Updated COVID-19 Data Shows How Virus is Impacting Local Community

County Executive Elrich confirmed the grim milestone of 304 COVID-19 related deaths. Currently, there’s more than 5,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Montgomery County. With that information, county leaders continue to urge people to practice physical distancing. They say prematurely opening things back up now could possibly lead to more severe conditions.

Dr. Gayles mentioned that there are more testing options on the way. The county is anticipating to launch a new hotline next week. This will give people access to COVID-19 testing regardless of access to a primary care provider, and insurance status. People will be able to call the hotline, talk to a provider, get screened and get a referral to an alternative test site.

Another topic included how nursing homes are being impacted significantly due to the virus. Data shows that Montgomery County has about 1,000 nursing home resident cases, and more than 200 deaths. When it comes to nursing home staff in the county, there has been more than 500 cases, and two deaths. In the state, data shows that there is more than 4,300 confirmed nursing home resident cases, and 793 related deaths as of Wednesday.

Watch the video below to learn more about presented data that gives a better understanding of how COVID-19 impacts different segments of our county. Also, find out nursing home reporting requirements when it comes to coronavirus cases.

Elrich says that the county will continue to follow Governor Larry Hogan’s guidance when it comes to major decisions.