Coronavirus Cases Rising Among Ages 35 And Younger In HoCo

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Data shared by Howard County officials reveals an alarming trend. Epidemiologists are seeing an increase in the number of positive cases among those 35 years of age and younger. More than 11 percent of the Howard County population has been tested, with a positivity rate of 3.6 percent, meaning that of those tested, only 3.6 percent are found to have the virus.

Originally believed to be a group that would be less likely to be affected by the virus than seniors, cases in younger adults have increased two-fold during the end of June into July. Data showed that for Howard County residents ages 35 and younger, the case count increased by 111 percent from 45 the week of June 21 to 95 the week of July 5, compared to a 33 percent increase among those 36 and older during the same period.

“The recent increase of COVID-19 cases amongst younger adults in Howard County is concerning," said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball in a statement. “Over the past month, since beginning the reopening process, we have seen many positive trends that demonstrate our efforts and approaches are working. However, with a virus this aggressive, and with treatments and vaccines still months away, we do not have room to be nonchalant and must remain vigilant. It is absolutely imperative that our young adults adhere to the guidance on physically distancing, wearing face coverings, and avoiding large gatherings.”

Dr. Maura J. Rossman, Howard County Health Officer, said younger adults tend to engage in "more risky behavior" than older people.

“Frequenting places and events where there is less attention to non-pharmaceutical interventions like mask wearing and social distancing can result in increased spread of the virus. Those individuals may then carry the virus home to older adults who are the most vulnerable,” Rossman said.

Ball emphasized that the only want to reverse the trajectory of this trend among younger people is to follow the common interventions that have been recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Maryland Department of Health. Those interventions include avoiding large gatherings, wearing a mask or face covering, frequent hand washing (or use of hand sanitizer), maintaining a social distance of six feet from others and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.