Evidence shows the increase.
FREDERICK, MD – (LG) There seems to be an uptick in COVID cases in the state of Maryland. That’s according to Monique Duwell, with the Maryland Health Department. “So we have been seeing an uptick in Covid cases in Maryland. There’s several different types of COVID related data that we look at to monitor Covid activities. We are seeing an increase across the board in terms of COVID cases, case rate, hospitalizations, waste water, so there is a lot of evidence that shows that there is an increase of COVID across the state.”
Duwell says COVID is not as bad as it was in the past. We don’t know the kind of trajectory, in other words, how much of that activity is going to increase, but we will monitor the data closely,” she added.
Reseach shows that people with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people become severely ill. Older adults and people who have certain underlying medical conditions are more likely to get severely ill. Post-COVID conditions can include a wide range of health problems that can last four or more weeks after contracting COVID-19. Even those who do not become severely ill from COVID-19 may experience post-COVID conditions, sometimes referred to as Long COVID.
“What we are seeing is that all populations in Maryland continue to be affected with COVID. It isn’t necessarily a particular age group, or a geographic region, we are seeing a statewide population,” Duwell added.
COVID-19 is spread in three main ways:
- Breathing in air when close to an infected person who is exhaling small droplets and particles that contain the virus.
- Having small droplets and particles that contain the virus land on the eyes, nose, or mouth, especially through splashes and sprays like a cough or sneeze.
- Touching eyes, nose, or mouth with hands that have the virus on them.
COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to prevent serious illness due to COVID-19. The vaccine teaches our immune system how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19.
“The COVID virus continues to mutate and shift, and that is quite common for respiratory viruses. Immunity and protection that we have, over time, can wane. And that’s why there is a new vaccine in the Fall that we are going to be recommending Marylanders to get that vaccine.”
By Loretta Gaines
