COVID-19 cases spike in Maryland

COVID-19 cases have increased dramatically over the past month. As cases escalate throughout the state of Maryland, pandemic related restrictions are becoming more severe. Public health officials insist that residents wear masks and steer clear of large gatherings as the holiday season approaches.

According to The Baltimore Sun, Maryland has experienced 1,000 cases a day since Nov. 4. Following the spike in cases, Maryland governor Larry Hogan implemented new restrictions. A major aspect of these restrictions is reducing indoor dining and retail capacity from 75 percent to 50 percent.

Hogan also issued a travel advisory that urges people to not visit states with high rates of infection, strongly recommending that gatherings do not exceed 25 people. “The sad truth is the next several months will likely be by far the most difficult we have faced,” Hogan said.

“If each [infected person] infects two people, cases rise exponentially… At some point it becomes very difficult to slow that process down. … That’s why we’ve been very consistent in our messages. This is everyone’s responsibility,” Dr. Clifford Mitchell, Director of the Environmental Health Bureau at the Maryland Department of Health, said.

As of 10:00 a.m. on Dec. 17, according to the Maryland Department of Health, Prince George’s County reports the highest number of COVID cases in the state at 49,068 cases. Following in second is Montgomery County with 40,747 cases and rising. The total number of cases in the state of Maryland currently stands at 182,482 cases.

With Montgomery County Public Schools scheduled to reopen schools on Feb. 1, students have mixed reactions due to the influx in COVID-19 cases. “Honestly, I think the best decision right now is to stay online. Although online school is really stressful and draining, it’s the best option at the moment to not risk anyone getting sick, as the cases are increasing,” sophomore Litzy Rodriguez said. “It’s really concerning because a lot of people can be severely affected by it. I know personally people in my family would have a low chance of living and it’s scary to think about that,” Rodriguez said.