County Sees Smallest One-Day Rise In Cases As Restrictions Ease

SILVER SPRING, MD — Montgomery County saw Tuesday its smallest daily increase in coronavirus cases since Aug. 26.

The Maryland Department of Health is now reporting 20,766 positive infections in Montgomery County. That's an increase of 48 cases — or 0.23 percent — over the prior day.

Meanwhile, three more people have died from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, pushing the countywide death toll to 789. Another 39, health officials believe, likely had COVID-19 but died without ever getting tested. They are classified as "probable deaths" — and won't be added to the official fatality count until a lab test can confirm the cause of death.

Statewide, there have been 113,239 coronavirus cases, 3,663 confirmed deaths, and 144 "probable deaths." Of the 365 patients being hospitalized, 102 are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The test positivity rate in Maryland now stands at 3.68 percent. In Montgomery County, the positivity rate is 3.07 percent.

Tuesday's additions come a few days after Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich announced that the county would remain in phase two. Most of the state moved into phase three of reopening on Friday.

Montgomery — which has the state's second-highest number of coronavirus cases after Prince George's County — has moved through its reopening phases at a slower pace than most of Maryland.

Although Montgomery County didn't moving forward, Elrich said he has eased certain coronavirus-related restrictions under phase two.

Venues, such as indoor and outdoor restaurants, can now have live performances with restrictions. Those restrictions include dancing and congregating in front of the performers.

"Although we will not be moving into Phase 3, we will continue to evaluate areas where restrictions might be modified," Elrich said Friday. "Allowing live music with restrictions at restaurants is an example of the cautious steps that we are taking toward reopening; and we will work on appropriate guidance for other live venues beyond what we're doing for restaurants."

Patrons must still wear masks unless they are eating or drinking.

"We have made progress in addressing the pandemic, but the crisis is not over," said County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles. "We will continue to look at the science to determine additional adjustments and slowly open things safely."