MoCo Adds 255 Coronavirus Cases As It Enters Phase 1 Of Reopening

BETHESDA, MD — There were 255 new coronavirus cases reported in Montgomery County on Tuesday, as the region adjusts to phase one of reopening. This brings the total number of cases in the county to 11,731.

Deaths from the COVID-19 epidemic climbed by eight, bringing the local fatality count to 584, according to the latest figures released by the Maryland Health Department. Another 40, officials believe, probably had COVID-19, but died before ever getting tested.

Montgomery County, which is home to roughly 1.1 million residents, opted out of reopening with the rest of the state last month because the number of cases, deaths, and hospitalizations were not plateauing.

The county entered phase one of reopening on June 1. Phase one of County Executive Marc Elrich's plan includes reopening restaurants for outdoor dining, allowing barbershops and hair salons to serve customers by appointment only, and limiting the number of children and counselors at outdoor day camps.

Montgomery County 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 15,553, according to the latest figures.

Across Maryland, health officials are reporting 54,175 confirmed cases and 2,474 deaths. An additional 123 likely had COVID-19, but died without getting tested, officials said.

There are 1,148 coronavirus patients currently hospitalized in Maryland. Of that, 481 are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Here's how Montgomery County stacks up to other jurisdictions in Maryland:

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."

Percent Positive Testing By County