County COVID-19 Cases Hit 21,877, Death Toll Remains At 798

BETHESDA, MD — The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Montgomery County has grown by 63 since Sunday, according to Maryland health officials, bringing its total to 21,877.

No new deaths linked to COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus, were reported in the last 24 hours. The countywide death toll remains at 798.

Another 40 people, according to health officials, may have died from COVID-19, but a laboratory test is still needed to confirm the cause of death. For now, they are considered "probable deaths."

The county continues to have the highest number of deaths in the state. It also has the second highest number of confirmed cases, after Prince George's County, which has 28,629, according to the latest figures.

Statewide, there have been 120,568 confirmed cases, 3,739 deaths, and 144 "probable deaths." Of the 290 people currently hospitalized, 71 are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Starting Monday at 5 p.m., restaurants in Maryland can increase their indoor dining capacities from 50 to 75 percent. Buffets are still not allowed, and neither is serving patrons who are not seated.

Appropriate physical distancing and other precautions will be required to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The easing of restrictions is part of Gov. Larry Hogan's multi-step plan for economic recovery. All 24 jurisdictions were allowed to enter the third and last phase of Hogan's reopening plan earlier this month.

Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Montgomery County, and Prince George's County — however — stayed behind.

Despite remaining in phase two, Montgomery County has revised its guidelines to allow for outdoor live performances.

Venues interested in having outdoor live performances must receive a Letter of Approval from the county and follow a number of COVID-19 regulations, which can be found here.

Indoor dining is still limited to 50 percent capacity.