MD COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations Rise For Second Straight Day

MARYLAND — Confirmed coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in Maryland rose for the second straight day on Wednesday, as Gov. Larry Hogan urged residents to wear face masks and social distance.

The latest data released by the Maryland Department of Health brings the total number of cases to 75,016. That's an increase of 756 overnight, and marks the second consecutive day that Maryland reported more than 700 new infections.

Gov. Larry Hogan on Tuesday warned that the positivity rate among Marylanders under 35 is about 84 percent higher than it is for those who are older. The Republican also urged residents to wear face masks and called on local leaders to ramp up enforcement for public health requirements in bars and restaurants.

Those between the ages of 30 and 39 make up the most cases (18.7 percent; 14,028 cases), according to the latest data.

On Wednesday, the number of hospitalized coronavirus patients increased by 32 to 447, continuing a recent rise in admitted patients.

It's the second day that hospitalization numbers were above 400.

Before Wednesday, the largest single-day increase was recorded on May 26, with 39 new patients.

Unlike a number of states in the South and West, Maryland is not seeing a spike in coronavirus deaths. The daily fatality count has remained below 20 since the end of June, according to state data.

As of Wednesday, there have been 3,209 coronavirus deaths. That's an increase of seven fatalities overnight.

The latest death toll does not include the 132 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 officials can confirm the cause of death.

The state on Wednesday also released data for nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and group homes.

Based on the latest data, COVID-19 has infected 3,907 residents and 2,039 staff members. Residents make up a majority of deaths, with 897. The death toll for staff members now stands at 15.

Click here to see a breakdown of the data.