Baltimore County Health Officer Tests Positive For Coronavirus

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — The top health official in Baltimore County tested positive for the coronavirus.

Baltimore County Health Officer Gregory Wm. Branch confirmed he had the virus after coming down with a mild cough and minor voice loss.

"While I do not know exactly how I contracted the virus, this is a stark reminder of how contagious COVID-19 can be," Branch said in a statement provided to media Thursday.

Branch said he got tested at one of the county's clinics and was still doing his job for Baltimore County while working remotely in self-isolation.

News of his results came the day after Gov. Larry Hogan said contact tracing showed 25 percent of those testing positive for the virus in Maryland were health care workers.

Baltimore County Johnny Olszewski Jr. commended Branch for "bravely leading the county's response to the crisis," according to a statement obtained by the Baltimore Sun.

As of Thursday, officials say 11,615 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in Baltimore County, where 523 have died from COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. Another 22 are believed to have died from COVID-19, but test results are pending.

"I will continue to rest and recuperate at home, but would like to use this opportunity to remind everyone that this disease is still very much with us and that we are all susceptible," Branch said. "We must take every precaution to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe."

Branch reminded people to wear face coverings inside in public places and outside when physical distancing was not possible, to use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol when soap and water are not available, to practice physical distancing and to stay home if not feeling well.

See Also:

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