Reopening Maryland: Health Officials Worry The COVID-19 Could Spread As Crowds Gather At The Beach, Summer Events
BALTIMORE (WJZ) — As the state continues to loosen coronavirus restrictions, health officials are worried about the spread of COVID-19 as crowds head to the beach and other summer destinations where they will be in close proximity with others.
Health officials say the virus is transmitted in water droplets and moves through the air, so if people are sharing the air with dozens, hundreds, or thousands of people they are putting themselves in a vulnerable place.
"When you're in a crowded setting, there is a chance of transmission because there are people there and they may have the virus and they may know they have the virus, they may be sick with the virus but they may not even know they have the virus," Dr. Lucy Wilson, an infectious disease specialist with UMBC, said.
Wilson said any meeting, indoor or outdoor is cause for concern.
"It concerns me because we know it's a very infectious disease and most people don't have any immunity to it. We're all so vulnerable to it at this point," she said.
CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES:
- Coronavirus Resources: How To Get Help In Maryland
- TIMELINE: Coronavirus In Maryland, Tracking The Spread
- Coronavirus-Related Closings
- Latest coronavirus stories from WJZ
- Latest CDC Guidelines
Wilson's message is simple: spread out or stay home.
"Use your common sense; think about the distance you are from people and the amount of time you're spending with people and try to protect yourself from getting too close," she said.
Health experts also said nobody knows what will happen with the virus once the weather gets warmer and humidity spikes. They said summer weather could worsen conditions and how easily the virus can spread, which is why nobody should be letting their guard down.
They advise the public to continue keeping their distance, covering their faces with masks and frequently washing their hands.