What MD Coronavirus Data Shows Over 4 Weeks

MARYLAND — In the past month, the Maryland Department of Health has reported the results from more than 100,000 new coronavirus tests in the state. As more Marylanders are getting tested, the hope is that the rate of those who test positive decreases.

One week ago, about 20.2 percent of those tested in Maryland were positive for the virus.

As of Friday morning, about 19.5 percent of those tested were confirmed to have contracted the coronavirus, based on state health data.

Maryland has the highest positivity rate in the country Friday, second only to Puerto Rico, according to a study of real-time data by Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Johns Hopkins researchers say the positivity rate is an important indicator of whether the state is conducting enough testing to track the potential spread in communities, and a lower rate of positivity is the goal for a safe reopening.

Here is a look at the state data and what that means as far as positivity rates over the past month.

One week ago, the day that Gov. Larry Hogan lifted the state's stay-at-home order, there were 145,840 negative test results and 36,986 confirmed cases of the virus in Maryland.

Statewide 44,424 people have tested positive for the coronavirus, according to the Maryland Department of Health, an addition of 893 new confirmed cases in the past day.

The state has reported 183,478 negative test results as of Friday morning, an increase of 3,695 since Thursday.

Testing Sites Across The State

Select CVS, Rite Aid and Walmart stores around the state will begin offering coronavirus tests, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced Friday, May 22.

The number of overall tests is likely to surge with the increase in appointment-free testing, which state health officials rolled out at Maryland State Fairgrounds Thursday. Within a little more than an hour, Baltimore County officials reported the site had reached capacity. It had 1,000 tests to administer for the day.

The Glen Burnie and Hyattsville VEIP stations are offering appointment-free testing Friday, and the VEIP station in Clinton is expected to open next week with appointment-free testing as well.

See a list of testing sites in Maryland.

Coronavirus Hospitalizations Decline For 6th Day In A Row

Statewide 1,329 people are hospitalized with the virus as of Monday morning, health officials say, marking the sixth consecutive day of a decline in patients hospitalized with the virus. Admissions are also down on the intensive care unit, where 506 patients are being treated for the coronavirus Friday, compared with 526 people Thursday.

The respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus, COVID-19, has claimed the lives of 2,092 Marylanders, officials reported Friday morning. An additional 115 have COVID-19 listed as a cause of death on their death certificates, authorities say, with test results pending.

Since the first cases of the virus were confirmed March 5 in Maryland, officials say 7,634 people have been hospitalized due to the virus and 3,243 Marylanders have been released from isolation.

For the latest developments on the coronavirus in Maryland, get Patch news alerts.

Coronavirus in Maryland: A Snapshot

Here is a look at Maryland's coronavirus numbers as of Friday, May 22:

Maryland Coronavirus Cases By Jurisdiction

Maryland Coronavirus Cases By Age And Gender

Maryland Coronavirus Cases By Race And Ethnicity

Coronavirus At Group Living Facilities

Data about coronavirus at congregate living facilities is updated weekly on Wednesdays, according to the Maryland Department of Health.

Here are the numbers as of Friday, May 22:

Maryland has reportedly deployed teams to conduct universal testing for nursing home residents and staff as well as workers at Maryland’s two poultry processing plants. It has prioritized outbreaks and hot spots.

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, muscle pain, 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:

• PG County Stay-At-Home Order Extended By 2 Weeks
• Stay-At-Home Order Remains In Baltimore: Mayor
• HoCo RISE Maps Out Reopening Guidelines
• Harford County Executive Follows Governor's Lead In Reopening
• Guidelines To Reopen Anne Arundel County Take Effect