MD Sets Record With 1,869 New COVID Cases: Hogan

MARYLAND — The United States reported a record-high number of coronavirus cases on Friday, and so did Maryland.

The nation has seen three days straight of record-shattering case counts, with more than 177,000 new cases of the virus reported Friday, according to The Washington Post.

With more than 1,800 new coronavirus cases added to its tally Friday, the Maryland Department of Health reported its highest number of cases yet in a 24-hour period.

The previous record was 1,784 on May 19, bringing the state to 41,546 infections total. Nearly six months later, there are now 161,769 cases of the virus statewide.

To curb the spread, state and local leaders have restricted gatherings.

"Maryland is reporting a record high of 1,869 new COVID cases today and our total hospitalizations are the highest since June 11," Gov. Larry Hogan said in a statement Friday, Nov. 13, two days after he decreased restaurant capacities.

"The weeks and months ahead will be the most difficult we have faced, and our primary goals must continue to be saving lives and preventing our hospitals from overflowing," Hogan said.

Officials say the virus has put hundreds in Maryland hospitals in recent weeks.

More than 900 Marylanders were hospitalized with the virus as of Friday, an increase of nearly 400 patients since Oct. 30, according to state health data.

"Wear a mask, wash your hands, [and] watch your distance," Hogan said.

The coronavirus primarily spreads from person-to-person contact, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends putting 6 feet of distance between one another to decrease the likelihood of its transmission as well as frequent hand-washing, staying home when sick and wearing a face covering when around other people.

The coronavirus case rate is now 23.48 per 100,000 residents statewide Friday, on a rolling seven-day average, according to the latest data.

When new cases exceed 10 per 100,000 in an area, community spread has accelerated and is at dangerous levels, according to the Harvard Global Health Institute, which found a rate over 25 per 100,000 indicates the infection is out of control and may require containment measures.

"We are experiencing out-of-control spikes across the United States, and we are seeing widespread transmission here in Maryland," Hogan said Thursday, the 9th consecutive day the state reported at least 1,000 new coronavirus cases.

Friday marks the 10th day of such an increase and the greatest volume of positive test results yet in a single-day period for Maryland.

As the surge in infections continues, Hogan announced this week Maryland was investing millions of dollars in CARES Act funds to help residents and businesses and was expanding hospital surge plans.

The state also restricted capacity at restaurants, from 75 to 50 percent.

Additional restrictions are being implemented in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford, Montgomery and Prince George's counties as well as Baltimore City to slow the spread of the virus.

Maryland was reporting a 5.87 percent coronavirus positivity rate Friday, above the World Health Organization's recommended 5 percent rate to ensure adequate testing.

Find a coronavirus testing site in Maryland.

See Also:

• Hogan Reduces Restaurant, Bar Capacity As Coronavirus Cases Spike
• More Coronavirus Regulations Hit Anne Arundel As Cases Soar
• Baltimore County Restricts Gatherings As Coronavirus Surges
• 'COVID-19 Cases On The Rise In Harford': Exec On New Restrictions
• MoCo Reimposing COVID Capacity Limits On Restaurants, Businesses
• More Coronavirus Regulations Hit Prince George's As Cases Soar
• As Fall Coronavirus Surge Hits Hogan Announces More Economic Aid

Here is a look at Maryland's coronavirus data as of Friday, Nov. 13: