Confirmed Coronavirus Case Total In Howard County Reaches 2,430

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — As of Tuesday morning, Howard County has a total of 2,430 positive new coronavirus cases, which is the same number of cases from the previous day, according to the Howard County Health Department, and 78 deaths, which is the same number of cases from the prior day. The state has 65,007 confirmed cases, an increase of 404 cases from the day prior, and 2,963 deaths total, reports the Maryland Department of Health. More than 10,611 people have been hospitalized.

The county health department has its own website created to monitor the situation, broken down by new cases per day and other data. Cases also can be tracked via zip code. According to the Howard County Health Department, the majority of cases in Howard County are within the 19 to 64 age range.

Howard County had the state's first pediatric case after a 5-year-old girl who attends Elkridge Elementary tested positive. Gov. Larry Hogan issued a stay-at-home order March 30 to what he called a "rapidly escalating emergency situation." At a news conference May 13, Hogan announced Stage One of his "Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery" plan that took effect May 15 at 5 p.m. that lifted the stay-at-home order. A safer at home public health advisory took its place but jurisdictions could keep restrictions if leaders determined that to be necessary.

Stage Two started June 5 at 5 p.m. with restrictions lifted on more businesses and houses of worship. Some government agencies began opening June 8. For all businesses, face coverings are encouraged during face-to-face interactions and businesses are encouraged to conduct temperature screenings of employees.

Effective Friday at 5 p.m., Howard County restaurants are allowed to open their doors to indoor dining at 50 percent capacity as long as social distancing and public health requirements are followed. Also reopening Friday at 5 p.m. are outdoor amusements and attractions including miniature golf and go-karts. Outdoor pools also can hold 50 percent capacity. Starting June 19 at 5 p.m., gyms, indoor fitness centers, dance studios and martial arts businesses can reopen at 50 percent with social distancing in effect and following public health requirements. Casinos, arcades and malls also will reopen at that time.

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

The CDC advises doing the following to stop the spread of the virus:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If this is not available, use hand sanitizer that is at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Keep 6 feet of space between people.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Read more:

• Howard County Restaurants Offering Delivery, Takeout: Coronavirus
  
• RVs 4 MDs Initiative Arrives In Maryland To Aid Coronavirus Fight