County Sees Triple-Digit Rise In Cases Ahead Of Labor Day Weekend

BETHESDA, MD — Montgomery County has recorded a triple-digit increase in coronavirus cases for the first time in about three weeks.

On Friday, health officials reported 118 new infections, pushing the countywide total to 20,399 cases. The last triple-digit rise — 106 — was on Aug. 15.

The death toll rose by one to 783. The latest fatality count does not include the 39 others whose deaths were linked to the virus, but never confirmed by a lab test. They are considered "probable deaths" — and will not be added to the official total until a lab can confirm the cause of death.

The county, which is home to roughly 1.1 million people, continues to have the highest number of deaths in the state. It also has the second highest number of confirmed cases, after Prince George's County, which has 26,697, according to the latest figures.

Statewide, there have been 110,831 confirmed cases, 3,645 deaths, and 144 "confirmed deaths." Of the 395 people currently hospitalized, 108 are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Unlike most parts of the state, Montgomery County will not enter phase three of reopening Friday night. Gov. Larry Hogan has given all 24 jurisdictions in the state discretion in deciding when and how to reopen their respective economies.

Elrich did not give a timeline for phase three, but said he would review Hogan's orders over the next couple days to see what modifications could be made for the county in phase two.

As Labor Day weekend approaches, Elrich is reminding residents to mask up, stay at least six feet apart from others, and wash their hands.

As we head into the holiday weekend, remember to always wear a mask in public, watch your distance and wash your hands. #MaskUpMoCo https://t.co/PACWICN7qu. pic.twitter.com/JL6sB8mZvX
— Montgomery County MD (@MontgomeryCoMD) September 4, 2020