confusion, have the inability to wake or stay awake or have bluish lips or face should get medical attention immediately, federal health officials say.

To prevent getting the illness, authorities advise staying away from those who are sick, keeping 6 feet of distance between yourself and others, washing hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer that is at least 60 percent alcohol, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and wearing a cloth face covering when around others.

See Also:

• MD Adds Travel Advisory, Masking Order To Curb Coronavirus Spread
• Baltimore County Health Officer Tests Positive For Coronavirus
• Pool Parties' Coronavirus Risk Condemned By Prince George's County Exec
• Drive-Thru Coronavirus Testing Site Opening At Ripken Stadium
• State Launches Mask-Wearing Campaign On Social Media
• Mercy Medical Center Chief Of Critical Care Dies Of Coronavirus