MD Coronavirus Cases Surge To 2,331 As Virus Confirmed Statewide

MARYLAND — One month since the first three cases of the new coronavirus were reported in Maryland, the virus has spread to every part of the state. Allegany County, the lone jurisdiction that had not seen a coronavirus test come back positive, is now among the places in Maryland where the 2,331 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed.

For the second day in a row, the state reported a record increase in the number of confirmed cases.

"The surge unfortunately is just starting," Gov. Larry Hogan said in an interview with WBFF. "Today was our worst day ever, our most deaths and our most positive cases, and our hospitalizations are increasing." He was interviewed Wednesday.

Since then, an additional 60 people have been hospitalized, five people have died and an additional 346 people have tested positive for the virus in the state, the largest day-to-day increase since the Maryland Department of Health began compiling the number of positive test results.

So far 36 of those infected with the disease in Maryland have died from COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, state health officials reported Thursday. According to the governor, Maryland is on par with where New York was two weeks ago.

Here's where the confirmed coronavirus cases are as of Thursday, April 2, according to the Maryland Department of Health:

• 498 — Montgomery County
• 473 — Prince George's County
• 353 — Baltimore County
• 265 — Baltimore City
• 206 — Anne Arundel County
• 152 — Howard County
• 105 — Carroll County
• 69 — Charles County
• 45 — Frederick County
• 37 — Harford County
• 27 — St. Mary's County
• 22 — Calvert County
• 20 — Cecil County
• 17 — Washington County
• 8 — Queen Anne's County
• 7 — Wicomico County
• 5 — Kent and Worcester counties
• 4 — Caroline, Somerset and Talbot counties
• 3 — Garrett County
• 1 — Allegany and Dorchester counties

"The worst is still yet to come," Hogan told WBFF, "and we're just going to do everything we can to lessen the hit that we're going to take."

Hogan issued a stay-at-home order Monday and said he believes "the vast majority of people in the state are abiding" by the guidance that they only leave their homes for an essential job or for an essential purpose.

"I know it's a tremendous hardship," Hogan said. "Nobody wants to be taking these actions, but you really are saving your own life, the lives of your family and friends and you're helping literally save the lives of thousands of Marylanders."

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There is no cure or vaccine for COVID-19, which can cause mild symptoms for the majority of those infected, but can be fatal for others.

"We can't stop this virus," Hogan said, "[but] everybody's involved in helping us slow it and keep some people from getting sick."

People who do not know they have it may pass the virus to those who are more vulnerable, which is why officials say staying at home is vital.

"I don't want to just frighten people unnecessarily, but I want them to know that it's a serious situation," Hogan told WBFF. "Unfortunately, we're at the very beginning and not the end of this crisis, which is going to continue to escalate."

Of those who tested positive as of Thursday, authorities say 1,194 are female and 1,137 are male.

Officials reported 582 people have ever been hospitalized due to COVID-19 in Maryland, and 81 people have been released from isolation. Those who have been released from isolation have not necessarily been hospitalized, according to a spokesman for the state health department.

'It's Going To Get Worse'

The number of confirmed cases will grow as testing increases, the governor has repeatedly said.

Three coronavirus testing sites opened this week at Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program stations — in Glen Burnie, Forest Hill and Waldorf — where those who have doctor's orders can be tested for COVID-19. Results may take up to five days, state health officials said.

"It's going to get worse," Hogan said. "The numbers are going to exponentially climb."

There is no cure or vaccine for COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the virus, which can cause mild symptoms for the majority of those infected but can be fatal for others. People who do not know they have it may pass the virus to those who are more vulnerable, which is why officials say staying at home is vital.

"The worst is still yet to come," Hogan said, "and we're just going to do everything we can to lessen the hit that we're going to take."

Maryland is under a stay-at-home order to slow the spread of the virus. Residents are encouraged to stay home unless they need to leave for something needed for survival like getting food or going to work at a job that has been deemed essential by the state. Since issuing the order Monday, Hogan said Wednesday he believes "the vast majority of people in the state are abiding" by it.

"I know it's a tremendous hardship," Hogan said. "Nobody wants to be taking these actions, but you really are saving your own life and the lives of your family, friends and literally saving the lives of thousands of Marylanders."

Negative Results, Age Breakdown

So far, there have been 18,890 negative test results in Maryland for the virus, according to the state health department.

These are the ages of those with COVID-19 in Maryland, health experts reported Thursday:

• 471: People in their 50s
• 437: People in their 40s
• 410: People in their 30s
• 357: People in their 60s
• 286: People in their 20s
• 217: People in their 70s
• 98: People 80 years and up
• 46: People 10 to 19 years old
• 9: Children 0 to 9 years old

'We Will Get Through This'

"I can promise you that there are a great many dedicated people ... working around the clock and doing their very best to help keep Marylanders safe," Hogan said in a video message Thursday.

"In the days to come, we're going to need to depend on each other, to look out for one another and to take care of each other because we are all in this together," Hogan said. "We will get through this together."

See Also:

• MD Coronavirus: Governor Hogan Issues Stay-At-Home Order
• Telephone Wellness Check Available To MD Seniors: Coronavirus
• MD Emergency Orders Expand Health Care, Cases Surge: Coronavirus
• MD Coronavirus: Special Shopping Hours For Seniors At Stores
• What Is Allowed Under Maryland's Stay-At-Home Order

Correction: There were 1,137 males who tested positive rather than 1,337 as originally stated.