Coronavirus: Montgomery Co Confirms 13 More Deaths, 153 New Cases

BETHESDA, MD — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Montgomery County has grown by 153 since Tuesday, according to Maryland health officials, bringing its total to 7,283.

In that same time span, 13 more people have died from the new coronavirus — pushing the local fatality count to 386. Another 36 people may have died from COVID-19, but a laboratory test is still needed to confirm the cause of death.

The updated statistics were posted on the Maryland Department of Health's coronavirus website, which is updated daily around 10 a.m.

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Based on the latest figures, there have been 34,812 known infections and 1,694 confirmed deaths, statewide. An additional 115, health officials believe, had COVID-19 but died without ever being tested.

As of Wednesday, 138,762 people have tested negative for the disease and 2,456 have been released from isolation.

Across the state, 1,550 people are currently in the hospital with coronavirus — with 572 in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Compared to all other jurisdictions in the state, Montgomery County has the highest number of deaths.

Dr. Travis Gayles, the county's health officer, pointed to nursing homes — saying these long-term care facilities account for a large share of coronavirus deaths.

Of the 386 people who've died in Montgomery County, 290 resided in congregate living facilities, according to health officials.

Late last month, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan issued an executive order requiring universal COVID-19 testing at all nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

The Republican said all residents and staff must be tested — whether they're symptomatic or not.

Coronavirus In Congregate Living Facilities

The blue bar represents Montgomery County.

Confirmed Infections, Deaths By County

A case count by jurisdiction can be found below. Montgomery County is outlined in bright blue.

Note: For the table below, a number with an asterisk represents a "probable death."

Case Count By ZIP Code

These are the ZIP codes with the highest coronavirus case counts in Maryland Wednesday:

• 1,242 cases — ZIP code 20783 (Prince George's County)
• 749 cases — ZIP code 20906 (Montgomery County)
• 670 cases — ZIP code 20706 (Prince George's County)
• 642 cases — ZIP code 20902 (Montgomery County)
• 575 cases — ZIP code 20784 (Prince George's County
• 563 cases — ZIP code 20904 (Montgomery County)
• 540 cases — ZIP code 21224 (Baltimore City/Baltimore County)
• 537 cases — ZIP code 20782 (Prince George's County)
• 488 cases — ZIP code 20903 (Montgomery County)
• 482 cases — ZIP code 21215 (Baltimore City/Baltimore County)

Testing Sites In Montgomery County

Montgomery County's newest COVID-19 testing site is now open at the Upcounty Regional Services Center in Germantown.

Other drive-thru test sites in Montgomery County are located in Wheaton and White Oak.

Here's what you need to know about the facilities and testing process:

• It's not an on-demand testing site (appointments are required)
• To determine if you qualify for testing:
  • You must meet coronavirus testing criteria as determined by a licensed health care provider (the provider will fill out an online order for testing through Maryland's CRISP information system)
• Once the form is sent, you'll be given instructions on how to make an appointment online
• Bring your photo ID and appointment number to the testing site

More information about testing can be found here.

COVID-19 Symptoms

Symptoms of the new coronavirus can appear two to 14 days after exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which lists the following as possible indicators of the illness: fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell.

Health officials say most people with the virus will experience mild symptoms and can recover at home. People should call 911 and seek immediate medical attention if they have trouble breathing, bluish lips or face, new confusion or inability to arouse and/or persistent pain or pressure in the chest.

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