MD Coronavirus Hospitalizations Down After 8 Days Of Increases

MARYLAND — After eight consecutive days of increasing coronavirus-related hospitalizations, Maryland health officials reported Sunday the number has gone down. In addition, coronavirus patients in intensive care and acute care units have decreased in number, authorities said.

There are 83,748 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Maryland as of Sunday, according to the Maryland Department of Health, which reports 3,309 people have died statewide from COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.

In the last week, the state has seen 4,928 new confirmed cases; 91 hospitalizations; 22 ICU patients; 69 acute care patients; 62 deaths; and 153,508 new coronavirus test results reported. The positivity rate a week ago was 4.46 percent, and officials said Sunday it was 4.47 percent.

To recap the week in Maryland coronavirus news, on Saturday the Maryland Department of Health reported its highest number of new test results — 34,874 — in a single day.

All but two counties have met the state's goal of testing 10 percent of their populations; Calvert and Cecil counties are the stragglers.

Officials say they are investigating an outbreak of the virus at Dorchester County crab picking houses.

White House coronavirus task force coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx warned 11 cities, including Baltimore, to take "aggressive" action to contain the virus.

Several jurisdictions announced new measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus, including prohibiting indoor dining in Baltimore, which also now requires masks in public; cutting off indoor dining hours at 10 p.m. in Anne Arundel County, which also introduced new caps on gathering sizes and required masks when social distancing is not possible; and requiring masks indoors in Baltimore County, including in houses of worship and recreational facilities.

More than 200 testing sites statewide are checking people for COVID-19.

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

Coronavirus in Maryland: A Snapshot

Here is a look at Maryland's coronavirus numbers as of Sunday, July 26:

Maryland Hospitalizations, Deaths

Maryland Coronavirus Cases By Jurisdiction

Maryland Coronavirus Cases By Age And Gender

Maryland Coronavirus Cases By Race And Ethnicity

Symptoms Of Coronavirus

Contracting the coronavirus can result in mild to severe illness. Older adults and those with underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart or lung disease, are the most at risk of complications from COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

These symptoms of coronavirus can appear two to 14 days after exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Those who have trouble breathing, feel persistent pain or pressure in the chest, experience new confusion, have the inability to wake or stay awake or have bluish lips or face should get medical attention immediately, federal health officials say.

To prevent getting the illness, authorities advise staying away from those who are sick, keeping 6 feet of distance between yourself and others, washing hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer that is at least 60 percent alcohol, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and wearing a cloth face covering when around others.

See Also:

• MD Adds Nearly 1,300 Coronavirus Cases In One Day
• White House Warns Baltimore To Take 'Aggressive' Action On Virus
• Gatherings Limited, Violators Face Fines: Anne Arundel Order
• Baltimore Mask Mandate, Restaurant Restrictions Explained