Montgomery County Coronavirus: Cases Up 44.7% Since Last Week

BETHESDA, MD — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Montgomery County increased by 44.7 percent, or by 1,284 cases, since April 22, bringing its total to 4,152.

The county's death toll from the disease now stands at 218, the Maryland Health Department reported on Wednesday. A day earlier, it was 201. On April 22, it stood at 110.

In recent weeks, state health officials began counting "probable deaths" — or deaths of individuals who likely were infected, but never tested. Previously, deaths were only counted if they tested positive for the disease.

As of Wednesday morning, there have been 24 "probable deaths" in Montgomery County, according to health officials.

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Statewide, 20,849 people have tested positive for the disease. That's an increase of 6,074 cases, or 41.1 percent, since April 22.

The state's death toll is now 985, according to the latest figures from the Maryland Department of Health. A day earlier, it stood at 929. On April 22, the death toll was 631.

There have been 93 "probable deaths" in Maryland, as of Wednesday.

No one under the age of 20 has died from COVID-19, health officials say.

Maryland reported its first three coronavirus cases on March 5. Since then, 90,080 people have tested negative for the disease and 1,361 have been released from isolation.

Currently, 1,645 people in the state are hospitalized with the virus, including 585 in intensive care (ICU).

As the state's most populous jurisdiction, Montgomery County has the second highest number of known coronavirus cases in Maryland. Prince George's County is first with a total of 5,738.

Case Count By ZIP Code

These are the ZIP codes with the highest coronavirus case counts in Maryland Wednesday:

• 563 cases — ZIP code 20783 (Prince George's County)
• 403 cases — ZIP code 20906 (Montgomery County)
• 365 cases — ZIP code 20904 (Montgomery County)
• 362 cases — ZIP code 20706 (Prince George's County)
• 346 cases — ZIP code 21215 (Baltimore/Baltimore City)
• 345 cases — ZIP code 20902 (Montgomery County)
• 313 cases — ZIP code 20784 (Prince George's County
• 280 cases — ZIP code 20782 (Prince George's County)
• 274 cases — ZIP code 20785 (Prince George's County)
• 255 cases — ZIP code 21228 (Baltimore County)

Testing Sites In Montgomery County

Montgomery County's newest COVID-19 testing site is now open at the Upcounty Regional Services Center in Germantown.

Other drive-thru test sites in Montgomery County are located in Wheaton and White Oak.

Here's what you need to know about the facility and testing process:

• It's not an on-demand testing site (appointments are required)
• To determine if you qualify for testing:
  • You must meet coronavirus testing criteria as determined by a licensed health care provider (the provider will fill out an online order for testing through Maryland's CRISP information system)
• Once the form is sent, you'll be given instructions on how to make an appointment online
• Appointments will be confirmed and an ID number will be provided
• Bring your photo ID and appointment number to the testing site

More information about testing can be found here.

COVID-19 Symptoms

Symptoms of the new coronavirus can appear two to 14 days after exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which lists the following as possible indicators of the illness: fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell.

Health officials say most people with the virus will experience mild symptoms and can recover at home. People should call 911 and seek immediate medical attention if they have trouble breathing, bluish lips or face, new confusion or inability to arouse and/or persistent pain or pressure in the chest.

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