Posted on 11/21/20
| News Source: WBAL
Gov. Larry Hogan announced that Maryland has reached a new daily high of 51,510 COVID-19 tests. Prior to Saturday, the state’s previous record high was 43,969 test results.
On Saturday, the Maryland Department of Health reported 2,885 new cases of COVID-19, adding to a current total of 177,887 confirmed cases and 16 new deaths. The total of confirmed deaths is 4,261. As of Saturday, there have been 4,090,832 coronavirus tests completed. 2,026,318 of those have come back negative.
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“We are and will continue to be much better positioned than most states when it comes to testing because of Maryland’s acquisition of test kits from South Korea, our strategic stockpile of tests and supplies, and our successful long-term testing strategy,” reads Hogan’s statement in the news release. “As we battle this fall surge, one of the most important things you can do to protect your friends and family is to get tested for COVID-19. If you are a college student planning on returning home for the holidays—get a test. If you are planning to spend any time around your grandparents—get a test. If you are returning from any out-of-state travel—get a test.”
The news release also states that the COVID-19 tests secured in coordination with the South Korean government and Korean Embassy in Washington, D.C. have been the cornerstone of "long-term testing."
“These tests are being deployed at the state’s community-based sites, and to help address clusters and outbreaks in nursing homes and congregate living settings. To date, the state has utilized more than 375,000 LabGenomics tests.”
Maryland’s seven-day average positivity rate slightly decreased by .04%, making the current total 7.13%. The daily positivity rate has decreased as well, sitting at 6.41%. The statewide positivity rate has been over the CDC benchmark of 5% since Nov. 9—12 days ago.
Hospitalizations are still over the 1,000 mark as there are currently 1,229 people hospitalized due to coronavirus. This is the highest level of coronavirus-related hospitalizations since May 30. There are 278 patients in intensive care units, the highest level since June 17.
Maryland’s average case rate has risen to 36.2, with a 49.3% increase in the past week. Case rates have now risen above 10 in all 24 jurisdictions and above 20 in 20 jurisdictions.