The Maryland Department of Health confirmed a second positive case of coronavirus in Baltimore City, Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young announced today.
A woman in her 20s contracted the virus. The city’s health department is investigating the case, Young said.
“Everyone in Baltimore City has to take seriously the need to practice social distancing, in additional to increased hand washing,” Young said in a statement. “This virus is not a joke and the quicker we have maximum participation from our residents, the better for everyone. We will continue to take aggressive measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, but we need the public’s help.”
Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Letitia Dzirasa pleaded with residents to practice social distancing, which advises people to stay six feet apart from those around them. The department has posted fliers on social media to “stay in formation” with six feet of separation.
For more information about COVID-19, please visit https://t.co/7B1807EejS#coronavirus #CoronavirusOutbreak #COVID2019 #COVID #COVID19 #FlattenTheCurve #KeepYourDistance #coronavirusbalt pic.twitter.com/e9HR8d3koU
— B’more City Health (@BMore_Healthy) March 16, 2020
The agency has also touted staying home to socialize online and binge watch TV shows.
#stayhomeheroes #baltimore #baltimorecity pic.twitter.com/0nrIk7BZxB
— B’more City Health (@BMore_Healthy) March 16, 2020
The first confirmed case of coronavirus in Baltimore was announced last Saturday after a man in his 60s tested positive.
Earlier today, Gov. Larry Hogan announced a second series of actions to limit the spread of coronavirus, forcing the closure of bars, restaurants, gyms and movie theaters at 5 p.m. Monday, and limiting the size of gatherings to 50 people.
Eateries can continue to offer curbside pick-up, carry-out and delivery, Hogan said, and other retail businesses can remain open as long as there are fewer than 50 people inside.
Gas stations, grocery stores, pharmacies and banks–all considered essential services–will also remain open.
Last week, Hogan closed school for two weeks, activated the Maryland National Guard, altered the rules for hospital visits, barred visits at state prisons and closed the cruise ship terminal in Baltimore.
On Sunday, the governor ordered the closure of racetracks, casinos and off-track betting facilities.
This morning, the Maryland Department of Health confirmed there were 37 cases of coronavirus in that state. Since that time, Baltimore announced its second case and Frederick County confirmed its first.
Although the Baltimore City Health Department tells us to be heroes and stay home, the Baltimore City Government hasn’t given its non-essential employees permission leave.