Hogan: 'Please Stay Home, Safe' As MD Coronavirus Cases Top 3.6K

MARYLAND — Efforts to protect residents and staff at Maryland nursing homes ramped up Sunday as cases or clusters of cases have been reported at 81 nursing homes and long-term care facilities across the state.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases statewide jumped by 484, according to health officials. That brings the state's total to 3,609. In the past 24 hours, 14 more people have died, raising the death toll to 67.

Gov. Larry Hogan enacted an emergency order that requires all nursing homes to have staff who interact with residents wear personal protective equipment, create separate observation and isolation areas for residents, and expedite all testing through the Maryland State Public Health Laboratory.

"By working together now, I know we can overcome the challenges we face today," Hogansaid Sunday night. "Please stay at home. Please stay safe."

They're the latest steps taken— along with previous measures ordering a stay-at-home policy and closing schools, restaurants, gyms and other gathering places — by state leaders in recent weeks to try to halt the coronavirus' spread.

These steps will save thousands of lives and ensure Maryland's economy comes back strong, the governor said in a news release Sunday.

"Every single Marylander can be a hero just by staying home and by practicing social distancing," Hogan said. "This will not only keep you and your family safe, but it could also save the lives of thousands of others. Truly supporting our healthcare professionals and first responders right now means only leaving the house when absolutely necessary to pick up essentials like food or medications."

People can remain connected over the phone or through video chat, he said, and residents can take walks outside as long as they maintain a safe distance from others.

"The actions we’ve asked you to take will keep everyone safer – and all of us stronger in the long run. I know our best days are in the future. But we are going to need to depend on each other, to look out for each other, and to take care of each other because we are all in this together."

Compared to the state's other jurisdictions, Prince George's County has the highest number of confirmed infections. That total stands at 785.

Next is Montgomery County with 693 — followed by Baltimore County with 590 cases and Baltimore City with 394 cases.

The county with the fewest cases is Dorchester. Only one person has tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, according to state data released Sunday.

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

Measures to provide Marylanders financial relief during the crisis that Hogan announced Friday include a ban on mortgage lenders from initiating the foreclosure process, an extension of the ban on residential evictions to commercial and industrial property renters, and a prohibition on the repossession of cars and motor homes. Last month, Hogan announced a $175 million relief package for Maryland's workers and small businesses.

Hogan issued a stay-at-home order March 30 that says residents should only leave their homes for an essential job or for an essential purpose such as grocery shopping.

Maryland officials ordered schools closed on March 16, non-essential services were ordered closed March 23, and a stay-at-home order was issued March 30. Hogan has not banned travel, although he said anyone who has been outside of the state should self-quarantine for 14 days.

Three coronavirus testing sites opened this week at Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program stations — in Glen Burnie, Forest Hill and Waldorf — where those who have doctor's orders can be tested for COVID-19. Results may take up to five days, state health officials said.

Since Maryland reported its first coronavirus case, more than 27,000 people have been tested for the disease. As of Sunday, 24,728 tests came back negative.

A majority of people will exhibit mild to moderate symptoms — such as fever, fatigue, and dry cough — and can recover at home. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't take the virus seriously, state and federal health officials said.

There are a number of effective measures you can take to stem the spread of COVID-19. That includes washing your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds, avoiding large gatherings, staying home when you feel sick, and maintaining a distance of six feet from others.

SEE ALSO:

• Maryland Dems Urge Hogan To Shut Down Gun Shops During Pandemic
• Do Not Gather For Worship Due To Coronavirus: MD State Police
• MD Residents Should Wear Face Masks: Health Official
• Here's How Well Maryland Complies With Stay-At-Home Order