5-Year-Old With Coronavirus Attends Elkridge Elementary In HoCo

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Maryland's first child to test positive for the new coronavirus is a 5-year-old from Howard County who attended Elkridge Elementary School. The state has 107 confirmed cases, up from 85 on Wednesday, the same day the state reported its first coronavirus death, a Prince George's County man in his 60s with underlying health issues.

"We have our first pediatric case of coronavirus. Coronavirus, as we know, does not discriminate ... we are going to continue to see more confirmed cases. We must do our part to flatten the curve and ultimately save lives," Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said at a Thursday afternoon press conference. "Avoid group gatherings, playdates and visitors to your home. Do not congregate in any public private spaces. This means walking trails, basketball courts, playgrounds and more."

Howard County Health Officer Dr. Maura Rossman said the child was evaluated by medical professionals and sent home to recuperate. They do not believe she shared the virus at school. All schools in Maryland are tentatively closed through March 27.

"Given the timeframe of onset, the child was not an exposure risk to children and staff at school. While this is the first coronavirus case in a child in Maryland, we know that children, teens and young adults are all able to get the virus. It does not discriminate," Rossman said. "Anyone can get sick regardless of what country and what state and what county they live in and what age they are. We must recognize when children or anyone is sick with the virus that a larger concern is they pass the disease along to seniors or those with underlying health issues. They are the groups more adversely effected and may require hospitalization — and may not recover."

Rossman emphasized that "now is the time to stay home."

"In capital letters, STAY HOME. As difficult as it may be, staying home the next couple of weeks will help flatten the curve, slow the virus and save lives," she said.

People must re-evaluate how they live their lives, Rossman said.

"If you must go out into public, use social distancing ... continue to wash your hands and do it frequently. We know this is the single most effective way to prevent getting sick," she said.

For the latest local news and updates on the coronavirus in Maryland, sign up for Patch emails and news alerts.

While the first child to test positive is from Howard County, no changes will be made to the distribution of meals to students at sites across the county through the Howard County Public School System. Brian Bassett with the district said that "everything is fluid though and variables are changing daily."

HCPSS Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano addressed the crowd and said it "saddens me greatly to know this pandemic has hit this close to home." Elkridge Elementary Principal Michael Caldwell will be reaching out to families and staff members via email, Martirano said.

"Dr. Rossman has said there is no more risk to staff and students at the school then there is in the community. The Howard County Health Department is investigating this case and contact anyone who is at risk. Keep in mind, with 59,000 students, parents, guardians and thousands of employees, it was inevitable that this pandemic would directly affect our school system," Martirano said. "Our buildings are being thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. I'm imploring that all of our students stay home, take heed of what's happening and understand the significance of this event."

Ball said he and the state delegation is considering various relief packages to help small businesses through these "challenging times." Larry Twele with the Howard County Economic Development Authority said small businesses suffering due to the novel coronavirus outbreak will soon be able to apply for disaster loan assistance. Ball also emphasized that those who can work from home must do so and those who cannot should abide by social distancing guidelines.

Wednesday evening, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball filed legislation to request an extension of the local state of emergency until further notice. The County Council will review and act on the legislation Friday. Ball also closed all non-emergency county offices and facilities Wednesday.

“We’re facing an unprecedented challenge, and it requires collective action and cooperation from all facets of our community,” said Ball in a statement. “The State of Emergency will allow us to maintain best practices for social distancing and ensure the public safety of our residents.”

Monday night, the Howard County Office of Emergency Management hosted a Community Operations Active in Disaster with 55 groups including churches and community outreach groups. Economic Development Authority has created an information portal for the business community impacted by the coronavirus outbreak that is available online. It includes information from partners such as Howard Chamber, Tourism and Maryland Department of Commerce.

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

Furthermore, all county park gates are closed meaning parks cannot be accessed by vehicle, only by foot traffic. All restrooms at parks are closed and people are encouraged to stay off playground equipment. On-site visits at the department of corrections have been suspended until further notice; inmates will receive two free weekly phone calls and one free video visit so that they can maintain family contact.

The court system is reviewing motions from the Public Defender’s Office assessing suitable inmates that may be more vulnerable to the virus for possible release. This includes all inmates over 60 and those with chronic health conditions. The department of corrections also is asking the court system to allow work release participants that are within 90 days of release that are suitable for home detention to be placed on home detention supervision.

Read More:

• 250 People At Playground Leads HoCo Officials To Shut Park Gates
• Free Lunches, Breakfast Available To Howard County Students
• First Responders Will Wear Special Gear During HoCo's Coronavirus
• Mildly Ill Howard County Residents Asked To Call Doctor First