MD Coronavirus Cases Top 240, MoCo Cop Is Confirmed Case

ANNAPOLIS, MD — As more Marylanders are tested for the new coronavirus, more cases are reported. Sunday morning's total cases was 244, up from 190 on Saturday, according to the Maryland Department of Health. A Montgomery County police officer has tested positive for the coronavirus, the first confirmed case in the 1,300-member department.

"People all over the place are working as hard as they possibly can to fight this hidden enemy, and it's going to take all of us working together to save lives," Gov. Larry Hogan said Sunday.

Montgomery County authorities said the infected officer "had limited interaction with the public but did work across several sections of the police department." Officials do not believe the officer contracted the virus at work, but officials are working to notify anyone who may have been in contact with him.

"While this case is concerning, it is not surprising as coronavirus knows no bounds," said Dr. Travis Gayles, the county's health officer. "Please know we are diligently working to keep all our first responders, county employees and residents as safe as possible. As the number of individuals with COVID-19 increases across the state, we are unfortunately likely to see more cases among our first responders."

The state confirmed its third fatality caused by the coronavirus, authorities said Saturday night. The patient was a Montgomery County woman in her 40s who suffered from underlying medical conditions, the Maryland Department of Health said in its news release.

"We are devastated to learn that another Marylander has passed away as a result of COVID-19," Hogan tweeted. "Please join us in praying for all those who have lost a loved one, as we continue to pray for one another during this difficult time."

Saturday was the second day in a row the number of people who tested positive for the new coronavirus in Maryland topped 40. Labs confirmed 41 new cases in the past day, rising from 149 to 190 on Saturday, according to the health department. As the number of coronavirus cases escalates, Hogan said residents can help out by giving blood, and the Maryland Responds Reserve Medical Corps is recruiting active and retired health care professionals, medical students, and other volunteers.

A Prince George's County man in his 60s was the state's first coronavirus fatality, while the second victim was a Baltimore County man in his 60s. Both patients had underlying medical conditions, authorities said.

The respiratory virus is thought to be able to spread like the cold or flu through:

• Coughing and sneezing, which creates respiratory droplets
• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it

Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Fever
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• In more severe cases, pneumonia (infection in the lungs)

These precautions can help reduce your risk of exposure:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water
• Cover your mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Avoid contact with sick people
• If you are sick, stay home and call your health care provider
• Practice social distancing — keep distance between yourself and others and avoid crowds

The most cases of the new coronavirus in Maryland are in Montgomery County, which has 68 of the state's positive test results. Next is Prince George's County with 36 cases, Baltimore and Howard counties with 19 cases each, and Anne Arundel County and the city of Baltimore with 15 apiece.

On Saturday afternoon Hogan tweeted that the Red Cross "is in desperate need of blood donations—if you are healthy, please consider making an appointment to give at http://redcross.org."

The Maryland Responds Reserve Medical Corps website allows you to register as a responder willing to provide services during a disaster or emergency situation. The registration system will collect basic information about you and your professional skills.

For more information about the Maryland Responds program, visit us on the web at mdr.health.maryland.gov.

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

Maryland Responders may deliver a variety of necessary public health services during a crisis, such as providing care directly to individuals seeking medical or mental health attention at disaster relief shelters. Volunteers may also serve a vital role by assisting their communities with ongoing public health needs (e.g., immunizations, screenings, health and nutrition education, volunteering in community health centers and local hospitals).

Hogan ordered the closure of bars, restaurants, movie theaters and gyms across the state, effective March 16, and on Thursday also restricted access to BWI Airport and public transit.
He said, "this fight against this global pandemic is a race against time ... to protect the health of millions of Marylanders and to save thousands of lives.

Hogan closed all enclosed shopping malls and entertainment venues across the state on March 19. Events of more than 10 people in close proximity are now prohibited. With warm weather drawing Marylanders outdoors, he reminded them to avoid all playgrounds, pavilions, and anywhere that groups of more than 10 people may congregate.

Hogan called 2,000 National Guardsmen to active duty March 16 after authorizing the activation of the guard March 12 through an executive order. On Friday members of the guard pitched tents in Prince George's County, where WTOP reports health officials from Prince George's County and Maryland are hoping to create a closed testing site for the new coronavirus at FedEx Field in Landover.

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

See Also:

• Montgomery County Cop Tests Positive For Coronavirus
• Coronavirus: This Is What The National Guard Is Doing In Maryland
• MD Coronavirus: Drive-Thru Tests And Confessions, Neighbors Help
• MD Governor Orders Restaurants, Bars, Gyms, Theaters To Close