As Marylanders Return From Labor Day Festivities, More People Are Testing Positive COVID-19
BALTIMORE (WJZ) — As many Marylanders return from Labor Day weekend vacations and head back to school, more people are testing positive for COVID-19.
"We've seen a definitive uptick in the last month or so of COVID cases," said Dr. Mark Goldstein, President of Medical Staff at Carroll Hospital.
On Tuesday, 795 new cases of the virus were reported in Maryland, 37 more people were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 and 7 more died from the virus. The positivity rate was reported at 4.65 percent.
Some Marylanders told WJZ on Tuesday that they believe many are letting their guard down now.
"We low key have not been listening because we need to keep our masks up," said William Montesdeoca, a Baltimore City resident.
Millions of Americans still traveled over the Labor Day weekend. 7.2 million people passed through airport checkpoints from Thursday September 2 through Sunday September 5. And roughly 43 million people drove through the weekend.
"I feel like people are getting a little too comfortable at this point you know everyone's coming out in large groups because they're kind of tired of the situation," said Baltimore County resident Leanna Sessoms.
Dr. Goldstein stressed that Marylanders people still have to be careful.
"We're going to have to learn how to live with this virus. I think it's going to become endemic it's going to become a permanent part of the fabric of our lives," said Dr. Goldstein. "In one sense we have to live, we have to see people we're social animals but we do have to balance those needs with reasonable precautions."
Goldstein recommended that people put on a mask while indoors, avoiding large gatherings and get vaccinated.
"The best way to protect against the most harmful effects of the illness is vaccination," he said.