Baltimore Coronavirus Case Was Community Transmission: Officials

BALTIMORE, MD — Baltimore officials announced the first two case of the new coronavirus in the city. The first case was reported Saturday night and involved a man in his 60s.

"At this time, all we are able to share is that this initial case is a male in his 60s who is currently stable and undergoing medical evaluation at a local area hospital," Baltimore Health Commissioner Letitia Dzirasa, M.D., said at a news conference Sunday.

"A contact investigation led by the health department is underway to determine who the patient has been in close contact with recently," Dzirasa said. "We believe this to be a case of community transmission."

Community transmission means the illness has spread without the person knowing how or where they became infected, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rather than being linked to travel or exposure to someone with COVID-19.

On Monday, the second person to test positive for the virus was confirmed, and that involved a woman in her 20s, authorities reported.

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"In the days and weeks to come, we expect the number of positive cases in Baltimore City to increase," Dzirasa said. "Therefore, I would like to review three major points:

1. "Not everyone needs testing for COVID-19," Dzirasa said.
2. "Taking extreme measures to enforce social distancing is paramount to protecting the health of our most high-risk residents," she continued.
3. Not everyone needs a test, but all people should practice preventive measures. Testing is most appropriate for those who have been severely ill with symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, fever greater than 100.4 or shortness of breath), someone in contact w/COVID-19 or those who have traveled, according to the health commissioner. People should call a health provider first. Said Dzirasa: "If everyone with mild symptoms attempts to go to hospitals at same time, we will overburden our hospital systems."

The mayor said the city was looking for a community quarantine site should the city need it.

What To Do

"The most important thing you can do to reduce the risk of spread in Baltimore is stay home and maintain social distancing practices when you must go out into the public," Mayor Bernard C. "Jack" Young said at a news conference Sunday. "It's not just about you. It's about all of us."

Those at higher risk — people over age of 60 or those who have a heart condition, lung disease or diabetes — should monitor themselves for cough, fever and shortness of breath, according to the city health commissioner.

"Pay attention to emergency warning signs," Dzirasa said. "If you notice difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in your chest, new confusion or significant lethargy or bluish and grayish lips or face, get medical attention immediately."

Those who are not at risk may unknowingly carry the virus to those who are vulnerable.

"I can't stress enough the importance of implementing social distancing measures at this time," Dzirasa said. "I'm pleading with you consider your fellow resident — your older neighbor, your family friend or your grandparent — who may be at risk from severe complications from COVID-19."

Said Dzirasa: "Please consider limiting going out to bars, restaurants, movie theaters and other areas where you can come into close contact with other people. If you must go out, practice being at least 6 feet from others."

Best practices to avoid the virus include:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

Watch the press conference about the first case of new coronavirus in Baltimore here.

See the Baltimore City coronavirus page for more information.

See Also:

• Student Tests Positive For Coronavirus: Loyola University
• MD Courts Close To Public, Stay Open For Emergencies
• First Baltimore Coronavirus Case Reported