Montgomery Co. Coronavirus Cases Eclipse 5,700 As Deaths Top 300

SILVER SPRING, MD — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases reported in Montgomery County has risen by 249 in the past day to 5,790, according to figures announced on Wednesday by the Maryland Department of Health.

The county's death toll now stands at 304. A day earlier, it was 292.

"(We've reached) a grim milestone of crossing 300 confirmed deaths," Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said. "This is what we've expected. And we have people who have been sick for awhile, so this is going to be with us for awhile."

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In recent weeks, the state began counting "probable deaths" — or deaths of individuals who likely were infected, but never tested. Previously, deaths were only counted if they tested positive for the disease.

As of Wednesday morning, there have been 29 "probable deaths" in Montgomery County.

The county has the highest number of deaths in the state, according to health officials. It also has the second highest number of confirmed cases, after Prince George's County, which has 8,135.

Across the state, 28,163 people have tested positive for the new coronavirus — an increase of 1,046 in the past day.

The virus has killed 1,338 people in Maryland. The probable death toll: 99.

Maryland reported its first three coronavirus cases on March 5. Since then, 115,849 people have tested negative for the disease and 1,903 have been released from isolation.

Currently, 1,707 people are hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that total, 584 are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Before the state can begin easing restrictions, Gov. Larry Hogan said hospitalizations, ICU patients, and deaths from the illness must trend down over a 14-day period.

On a call with reporters on Wednesday, Elrich addressed coronavirus fatigue — or exhaustion surrounding the stay-at-home orders that are meant to stem the spread of COVID-19.

"I get it. I think we're all fatigued," the Democrat said. "But we are doing the right thing and this is the best strategy" to keep the virus under control.

"We (relax the rules) prematurely and we will be back with more severe conditions," he added.

Case Count By County ZIP Code

Montgomery County Employee Case Count

Testing Sites In Montgomery County

Montgomery County's newest COVID-19 testing site is now open at the Upcounty Regional Services Center in Germantown.

Other drive-thru test sites in Montgomery County are located in Wheaton and White Oak.

Here's what you need to know about the facilities and testing process:

• It's not an on-demand testing site (appointments are required)
• To determine if you qualify for testing:
  • You must meet coronavirus testing criteria as determined by a licensed health care provider (the provider will fill out an online order for testing through Maryland's CRISP information system)
• Once the form is sent, you'll be given instructions on how to make an appointment online
• Appointments will be confirmed and an ID number will be provided
• Bring your photo ID and appointment number to the testing site

More information about testing can be found here.