MARYLAND — When the coronavirus pandemic first hit, Maryland was able to conduct about 50 tests a day, according to Gov. Larry Hogan. On Friday, his spokesman said the state saw its third-largest testing volume, with more than 15,000 new coronavirus test results reported in the last day alone.
“While other states are experiencing testing shortages, the state of Maryland will continue to have an abundant supply of testing available at no out-of-pocket cost to anyone in our state who wants to be tested," Hogan said in a statement Thursday, announcing the addition of testing sites at popular summer destinations Deep Creek Lake and Ocean City.
"As more and more people are returning to the workplace, and as more Marylanders are beginning to interact with larger numbers of people, testing will become even more critical," Hogan said. "We are making great strides in further expanding testing in Maryland, and strongly encourage anyone who is interested to get tested."
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Specifically, he encouraged those who have traveled out of state, attended large gatherings, worked in close contact with others or been exposed to someone with the virus to get tested.
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From Thursday to Friday, 15,564 test results were reported to the Maryland Department of Health; of those, officials said 538 new cases of the virus were confirmed.
"From the Baltimore Convention Center and Six Flags America, to VEIP stations, urgent care centers, drop-in clinics and retail partners," Phillips said, "we are committed to making testing convenient for everyone across the state."
The positivity rate is 4.92 percent on a rolling, seven-day average, according to state officials, which is a slight increase — up 0.16 since Thursday.
This holiday weekend Marylanders are encouraged to keep their physical independence from one another to help prevent the spread of the virus.
"All Marylanders should continue practicing physical distancing whenever possible, wearing masks when in public and avoiding large gatherings," Hogan said.
Maintaining at least 6 feet of space between one another can help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, officials say.
"Our long-term recovery can only be effective if we all continue exercising personal responsibility," Hogan said.
