The number of newly confirmed COVID-19 cases in Maryland is continuing to rise, with the state recording more than 500 new daily cases for the second consecutive day on Friday.
State health officials reported 526 new coronavirus cases on Friday.
Maryland on Thursday recorded 505 new cases — surpassing 500 new daily cases for the first time since May 22 when the state recorded 521 new cases.
As of Friday, Maryland has confirmed a total of 467,961 coronavirus cases to date, while 3,737,858 Marylanders have tested negative for the virus.
Over the past seven days, the state recorded a total of 2635 new cases, an increase of about 0.6%.
Like much of the United States, Maryland’s daily case totals are on the rise — fueled in part by the more transmissible Delta variant and slowing vaccination rates.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Tuesday advised that all Americans, including those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, should wear masks indoors in areas of the country with “substantial or high transmission” of coronavirus.
As of Friday, the CDC reported that most Maryland counties have a “moderate” level of community transmission, except for St. Mary’s County, which has “substantial” transmission.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has not reinstated the state’s mask mandate, which he lifted on May 15.
Maryland’s seven-day average positivity rate rose above the 2% mark this week for the first time since May 23 when it sat at 2.04%.
After reaching 2.05% on Saturday, the average continued to rise to 2.73% on Friday.
The deaths of 9,599 Marylanders are confirmed to be related to COVID-19, including 17 people whose deaths were reported over the last seven days.
The CDC on Friday reported that 77.3% of Marylanders age 18 or older have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine.
A total of 3,556,296 Marylanders are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
The number of fully vaccinated Marylanders increased by 31,585 people, or about 0.9%, since July 23.
The Baltimore Brew on Wednesday reported that Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott is evaluating whether to require city employees to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
