First Baltimore Coronavirus Case Reported

BALTIMORE, MD — One person has tested positive for the new coronavirus in Baltimore City, according to Mayor Bernard C. Jack Young. The mayor advised residents to take extra precautions and avoid large crowds as the investigation into the case continues.

The Maryland Department of Health, which is the lead agency investigating cases of the new coronavirus in the state, informed city officials Saturday night of the positive test result, according to Young.

"At this time, we need all residents to take extra precautions, especially our older adult population who are at higher risk for contracting this virus," Young said in a statement Saturday night. "Residents can protect themselves from the spread of the COVID-19 virus by utilizing proper hand-washing practices and social distancing."

The person who tested positive for the illness was a man in his 60s, according to WJZ.

"In anticipation of positive COVID-19 cases, I activated the Emergency Operations Center this week, canceled all City-permitted gatherings of more than 250 people, and suspended activities at City-operated senior center buildings," Young said. "I want all residents of Baltimore to rest assured that the city has been preparing for this eventual outcome for more than a month and we are well-suited to respond to this specific case."

The Baltimore City Health Department and Health Commissioner Dr. Letitia Dzirasa are "ready to assist in investigating this case," Young said.

There are 26 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in Maryland Saturday, according to the Maryland Department of Health.

See the Baltimore City Health Department's coronavirus page for more information.

This is breaking news and will be updated.