MD Sees Largest Daily Increase In Hospitalizations Since May

MARYLAND — Maryland reported Tuesday its largest daily increase in coronavirus hospitalizations since late May.

The state's health department is now reporting 415 hospitalizations. That's an increase of 29 patients over the prior day. Before Tuesday, the largest single-day increase was recorded on May 26, with 39 new patients.

In a tweet Tuesday morning, Gov. Larry Hogan urged residents to wear face coverings and social distance.

This morning, the state is reporting a seven-day positivity rate of 4.64%, with 415 current total hospitalizations for #COVID19. It is absolutely imperative that Marylanders remain cautious and vigilant: wear face coverings, practice physical distancing, and avoid gatherings. pic.twitter.com/l2wpK67ZMx
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) July 14, 2020

As of Tuesday, there have been 74,260 positive infections. That's an increase of 733 new cases overnight.

Eight more deaths were also added Tuesday, pushing the state's fatality count to 3,202.

That new total, however, 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.

Unlike many other states in the South and West, Maryland isn't facing all-time record high infections, deaths, or hospitalizations. It did, however, see multiple restaurants shut down in recent weeks due to infections.

Several restaurants in Ocean City — including Fish Tales and Longboard Cafe — were forced to close their doors after staff members tested positive for COVID-19. The same thing happened with a cluster of restaurants in Canton over the July 4 weekend.

While most restaurants and bars are following public health requirements, others are threatening to undue progress made by the state, according to Hogan.

In an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19, the Republican has urged local leaders to step up enforcement in those establishments.

"The vast majority of bars and restaurants in our state are in compliance, but some are flagrantly violating the law and endangering public health," Hogan said Tuesday. "You have the responsibility to enforce these laws. Violators should be warned, fined, have actions taken regarding their licenses, or closed if necessary. Local health departments, local liquor boards and inspectors, and local law enforcement agencies must work together to ensure public health is protected."

Here's a closer look at the numbers:

Note: Figures with an asterisk (*) are "probable deaths."

Cases and Deaths by County

By Age Range and Gender

By Race and Ethnicity