Montgomery Coronavirus Cases Rise To 341; MD Death Toll Now At 15

BETHESDA, MD — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Montgomery County rose 13 percent from 301 to 341 in the last 24 hours, according to Maryland health officials, bringing the state's total to 1,413.

"This is a rapidly escalating emergency situation," Gov. Larry Hogan said at a press conference Monday. "It is going to get considerably worse before it gets better."

In an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19, the Republican leader has issued a stay-at-home order for the state's 6 million residents. Under this order, Marylanders are prohibited from leaving home, except for essential trips, such as buying food and seeking medical care. It goes into effect at 8 p.m. Monday.

Violating the order is punishable by a fine of $5,000 and/or up to one year in jail.

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

The announcement comes one day after the state's death toll tripled over the weekend, from five on Saturday to 15 on Sunday.

The five victims who died on Sunday all had underling medical conditions, according to health officials. They were:

• A Carroll County man in his 90s
• A Howard County man in his 70s
• A Prince George's County man in his 30s
• Prince George's County woman in her 50s
• Prince George's County man is his 70s

The five Marylanders who died on Saturday include:

• Baltimore City woman in her 60s
• Baltimore City woman in her 80s
• Charles County man in his 50s
• Prince George's County man in his 50s
• Wicomico County woman in her 60s

Three of them had underlying medical conditions, officials said.

To date, one Montgomery County resident has died as a result of the new coronavirus. She was in her 40s.

Hogan says the worst is yet to come for the D.C. metro area.

In two weeks, he said, experts forecast Maryland, D.C., and Virginia could look like New York and the Tri-State area.

The number of cases across the DMV more than quadrupled in the past week, according to Hogan.

"It took just three days for the region to more than double from 1,000 to more than 2,500 cases," he said.

More than 50 people have died in the National Capital Region from the virus.

On Monday, Deputy Health Secretary Fran Phillips called it "the greatest public health challenge of our lifetimes."

"We are in this for weeks, if not months," she said. "This will be a sustained effort by every one of us to battle this virus. This is indeed the greatest public health challenge of our lifetimes, and we all need to face this together. We have no vaccine t0 protect us against this virus. We have no treatments to cure this disease."

According to health officials, the majority of people will develop only mild to moderate symptoms, like coughing, shortness of breath, and fever. Those who may be at higher risk for severe illness are adults aged 65 and older and anyone who has an underlying medical condition such as diabetes and lung disease.

Experts say frequent hand washing, staying at home, and keeping at least six feet away from others are the most effective ways to combat the virus.

SEE ALSO:

• MD Coronavirus: Governor Hogan Issues Stay-At-Home Order
• José Andrés Donating 4,000 Masks To Hospitals: Coronavirus
  
• Neighbors Helping Seniors: How Takoma Park Is Fighting Loneliness
  
• Montgomery County's $25M Emergency Fund, Explained