'Virus Is Everywhere,' Nursing Homes, Infants: MD Coronavirus

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Field hospitals are nearly operational to help with an expected overflow of patients in Maryland as the new coronavirus continues to surge across the state, Gov. Larry Hogan said at a Friday press conference. He spoke about job losses, announced a ban on mortgage foreclosures, and asked that everyone in the state pause to pray for Maryland's doctors and health-care workers this Sunday, but authorities don't want crowds to fill places of worship.

There are 2,758 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in Maryland, state health officials reported Friday morning, tripling in less than a week. That's an increase of 427 since the previous day, when there were 327 cases. It breaks Thursday's record for the largest day-to-day increase in positive test results since state health officials began compiling them.

“We now have widespread community transmission, this virus is everywhere and it is a threat to nearly everyone,” Hogan said.

A state health official said federal guidelines are likely coming on the use of face masks, but cloth masks are better than no mask in curbing transmission in the public.

“Masks are not to protect you from incoming virus, masks are to protect everyone around you from the virus that you may not be aware you have,” Fran Phillips, Maryland's deputy secretary for public health services, said.

Heavy-duty masks are still in short supply and must be reserved for hospital workers, she said.

Out of the cases, 416 people are hospitalized, and 43 percent of those patients are in intensive care. But, 159 patients have recovered from isolation. A total of 42 Marylanders have died from the respiratory illness to date.

There are clusters of coronavirus cases in 60 nursing homes and long-term care facilities across the state, Hogan said, which is a major concern. The major outbreak at the Pleasant View nursing home in Carroll County has 99 confirmed cases among residents and staff, with 42 patients sent to various hospitals.

Five infants have the disease, including a one-month old.

Updates on the numbers of cases, negative tests, deaths statewide, hospitalizations and patients released from isolation are posted daily on the state's COVID-19 dashboard.

Construction is nearly complete for a Baltimore field hospital, and 100 people have been hired to staff it, Hogan said. The first wave of medical tents have been sent out statewide to address surge gaps with more planned.

Hogan said he wants to make sure everyone understands how important it is to stay home and the gravity of what the state faces.

“Far too many Marylanders have lost their jobs. I wish I could tell you when we’ll turn the corner, when we’ll be able to go back to school or church or when any of us will be able to get back to living a normal life again. … We simply don’t know.

“I believe this state will make it through this together, and eventually we will come back stronger,” the governor added.

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Measures to provide Marylanders financial relief during the crisis that Hogan announced Friday include a ban on mortgage lenders from initiating the foreclosure process, an extension of the ban on residential evictions to commercial and industrial property renters, and a prohibition on the repossession of cars and motor homes. Last month, Hogan announced a $175 million relief package for Maryland's workers and small businesses.

He also called on all Marylanders to participate in a moment of reflection and prayer for doctors, nurses, first responders, and the victims of COVID-19 at noon this Sunday, April 5.

Although cases in the national capital region of Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C have continued to grow rapidly, newly released FEMA documents show the agency has provided only a fraction of the personal protective equipment and critical medical supplies requested by Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, his office said.

State Police Superintendent Col. Woodrow Jones III on Friday urged the faith community to be informed and to voluntarily comply with the governor's order that no groups larger than 10 people gather as it applies to holding worship services.

“Maryland’s law enforcement officers are dedicated to helping keep our citizens as safe as possible and are working diligently around the state to ensure the governor’s executive order is complied with,” Jones said. “My hope is that our faith community leaders recognize the importance of the safety measures that have been implemented and will not risk the health of their congregations by holding services in a way that violates the regulations put in place during this emergency. Technology provides us all with unique alternatives that I hope will be implemented as a necessary and important option until it is safe to once again gather to worship in the way you choose to.”

As of Friday, officials say 42 people in Maryland have died from the new coronavirus; 20,932 tests have come back negative; 664 people have ever been hospitalized with the virus; and 159 patients have been released from isolation.

Health officials began releasing Friday the number of deaths in each county.

Montgomery and Prince George's counties, which also have the highest number of cases — with 566 and 563, respectively — also have the most deaths attributed to the virus. Both counties have had nine residents die.

Hogan issued a stay-at-home order Monday and said he believes "the vast majority of people in the state are abiding" by the guidance that they only leave their homes for an essential job or for an essential purpose.

Three coronavirus testing sites opened this week at Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program stations — in Glen Burnie, Forest Hill and Waldorf — where those who have doctor's orders can be tested for COVID-19. Results may take up to five days, state health officials said.

Maryland officials ordered schools closed on March 16, non-essential services were ordered closed March 23, and a stay-at-home order was issued March 30. Hogan has not banned travel, although he said anyone who has been outside of the state should self-quarantine for 14 days.

The state's nursing homes have by and large have instituted infection controls procedures such as using personal protective equipment, screening staff coming in, banning visitors. Despite those measures people are still getting the virus, health officials said.

“We are working relentlessly to keep you safe and in your facility, which is your home,” Phillips said to nursing home residents.

Nursing home staff members are checked every day for signs of the coronavirus, any staff members who show symptoms have been told to stay home.

Phillips said the nursing home industry must “protect your residents. You must take every measure that has been directed to you in order to reduce transmission. … You must protect your staff, you must have proper personal protective equipment for your staff and educate your staff.”

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