Harford County Declares State Of Emergency Due To Coronavirus

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — County Executive Barry Glassman declared a state of emergency Wednesday in Harford County due to the new coronavirus pandemic. The declaration at the local level follows the state of Maryland, after the governor declared a state of emergency March 5.

Glassman's state of emergency allows Harford County to draw upon state and federal resources to support the county as it responds to what he called "an immediate and serious threat to public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Harford County."

Three people have tested positive for the new coronavirus in Harford County as of Wednesday morning, according to the Maryland Department of Health. That is an increase of one since Tuesday. State health officials say 85 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Maryland as of Wednesday morning, an increase from Tuesday's total, which was 57.

All 28 people who tested positive for the virus between Tuesday and Wednesday were under age 65, according to state health data.

The first case of new coronavirus in Harford County was reported March 9. One week after returning from overseas, officials said an 86-year-old woman who had traveled through Turkey was hospitalized after she became ill.

One of her family members, who is 69 years old, also tested positive, officials reported March 14, stating that person was isolated at home with no symptoms.

There was no information immediately available about the third case, reported March 18.

At the Harford County Council meeting Tuesday night, which was closed to the public but livestreamed to protect the health of the community, Harford County Health Officer Russell Moy said Maryland was experiencing community transmission.

“What that means is basically it’s in the community now," Moy said of the new coronavirus. "You can now just get it from anywhere."

This is breaking news and will be updated.

See the executive order declaring a state of emergency in Harford County.

Related:

• Harford Woman With New Coronavirus Traveled In Turkey: Gov. Hogan
• Turkey Disputes Claim About Harford Resident With Coronavirus
• Second Case Of New Coronavirus In Harford County Confirmed

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