Coronavirus on Maryland's Eastern Shore

Annapolis, Maryland:

There are now 3,609 cases of coronavirus in Maryland, according to the most recent numbers from state officials. The state is up 484 cases from Saturday. Of the positive COVID-19 patients, 1,915 are women and 1,694 are men. Of the more than 3,000 patients, 936 were ever hospitalized. Nearly 24,800 people have been tested negative for the coronavirus, according to the state. 159 people have been released from isolation.

Of those cases, the Eastern Shore's numbers are relatively low compared to other parts of the state. The landscape, open space, and low density of people may help keep the numbers low over the bridge. Plus, it appears residents of the Eastern Shore is taking advice of self-isolation and staying at home. While some restaurants in Ocean City, Salisbury, Cambridge and Easton are open for carry out, others have closed their doors until Governor Larry Hogan says otherwise.

Ocean City, Maryland's favorite summer destination is empty except for a few locals seen walking their dogs on the beach. Shoppers and cashier's wearing gloves and masks are now apart of everyday life. It's the new normal. Berlin farmer, Barry Mariner, of Windmill Creek Vineyard and Winery, donated land to the community to start of victory garden. Barry says he hopes more Maryland farmers take his lead and donate land not being used. Even, dogs aren't taking any chances with Bishopville, Maryland dog, Cartier, shows off her mask at home.

It remains to be seen how the Eastern Shore will fair economically. With summer season approaching, just how will the coronavirus affect businesses, the beaches, and basic services, only time will tell. To learn more about covid19 in Maryland https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/ A special thank you to broadcaster and photojournalist Victoria Gaither from International Connection Media for sharing her photos for this article. Victoria is a freelancer and based in Washington, DC and Foxton Beach, New Zealand