Maryland’s COVID-19 Positivity Rate Hits Another Record Low

Statewide Positivity Rate Is 3.75%, Daily Positivity Rate Also a Record Low at 2.75%Positivity Rate Drops to Record Lows in Anne Arundel, Frederick, Prince George’s; Below 5% in Baltimore City and Baltimore CountyWorcester County Has State’s Highest Positivity RateTotal Hospitalizations at 525, 128 ICU Beds In UseMaryland Reports Record 40,473 Tests, 17.2% of Population Tested

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today announced that Maryland’s statewide COVID-19 positivity rate has reached a new all-time low of 3.75%. The governor also announced that the positivity rate has dropped to new lows in Anne Arundel, Frederick, and Prince George’s Counties. The state’s hospitalization metrics continue to plateau, with 525 total current hospitalizations and 128 ICU beds in use.

“Our mitigation strategies are working, but this is no time to be complacent: it’s important to wear a mask, wash your hands, and practice physical distancing,” said Governor Hogan. “98% of our economy is now open and able to operate in a safe way. We are doing much better on our health metrics and economic recovery than most of the rest of the country—let’s continue to work together and do what it takes to keep it that way.”

Statewide Positivity Rate and Daily Positivity Rate Are Record Lows. Maryland’s seven-day average positivity rate has dropped to 3.75%—the lowest level reported since the pandemic began. The daily positivity is also a record low: out of a record 40,473 tests, 2.72% came back positive. The statewide positivity rate has been under 5% since June 25, and is now more than 86% lower than its April 17 peak.

Maryland Reports Record 40,473 Tests in Past 24 Hours. In total, Maryland has now conducted 1,438,739 COVID-19 tests, including 40,473 tests over the last 24 hours. 1,039,345 Marylanders have now been tested for COVID-19, representing 17.2% of the state’s population.

Total Current Hospitalizations at 525, 128 ICU Beds in Use. There are 525 total current COVID-19 hospitalizations—an increase of 10 over the past 24 hours. There are 128 ICU beds in use—an increase of 1.

Positivity Rate Drops to Record Lows in Anne Arundel, Frederick, Prince George’s; Below 5% in Baltimore City and Baltimore County; Worcester’s Positivity Rate Remains A Concern

• The positivity rate in Anne Arundel County dropped to a record low 2.90%—down nearly 90% from its peak on April 16.
   
• The positivity rate in Baltimore City dropped to 4.82%—down 82.4% from its peak on April 19, below 5% for the first time since July 6.
   
• The positivity rate in Baltimore County dropped to 4.87%—down 71.3% from its peak on April 7, and below 5% for the first time since July 11.
   
• The positivity rate in Frederick County dropped to a record low 1.33%—down 95.2% from its peak on April 15.
   
• The positivity rate in Prince George’s County dropped to a record low 5.53%—still above 5%, but down 87.4% from its peak on May 2.
   
• The positivity rate is above 5% in only three jurisdictions: Prince George’s (5.53%), Queen Anne’s (5.05%), and Worcester (6.23%). While the positivity rate in Worcester County has begun to plateau, it remains a concern to state officials.
• Positivity Rate Among Marylanders Under 35 Has Begun to Steadily Decline, Down to 5.03%. Over the last several weeks, state health officials have focused on addressing rising infection rates among young people. Governor Hogan has warned that “younger people seem to feel bulletproof, but we cannot afford to stop being vigilant and cautious.” The positivity rate among Marylanders under 35 has begun to steadily decline, down 25% since July 23.
  215 COVID-19 Testing Sites Available. Marylanders can plan to be tested at one of 215 testing sites by visiting COVIDtest.maryland.gov