Harford County Coronavirus Cases Rise To 19

BEL AIR, MD — The number of Coronavirus cases in Harford County climbed Friday to 19, County Executive Barry Glassman said in a statement. That number is up by 14 from last Friday when the county reported five cases.

Two have been hospitalized and the rest are recovering at home. Glassman said the county's first case, an 86-year-old woman, has been released from the hospital and is now home.

An acceleration in numbers is expected as public health officials are warning the country is "at the beginning of the crisis," the county executive said.

Moving forward, Glassman urges Marylanders to "act as if everyone has the COVID-19 coronavirus" and continue practicing good hygiene and social distancing.

"Our goal as a community is to slow the spread and keep vulnerable people safe," he said in the statement. "This will also help our healthcare system handle the serious cases without being overwhelmed."

Earlier in the week, Maryland opened up coronavirus testing beyond limiting testing to those with identified risk factors, one reason the number of positive cases is rising statewide.

Tests for the virus still have to be ordered by a doctor or the health department, the latter of which can be contacted with medical and health-related questions at 410-838-1500.

Read more: MD Coronavirus Cases Rise To 774, Deaths Reach 5

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan on Friday announced statewide cases have risen to 774, and five people have died as a result of the respiratory disease, marking the largest one-day increase since the Maryland Department of Health began reporting the number of cases in the state.
In a statement, Hogan said there is neither a timetable nor model depicting how long the outbreak of the new coronavirus could last.
"Later today, I will convene conference calls with my full cabinet and our coronavirus response team of Maryland's top doctors and public health experts to continue to address this crisis. I cannot stress this enough: Marylanders need to stay in place at home to help slow the spread of this deadly virus," Hogan said. "Our state has already faced and overcome daunting challenges before, and we will do so again."

Hogan said he will continue to press for additional federal resources, "including a Title 32 designation for Maryland and all the states to fund National Guard missions."

Where to turn in Harford County:

• For small businesses, employees and those seeking unemployment insurance
• Office on Aging: 410-638-3025
• Recovery and mental wellness
• Healthy Harford — food assistance
• Donate to United Way and Community Foundation of Harford County, in the Harford County Cares Fund
• Volunteer through Maryland Unites
• Sign up for Harford County emergency alerts
• Subscribe to Patch newsletters and alerts

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a virus that can lead to fever, cough or shortness of breath.

Most people who are infected with coronavirus will experience mild or no symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More severe complications include pneumonia, organ failure and death, the CDC reports.

The CDC advises doing the following to stop the spread of the virus:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If this is not available, use hand sanitizer that is at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Keep space between you and other people and avoid crowds and poorly ventilated areas.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

The CDC has put together a coronavirus disease situation summary for more about the illness.
For more information, visit the Maryland Department of Health's coronavirus page.

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