Maryland COVID Deaths Rise as Hospitalizations Reach Record High

As Maryland ramps up its testing efforts, the state has reported a surge in positive tests and hospitalizations due to COVID-19. The increase comes despite efforts to expand testing sites and activate the National Guard to support operations.

According to the health department, 30 new deaths were reported on Wednesday, bringing the total number of Marylanders who have died from COVID-19 since the pandemic began to 11,467. The state has also seen a record rise in cases, with 10,873 new cases reported, bringing the total to 686,237.

The positivity rate in Maryland is now at 19.31%, up by 1.73% over the past 24 hours. Several hospitals have shifted to crisis protocols this week due to an explosion in COVID-19 patients they are treating. The hospitals include Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air and UMD Baltimore Washington Medical Center in Annapolis.

There are currently 15 children in acute care and seven in the ICU, with 1,657 adults hospitalized in adult care and 367 in intensive care. This marks a higher number of hospitalizations than Maryland's previous peak of 1,952, recorded in January 2021.

The state Department of Health has reported that hospitalizations have increased by 220 patients over the past 24 hours, reaching a total of 2,046. Governor Larry Hogan has renewed his call for residents to get vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19, emphasizing that these measures are the strongest possible defenses against the virus and its variants.

'The surge in statewide COVID-19 hospitalizations has now reached record levels and surpassed 2,000,' said Hogan. 'This surge is primarily driven by unvaccinated patients. It cannot be stressed enough that getting vaccinated and boosted are your strongest possible defenses against this virus and its variants.'

As the state continues to grapple with the rise in COVID-19 cases, it is crucial for residents to take measures to protect themselves and their communities. Getting vaccinated and boosted can provide significant protection against severe illness and hospitalization.

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