The state of Maryland and Bloomberg Philanthropies are jointly funding a Johns Hopkins-led study to develop a possible treatment for COVID-19 using blood plasma from survivors of the virus, Gov. Larry Hogan’s office announced today.
Bloomberg Philanthropies and state to fund JHU research on COVID-19 treatment
1 Baltimore County police officer, 1 fire department member test positive for COVID-19
One member of the Baltimore County Police Department and one member of the Baltimore County Fire Department tested positive for COVID-19, officials announced Friday.
“I am grateful for the dedication of the brave men and women serving on the front lines, and we will continue to prioritize the health and safety of our first responders,” County Executive Johnny Olszewski said in a statement. “We will continue to follow the recommendations of federal, state, and local health officials as we work to serve those who serve us throughout this rapidly evolving public health crisis.”
The fire department member, who worked in support services, has mild symptoms. Both the member and police officer are in self-quarantine, county officials said.
Maryland confirms 194 new COVID-19 cases, including fifth death, as state total climbs to at least 774
Maryland has a total of at least 774 confirmed cases of the coronavirus as of Friday morning after 194 additional Marylanders tested positive. Five Marylanders have died from COVID-19.
Meanwhile, the United States has passed China and Italy to become the country with the greatest total number of confirmed coronavirus cases–86,012–according to a real-time dashboard created by Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering.
Council President Scott to hold COVID-19 telephone town hall Thursday afternoon
Baltimore City Council President Brandon Scott will hold a telephone town hall meeting Thursday afternoon about the coronavirus pandemic with former Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Joshua Sharfstein.
People can call into the town hall starting at 6:15 p.m. by dialing (855) 756-7520 and entering the pin 57975#.
2 EMS providers, 1 BPD officer test positive for COVID-19
Two EMS providers with the Baltimore City Fire Department and one Baltimore police officer in the Eastern District tested positive for COVID-19, city officials announced today.
In response to estimated population drop, Young reiterates focus on upcoming Census
Baltimore’s population dipped below 600,000 people, according to new estimates released this morning by the U.S. Census Bureau, the lowest total in more than a century.
City launches website with COVID-19 resources
As Baltimore City works to slow the spread of coronavirus, it is also trying to limit the spread of misinformation with a new website containing resources to help people navigate the pandemic.
The website, which can be accessed at coronavirus.baltimorecity.gov, includes information about food distribution sites, clinical guidance for healthcare providers, shareable infographics with information about the coronavirus, ways people can help others through volunteering and donating, and other resources.
Maryland total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases surpasses 500, approaches 600
The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases jumped to 580, with 157 new confirmed cases reported Thursday morning, marking “by far the largest one-day increase to date,” Gov. Larry Hogan said.
Maryland’s confirmed cases increased by 37 percent from Wednesday to Thursday.
Mayor releases plan to protect the homeless from COVID-19
Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young released a COVID-19 emergency response plan on Wednesday to mitigate the effects of the new coronavirus on people experiencing homelessness.
Young said in a statement that not protecting the city’s homeless population would put the community as a whole at a greater risk to the coronavirus.
“The primary function of government is to protect the health and well-being of its residents, especially children, older adults and residents experiencing homelessness,” he said. “We must protect our homeless neighbors and mitigate their risk of infection the same way we do the rest of the city’s residents.”
Maryland public school to remain closed for four weeks, Hogan announces additional actions in response to coronavirus
All Maryland public schools will remain closed for at least the next four weeks as the state attempts to limit the spread of COVID-19, State Schools Superintendent Karen Salmon announced Wednesday during a press conference with Gov. Larry Hogan.
“We do not make this decision lightly. However, with the challenges facing our state and our country, we have a responsibility to ensure the health and safety of our school communities and the communities at large,” Salmon said.
Salmon said state school personnel are working with local school systems to “resume the continuity of learning” next week. Schools will be closed until at least April 24.
