MD Reports Record Number Of Coronavirus Test Results

MARYLAND — Maryland health officials reported a record number of coronavirus test results Sunday. At the same time, the state's positivity rate has dropped to a new low.

Baltimore City and Baltimore County are now reporting positivity rates below 5 percent, which is the rate recommended by the World Health Organization for gauging community spread.

Across the state as a whole, the positivity rate has been declining as more people get tested and more results are reported.

Officials reported the results from 40,473 coronavirus tests Sunday, which is a new state record.

Previously the most results reported in a single day in Maryland was 34,874. That happened a little more than two weeks ago, on July 25. Of that batch, officials said 1,288 new cases were added.

The Maryland Department of Health reports 922 new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the last 24 hours, for a total of 95,503 confirmed cases statewide Sunday.

Of those tested for the virus in the past seven days across Maryland, officials say an average of 3.75 percent were positive, which is also a record-low positivity rate since the pandemic began, according to the governor. A week ago, the positivity rate was 4.6 percent.

“Our mitigation strategies are working, but this is no time to be complacent: it’s important to wear a mask, wash your hands, and practice physical distancing,” Gov. Larry Hogan said in a statement Sunday. “We are doing much better on our health metrics and economic recovery than most of the rest of the country — let’s continue to work together and do what it takes to keep it that way.”

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The United States has now reported more than 5 million coronavirus cases, Johns Hopkins reported Sunday. It has more confirmed cases of the virus than any other country, with the next in line being Brazil at a little more than 3 million and India over 2 million. The rest of the world has reported fewer than 1 million cases, according to the Johns Hopkins coronavirus tracker.

Officials say 1,039,345 Marylanders have now been tested for the coronavirus as of Sunday, representing 17.2 percent of the state’s population.

More than 200 testing sites are checking people for the coronavirus in Maryland.

Coronavirus in Maryland: A Snapshot

Here is a look at Maryland's coronavirus numbers as of Sunday, Aug. 9:

Maryland Hospitalizations, Deaths

Maryland Coronavirus Cases By Jurisdiction

Maryland Coronavirus Cases By Age And Gender

Maryland Coronavirus Cases By Race And Ethnicity

Symptoms Of Coronavirus

These symptoms of coronavirus can appear two to 14 days after exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Those who have trouble breathing, feel persistent pain or pressure in the chest, experience new confusion, have the inability to wake or stay awake or have bluish lips or face should get medical attention immediately, federal health officials say.

Contracting the coronavirus can result in mild to severe illness. Older adults and those with underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart or lung disease, are the most at risk of complications from COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

To prevent getting the virus, authorities advise staying away from those who are sick, keeping 6 feet of distance between yourself and others, washing hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer that is at least 60 percent alcohol, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and wearing a cloth face covering when around others.

See Also:

• MD Coronavirus Deaths At 3,440; Hospitalizations Down For 3rd Day
• White House Coronavirus Official On Baltimore: 'We Are Concerned'
• COVID-19 Vaccine Developer Has Promising Results From Early Trial
• Surgeon General Tours Baltimore Coronavirus Field Hospital