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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak

COVID-19 Statistics in Maryland
Number of Confirmed Cases: 85

Cases by County:

Anne Arundel – 4
Baltimore City – 4
Baltimore County – 10
Carroll – 1
Charles – 2
Frederick – 1
Harford – 3
Howard – 8
Montgomery – 31
Prince George’s – 20
Talbot – 1

Cases by Age Range:

Under 18 : 0
18-64 : 60
65+ : 25

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This is a rapidly evolving situation and the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) will provide updates as they become available.

NOTE: Now that COVID-19 testing has expanded and is available through commercial laboratories, MDH is no longer reporting negative and pending numbers of tests in Maryland. All positive results obtained by commercial laboratories are reported to MDH and included in the confirmed cases count.

COVID-19 Background

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in December 2019. COVID-19 is a new virus that hasn’t caused illness in humans before. Worldwide, COVID-19 has resulted in thousands of infections, causing illness and in some cases death. Cases have spread to countries throughout the world, with more cases reported daily.

COVID-19 is thought to be able to spread like the cold or flu through:

  • Coughing and sneezing, which creates respiratory droplets
  • Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
  • Touching an object or surface with the virus on it

Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

  • Fever
  • Coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • In more severe cases, pneumonia (infection in the lungs)

The vast majority of people recover from this infection. Most people will have mild or moderate symptoms. Older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions have a greater risk for more serious illness.

Use your head — Slow the spread

As Maryland has multiple confirmed cases of COVID-19, all Marylanders are advised to take a few simple precautions to help reduce their risk of exposure:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water
  • Cover your mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Avoid contact with sick people
  • If you are sick, stay home and call your health care provider
  • Practice social distancing — keep distance between yourself and others and avoid crowds

Those at Higher Risk of Becoming Seriously Ill from COVID-19: Older Adults and Individuals with Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Older adults (age 60+) and those with pre-existing medical conditions have a greater risk for serious illness, and in some cases death, if they become infected with COVID-19. Examples of pre-existing medical conditions include: cancer, diabetes, heart disease and other conditions that impact the immune system’s ability to fight germs.

Currently, people are at risk for contracting COVID-19 who:

  • Recently traveled to geographic areas of concern
  • Have close, personal contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19
  • Care for people with COVID-19

If you are an older adult or have one or more chronic health conditions, you can take action to reduce your risk of exposure to COVID-19:

  • Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others
  • When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol content
  • Avoid crowds as much as possible

Guidance for Travelers

At this time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people who are at risk for serious illness, including older adults and those with pre-existing medical conditions, avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel. Visit the CDC travel advisory site to check on current travel warnings if you are planning a trip abroad.

If you must travel, CDC is updating travel advisories as warranted and has advised against nonessential travel to some geographic areas of concern. Those with underlying health conditions are advised to avoid nonessential travel to certain areas as well.

Preparedness Measures

You can prepare in the following ways:

  • Have an adequate supply of non-prescriptive drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines
  • Check your regular prescription drugs to make sure you have an adequate supply; refill your prescriptions if needed
  • Have a thermometer, tissues and hand sanitizer in case you become ill and must stay at home to recover
  • Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick and what will be needed to care for them at home
  • Have a two-week supply of water and food at home

Press Releases

Information for Clinicians and Infectious Specialists

Information for Local Health Departments

CDC Resources

Other Resources