After MD Stage 2 Announcement, Coronavirus Decline Continues

MARYLAND — More than 55,000 people in Maryland have tested positive for the coronavirus, state health officials reported Thursday. The positivity rate in the state, or the percentage of those who test positive for the virus, is 8.91 percent, according to the Maryland Department of Health.

As more people get tested, the idea is to identify those with the virus so they can be isolated from others and stop its spread. Over 392,000 coronavirus tests have been administered in Maryland, health officials reported Thursday.

After the positivity rate dropped Wednesday into single digits, Gov. Larry Hogan announced the state would enter stage two of its recovery roadmap. As a result, more businesses will be able to reopen this Friday.

"Moving into stage two does not mean that this crisis is behind us or that we can afford to stop being vigilant and cautious," Hogan said Wednesday. "All Marylanders, particularly those older and more vulnerable populations, are advised to continue staying home whenever possible; employers should continue to encourage telework for their employees when possible; and Marylanders should also continue practicing physical distancing — staying 6 feet apart and avoiding crowds and close gatherings."

After demonstrations have sprung up across the state in response to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, health experts and government leaders have been concerned about the potential for the virus to spread, since it is passed through respiratory droplets from person to person.

"I'm glad that people are able to freely express their frustrations and to get out and protest," Hogan said in response to a question at a Wednesday news conference about the potential spread of the virus at protests. "I am concerned that so many people are gathered so closely together."

Free coronavirus testing is available for the virus in each jurisdiction, and the governor urged protesters to get tested.

"If you were in close proximity with a whole lot of people," Hogan said, "you should take advantage of that and get one of these available tests."

Here's where people can get tested for the coronavirus in Maryland.

The state has conducted 392,240 coronavirus tests as of Thursday, with 55,858 people testing positive, the Maryland Department of Health reported. Many who have the virus do not have symptoms but can still spread the illness.

"Be careful," Hogan said to young people who attended demonstrations. "I wouldn't be hugging grandma until you get that test."

A total of 2,546 people in the state have died from COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the virus. Nearly 46 percent of those who died have been 80 years or older, according to Maryland health officials.

Data shows 86.7 percent of the state's coronavirus deaths have been people age 60 and older.

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Currently, there are 1,097 patients hospitalized with the virus, health officials say.

Coronavirus-related hospitalizations are the lowest they have been in seven weeks, according to Hogan.

Coronavirus in Maryland: A Snapshot

Here is a look at Maryland's coronavirus numbers as of Thursday, June 4:

Maryland Coronavirus Cases By Jurisdiction

Maryland Coronavirus Cases By Age And Gender

Maryland Coronavirus Cases By Race And Ethnicity

Coronavirus At Group Living Facilities

Data about coronavirus at congregate living facilities is updated weekly on Wednesdays, according to the Maryland Department of Health.

In the past week, 311 more staff members have tested positive for the virus and four staff members of congregate living facilities have died from COVID-19, according to authorities. Also 297 residents tested positive for the virus in the past week at these facilities, and 89 have died, data shows.

Here are the numbers as of Thursday, June 4:

Coronavirus Symptoms

Symptoms of the new coronavirus can appear two to 14 days after exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which lists the following as possible indicators of the illness: fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell.

The CDC has an online self-checker tool for those concerned they may have the virus.

Health officials say most people with the virus will experience mild symptoms and can recover at home. Older adults and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, according to the CDC.

People should call 911 and seek immediate medical attention if they have trouble breathing, bluish lips or face, new confusion or inability to arouse and/or persistent pain or pressure in the chest.

See Also:

• MD Stage 2 Reopening: Massage Parlors, MVA To Reopen With Limits
• Hogan Says: 'We're Ready To Take Some Further Steps' On Reopening
• MD Reopening Restaurants For Outdoor Dining, Stage 2 Nears: Hogan