Coronavirus Deaths Top 1,500: Maryland Department Of Health

MARYLAND — With 1,049 new cases confirmed in the past day, the Maryland Department of Health reported Saturday that 31,534 people statewide have tested positive for the new coronavirus.

Statewide, 1,665 people were hospitalized with the virus as of Saturday morning, 575 of them in the intensive care unit (ICU), health officials reported.

A total of 1,510 Marylanders have died from COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus, officials reported Saturday morning. An additional 104 have COVID-19 listed as a cause of death on their death certificates, authorities say, with test results pending.

The Gardens Ice House in Laurel has reportedly served as a temporary morgue to alleviate the strain on the State Anatomy Board, which handles bodies unclaimed at hospitals after 72 hours.

More than 50 bodies — including people whose deaths were not related to COVID-19 and those who died of the virus —have been taken to the ice rink since April 17, according to CBS News, which reported body bags were put on platforms a few inches above the ice with Maryland flags atop each one.

The goal was "making this as dignified and compassionate as possible," Del. Mary Lehman, who represents Prince George's and Anne Arundel counties, told CBS. Because of current conditions — she cited stay-at-home orders, travel concerns for those out of state, and financial hardships — Lehman said families may need more than seven days to claim a body, which is how long the state is required to hold it. A Maryland agency reportedly has a 90-day contract to use the ice rink.

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Since the first confirmed cases of the virus in Maryland on March 5, authorities say 5,932 people have been hospitalized due to COVID-19. After having the virus, 2,159 people in Maryland have been released from isolation.

So far, the state has reported 124,494 negative test results, an increase of 2,476 since the previous day.

Effective Thursday, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan lifted restrictions on some services such as elective medical procedures and opened amenities like beaches and playgrounds at state parks. Golf courses were able to reopen, and activities such as boating and fishing were again permitted.

On Saturday, Ocean City reopened its boardwalk and beaches; its mayor reminds people that the governor's stay-at-home order is in effect, and only essential travel is permitted.

Coronavirus in Maryland: A Snapshot

Here is a look at Maryland's coronavirus numbers as of Saturday, May 9:

Case Count By ZIP Code

These are the ZIP codes with the highest coronavirus case counts in Maryland Saturday:

• 1,104 cases — ZIP code 20783 (Prince George's County)
• 676 cases — ZIP code 20906 (Montgomery County)
• 613 cases — ZIP code 20706 (Prince George's County)
• 566 cases — ZIP code 20902 (Montgomery County)
• 535 cases — ZIP code 20904 (Montgomery County)
• 524 cases — ZIP code 20784 (Prince George's County
• 488 cases — ZIP code 20782 (Prince George's County
• 458 cases — ZIP code 21224 (Baltimore City/Baltimore County)
• 457 cases — ZIP code 21215 (Baltimore City/Baltimore County)
• 423 cases — ZIP code 20903 (Montgomery County)

Maryland Coronavirus Cases By Jurisdiction

Maryland Coronavirus Cases By Jurisdiction

Maryland Coronavirus Cases By Age And Gender

Coronavirus At Group Living Facilities

The state began providing information in late April about coronavirus cases in congregate living facilities, and officials say those numbers are updated weekly on Wednesdays.

Teams are conducting universal testing for nursing home residents and staff as well as workers at two poultry processing plants, according to state authorities, who have prioritized outbreaks and hot spots.

Testing Sites Across The State

The state is expanding testing for health care workers and first responders at local fire and EMS departments, and for health care workers at the Maryland Department of Health, Maryland Department of Public Safety and Corrections and the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, Hogan announced Wednesday. See more on testing sites in Maryland.

COVID-19 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, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, 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 Governor Eases Restrictions; Reopening From Coronavirus Ahead
• Ocean City Beaches To Reopen This Weekend
• $1.6M Awarded To Maryland Businesses To Make PPE: Coronavirus
• MD Testing Coronavirus Drug In Montgomery County
• Maryland Schools To Close For Rest Of Spring: Coronavirus
• Hogan Administration Sued Over Stay-At-Home Order: MD Coronavirus