MD Coronavirus: 4,371​ Confirmed Cases, 103 Deaths As Of April 7

MARYLAND — The Maryland Health Department on Tuesday reported 12 more coronavirus deaths and 326 new cases, bringing the state's death toll to 103 and the total number of cases to 4,371.

COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019 and has since infected more than 1,363,365 people and killed more than 76,420 around the world, according to the latest figures from Johns Hopkins University.

Maryland reported its first coronavirus case on March 5. As of Tuesday morning, 27,256 people have tested negative for the disease, 1,106 have been hospitalized, and 288 have been released from isolation.

In an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19, Gov. Larry Hogan issued a stay-at-home order for the state's 6 million residents. Under this order, Marylanders are prohibited from leaving home, except for essential work, such as working at a hospital or grocery store, and essential trips, such as buying food and seeking medical care.

Maryland officials ordered schools closed on March 16, non-essential services were ordered closed March 23, and the stay-at-home order was issued March 30. Hogan has not banned travel, although he said anyone who has been outside of the state should self-quarantine for 14 days.

On Sunday, he enacted an emergency order that requires all nursing homes to have staff who interact with residents wear personal protective equipment, create separate observation and isolation areas for residents, and expedite all testing through the Maryland State Public Health Laboratory.

"By working together now, I know we can overcome the challenges we face today," Hogan said Sunday night. "Please stay at home. Please stay safe."

They're the latest steps taken — along with previous measures ordering a stay-at-home policy and closing schools, restaurants, gyms, and other gathering places — by state leaders in recent weeks to try to halt the coronavirus' spread.

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Montgomery County had the highest number of confirmed cases in the state until last week. The jurisdiction with the most now is Prince George's County. The total: 1,020. That's an increase of 104 positive infections from a day earlier, state officials reported.

Trailing behind Prince's George's County is Montgomery County, the state's most populous jurisdiction. As of Tuesday morning, the county has 871 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus. On Monday, the total stood at 793.

The counties with the fewest cases are Dorchester and Garrett. Three people have tested positive for the new coronavirus, according to the latest figures from the state.

Health officials say the number of cases will rise as more people get tested.

The Maryland Department of Health is offering drive-thru COVID-19 testing at a number of vehicle emissions inspection program sites. Five VEIP testing sites will open this week, including in Columbia and White Oak.

Testing is also available at the Bel Air VEIP, Glen Burnie VEIP, and Waldorf VEIP, and FedEx Field in Landover, according to officials.

SEE ALSO:

• MD Coronavirus Testing Available At VEIP Sites By Appointment
  
• Hogan Imposes Stricter Coronavirus Protocols On MD Nursing Homes
• Maryland Dems Urge Hogan To Shut Down Gun Shops During Pandemic
• MD Residents Should Wear Face Masks: Health Official
• Here's How Well Maryland Complies With Stay-At-Home Order