Visits Limited At MD Long-Term Care Facilities Over Coronavirus

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Visits are restricted at Maryland long-term care and retirement communities to prevent the spread of coronavirus, Gov. Larry Hogan said. To avoid a fatal outbreak at a nursing home, like one in Washington state, visitors are being restricted at Maryland care facilities.

Nationwide, the coronavirus has caused 28 deaths as of Tuesday afternoon; no deaths from the disease have been reported in Maryland. The state currently has nine coronavirus cases — five cases in Montgomery County, three cases in Prince George's County and one patient in Harford County, said Gov. Larry Hogan.

"As we begin to expand testing we should expect that the number of cases will continue to dramatically and rapidly rise," Hogan said Tuesday. ..."Older people and those with underlying health conditions are much more vulnerable and at a significantly higher risk of contracting this disease. Nursing homes and retirement communities are the areas of greatest concern. This truly is an all-hands-on-deck operation and it is going to get worse before it gets better.”

Related: Interactive Map: Latest US Coronavirus Cases

The coronavirus has a fatality rate three to five times higher than the flu, he said; so far 42 flu deaths have been confirmed in Maryland this season.

Don't miss local and statewide announcements about novel coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

The Maryland Department of Health is issuing new guidance for long-term facilities and retirement communities:

• Restrict access to essential visits only.
• Restrict activities and visitors with potential for exposure.
• Actively screen individuals entering the building and restrict entry to those with respiratory symptoms or possible exposure to COVID-19.
• Require all individuals entering the building to wash their hands at entry.
• Establish processes to allow remote communication for residents and others.
• Prohibit all staff from international travel.

Read the Health Department’s guidance to facilities that serve older people here.

Maryland is under a state of emergency, and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency has elevated its state response activation level. Hogan has also issued a directive requiring state health carriers to waive all cost-sharing regarding testing for COVID-19.'

Tuesday afternoon, the governor's office launched a new website, which details the ongoing response to COVID-19.

For health resources regarding COVID-19, including case counts and clinician guidance, Marylanders should continue to visit health.maryland.gov/coronavirus.