Coronavirus Latest: 2,758 COVID-19 Cases In Maryland, 42 Deaths Reported Friday
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Maryland has not yet "flattened the curve" of the coronavirus pandemic.
As of Friday morning, the state recorded 2,758 positive cases of COVID-19, and 42 deaths as a result of the virus. That means more than 400 cases were added to the count in just one day.
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"We now have widespread community transmission. This virus is everywhere, and it is a threat to nearly everyone," Governor Larry Hogan said at a press conference Friday from the State House. "Sadly, we have five infants who have been infected including a one-month-old. The reality is that this disease does not discriminate."
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The governor also revealed there are now cases at 60 Maryland nursing homes and longterm care facilities. The worst outbreak is at Pleasant View in Mount Airy where Carroll County Health officials reported a sixth death Friday. Most of the patients have the virus.
The governor said a staff member at Pleasant View likely caused the outbreak. Maryland's Deputy Health Secretary Fran Phillips said in many of these facilities, staff members who are not showing symptoms are unknowingly bringing the coronavirus inside. The facilities have already limited visitors and are performing temperature checks.
"What we are seeing in Maryland and across the country is clear evidence that people can be infectious, that they can transmit this virus even before they develop symptoms," Phillips said.
Phillips announced workers at these facilities must wear masks.
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"The staff person may not be symptomatic so the masks must be on to intercept that transmission," she said during Friday's press briefing.
Nursing homes are also advised not to use labs that require mail-order testing specimens. Phillips said the state lab in Baltimore, which operates around the clock, should perform those tests to get the fastest results.
The son of a nurse at FutureCare Canton Harbor tweeted a letter this week to the governor. He worries about his mom. She told us initially she was instructed not to wear a mask—and protective gear was in short supply. FutureCare, which has confirmed cases at two other Baltimore facilities, said they are following state guidelines and the safety and well being of staff is their primary concern.
"The mask is not enough," the nurse said. "It's just scary. You don't know each day what's going to happen."
Also Friday, Governor Hogan announced an executive order to temporarily stop foreclosures and repossessions.
"We are facing a huge battle against economic collapse," the governor told reporters.
State correctional officials have confirmed 17 cases in Maryland's prison system.
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COVID-19 is now affecting inmates, officers and contract employees at facilities in Jessup, Hagerstown and Baltimore.
Other statistics: 20,932 people tested negative for coronavirus in the state, 664 people were hospitalized and 159 people were released from isolation. Of the patients 1,435 were women and 1,323 were men.
Also on Friday, the state health department adjusted its coronavirus page to show deaths by county (see below) and graphs that show growth in cases overall and the 24-hour change.
According to the graphics, the largest group of coronavirus patients in Maryland are between ages 30-59 and not the 60+groups when combined. So although 60+ is still very much at risk, it seems that the 30-59 age range is getting COVID-19 (see breakdown below).
Statewide, 416 people are hospitalized due to the virus, 43 percent of whom are in intensive care.
Meanwhile, 159 patients who were hospitalized due to the virus have recovered and have been released from isolation.
Here's a breakdown of cases (and deaths) by county:
- Allegany - 2
- Anne Arundel - 249 (4)
- Baltimore City - 313 (4)
- Baltimore County - 427 (3)
- Calvert - 30 (1)
- Caroline - 4
- Carroll - 129 (5)
- Cecil - 25 (1)
- Charles - 90 (1)
- Dorchester- 1
- Frederick - 54 (2)
- Garrett - 3
- Harford - 41
- Howard - 166 (2)
- Kent - 5
- Montgomery - 566 (9)
- Prince George's - 563 (9)
- Queen Anne's - 12
- St. Mary's - 30
- Somerset - 4
- Talbot - 5
- Washington - 27
- Wicomico - 7 (1)
- Worcester - 5
Here's a breakdown of cases by age across the state:
- 0-9: 9
- 10-19: 55
- 20-29: 335
- 30-39: 485
- 40-49: 509
- 50-59: 552
- 60-69: 423
- 70-79: 266
- 80+: 124
For the latest information on coronavirus go to the Maryland Health Department's website or call 211. You can find all of WJZ's coverage on coronavirus in Maryland here.
