Maryland Coronavirus Cases Rise, Largest One-Day Increase Yet

MARYLAND — The number of people who tested positive for the new coronavirus in Maryland has jumped by 42 in the past day, according to the Maryland Department of Health. With the increase in testing, Gov. Larry Hogan had warned the number would "escalate rapidly."

The most cases of the new coronavirus in Maryland are in Montgomery County, which has 51 of the state's 149 positive test results. Next is Prince George's County with 31 cases, Howard County with 18 and Baltimore County, where there are 13.

"While we hope Marylanders will take advantage of today’s warm weather, we urge you to avoid crowds at all costs," Hogan said in a statement Friday. "Avoid all playgrounds, pavilions, and anywhere that groups of more than 10 people may congregate. Please do not take this guidance lightly."

Nearly 75 percent of those who have tested positive for the virus in Maryland are between 18 and 64 years old, according to state health officials.

As of Friday, three people under 18 have tested positive for the new coronavirus, according to state officials; 111 people with the new coronavirus are 18 to 64 years old; and 35 people who have tested positive in Maryland are over age 65.

"Today’s new cases in our state include the first infant and the first teenager," Hogan said. "None of the cases of children under 18 are currently hospitalized."

Officials said the first child to test positive for the virus was a 5-year-old in Howard County who attends Elkridge Elementary School. Her case was confirmed Thursday.

Hogan issued additional guidance Friday for people who are returning from spring break.

"We are asking all returning spring break travelers to self-quarantine for the next 14 days, and to avoid people over the age of 60," Hogan said. "Even though students are not returning to campus, this should not in any way be treated as an extension of your spring break. If you ignore this recommendation, you are endangering yourself and the health of others."

Here are the totals for Friday, March 20, according to the Maryland Department of Health:

• 51 — Montgomery County
• 31 — Prince George's County
• 18 — Howard County
• 13 — Baltimore County
• 11 — Baltimore City
• 9 — Anne Arundel County
• 5 — Harford County
• 4 — Carroll County
• 2 — Charles County
• 1 —Calvert, Frederick, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester counties

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

More than 100 people tested positive for the new coronavirus in Maryland between Monday and Friday this week.

Maryland's governor declared a state of emergency March 5, the day the first cases of new coronavirus were confirmed in the state. The first three to test positive have fully recovered from coronavirus, according to the health officer for Montgomery County, where they live. All had gone on an Egyptian cruise on the Nile River.

Maryland's first case of community transmission — meaning the person who got the virus did not contract it through travel or a known source — was confirmed March 11. The next day, officials ordered public schools closed from March 16 through March 27.

In an effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus and stop large groups from gathering, the governor ordered the closure of bars, restaurants, movie theaters and gyms across the state, effective at 5 p.m. Monday, March 16, until further notice during the state of emergency. Drive-thru, carryout and food delivery service can continue at restaurants. Last Sunday he ordered Maryland's five casinos and the state's racetracks to close at midnight to stem the coronavirus spread. The casinos and racetracks will remain closed until further notice.

On Wednesday, a Prince George's County man in his 60s who had an underlying health condition died from the coronavirus, according to authorities, who said this was the state's first death from the illness.

Hogan announced additional measures Thursday to force people to stay in their homes and prevent the spread of the virus, including restricting those allowed in the BWI terminal and on public transportation, prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people and shuttering enclosed malls and entertainment venues.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a virus that can lead to fever, cough or shortness of breath. Most people who are infected with coronavirus will experience mild or no symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

More severe complications include pneumonia, organ failure and death, the CDC reports.

The CDC advises doing the following to stop the spread of the virus:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If this is not available, use hand sanitizer that is at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Keep 6 feet of space between people.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

The CDC has put together a coronavirus disease situation summary for more about the illness.

For more information, visit the Maryland Department of Health's coronavirus page.

See Also:

• MD Coronavirus: Child Tests Positive, Malls To Close, Gov. Says
• First MD Coronavirus Death Is Prince George's County Resident
• Coronavirus: UMD Cancels Face-To-Face Courses For Spring Semester
• MD Governor Orders Restaurants, Bars, Gyms, Theaters To Close
• 5-Year-Old With Coronavirus Attends Elkridge Elementary In HoCo