Coronavirus Update: Fifth Montgomery Co. Resident Tests Positive

BETHESDA, MD — A fifth Montgomery County resident has tested positive for the new coronavirus, bringing the state's total to nine confirmed cases, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said Tuesday.

State officials identified the Montgomery County patient as a woman in her 60s. They say she contracted the virus while on an Egyptian cruise on the Nile River. It's the same cruise ship five other infected Marylanders took, though it's unclear if their trips overlapped.

Hogan said the newest patient wasn't hospitalized and is in "good condition."

The State of Maryland has five confirmed positive cases in Montgomery County, three positive cases in Prince George’s County, and one positive case in Harford County.

“This problem continues to evolve and to escalate rapidly,” Hogan said Tuesday. “I am fully committed to being transparent, providing the facts, keeping Marylanders informed, taking actions based on detailed planning, and making decisions based on the facts on the ground.”

Don't miss updates about precautions in Bethesda-Chevy Chase as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

"This problem continues to evolve and to escalate rapidly," Hogan said. "I am fully committed to being transparent, providing the facts, keeping Marylanders informed, taking actions based on detailed planning, and making decisions based on the facts on the ground."

As of Tuesday evening, Maryland has five confirmed cases in Montgomery County, three confirmed cases in Prince George's County, and one confirmed case in Harford County.

Last week, Hogan declared a state of emergency in Maryland, directing the Maryland Department of Health and Maryland Emergency Management Agency to "ramp up" coordination among state and local agencies and "fast-track" the state's response to the illness.

The virus emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019 and has since infected more than 116,000 people and killed more than 4,000 around the world. In America, authorities have reported at least 791 cases and 27 fatalities.

Maryland has had no fatalities from the coronavirus as of Tuesday.

SEE ALSO:

• How Ready Is Montgomery County For Coronavirus?
• Asian Students, Parents Targeted In Wake Of Coronavirus: Official
• MD Coronavirus: Governor Asks For $50M To Ramp Up Response
• MD Coronavirus Patients Were At 2 Public Events, Hogan Concerned
• MCPS Coronavirus Plan: Remote Teaching, Food Accommodations