MD Adds Nearly 1,300 Coronavirus Cases In One Day

MARYLAND — Maryland health officials confirmed 1,288 new cases of the coronavirus Saturday. It marked the largest day-to-day increase in new cases in more than two months, since 1,784 positive test results were reported May 19.

More than half of the new cases reported Saturday are Marylanders under age 40, according to Gov. Larry Hogan, who encouraged people of all ages to do their part to stop the virus's spread.

"Everyone needs to continue wearing masks in public areas, businesses and on public transportation," Hogan said. "This alone would help us significantly slow the spread of this virus.”

Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Montgomery counties and Baltimore City have ordered residents to wear masks in public places where physical distancing of 6 feet is not possible. Since April, it has been a state mandate that people wear face coverings on public transportation and in retail spaces.

“Marylanders should continue practicing physical distancing, staying 6 feet apart whenever possible," Hogan said, "and all Marylanders — especially our young people — should continue avoiding all large gatherings."

The governor provided the following statistics upon the release of Saturday's coronavirus data:

• Marylanders under age 40 account for 58.3 percent of the new cases reported Saturday.
• The positivity rate among Marylanders under 35 is 92.8 percent higher than for those 35 and older, the largest gap between younger and older Marylanders to date.

Statewide 545 people have been hospitalized with the coronavirus, the Maryland Department of Health reported Saturday.

It marked the 8th consecutive day of increases in hospitalizations, and state officials said they were continuing to monitor the increase in hospitalizations statewide.

“I want to remind the people of Maryland that this crisis is not behind us," Hogan said. "Your actions may help determine whether we see a resurgence of the virus here in Maryland."

The Maryland Department of Health reports there are 83,054 confirmed cases as of Saturday, and 3,304 people statewide have died from COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.

The results from 34,874 coronavirus tests were reported Saturday, a new record, according to Mike Ricci, a spokesman for Hogan.

While the volume is up, the percentage of the population testing positive has fallen, Ricci said.

"Our statewide positivity rate drops to 4.48%, and has now been under 5% for one month," Ricci said Saturday.

Positivity dropped in Maryland's six largest jurisdictions, the governor's office reported Saturday, noting Montgomery and Prince George's counties were at their lowest levels of positivity on record, at 3.22 percent and 5.83 percent, respectively.

Officials say they are conducting widespread testing around crab picking houses in Dorchester County, which had a positivity rate of 7.27 percent Friday. It dropped slightly to 6.67 percent Saturday.

More than 200 testing sites statewide are checking people for the coronavirus. Hogan said the state's testing capacity has increased by 78 percent in the last month.

If Marylanders want their results in a timely manner, officials encourage they get tested at sites run by the Maryland Department of Health, since many private labs are experiencing testing delays due to national increases. The turnaround time for results at state-run testing sites is 24 to 48 hours, according to the governor's office.

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 Saturday, July 25:

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

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.

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.

To prevent getting the illness, 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:

• Only 2 Counties Left To Meet Coronavirus Testing Goal: Governor
• Baltimore Mask Mandate, Restaurant Restrictions Explained
• White House Warns Baltimore To Take 'Aggressive' Action On Virus
• Gatherings Limited, Violators Face Fines: Anne Arundel Order