COVID-19 is a disease caused by a respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. This is a new virus that hasn’t caused illness in humans before. Worldwide, COVID-19 has resulted in thousands of human infections, causing illness and in some cases death. As the virus continues to spread, there have been cases reported in over 100 countries (according to WHO), including the United States.

The World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus outbreak a global pandemic. The State of Maryland is continuing to operate under a state of emergency, and all levels of government are taking a comprehensive approach to keep Marylanders safe. For Maryland’s confirmed COVID-19 cases to date, check the Map.

Most cases of COVID-19 have been international travel related. On March 12, Governor Larry Hogan announced the first case of community transmission of COVID-19 in Maryland. The patient, a Prince George’s County resident, had no known exposure to coronavirus through travel or an infected individual. Community transmission is how the common cold and flu are spread — meaning people catch a disease from each other while going about their daily lives. The first case of COVID-19 community transmission in Maryland means the state entered the phase of working to mitigate and limit the spread of this pandemic.

Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19. Based upon available information to date, those most at risk include

• People 65 years and older
• People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
• People of any age with the following underlying medical conditions, particularly those that are not well controlled
  • Chronic lung disease or asthma
  • Congestive heart failure or coronary artery disease
  • Diabetes
  • Neurologic conditions that weaken ability to cough
  • Weakened immune system
  • Chemotherapy or radiation for cancer (currently or in recent past)
  • Sickle cell anemia
  • Chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis
  • Cirrhosis of the liver
  • Lack of spleen or a spleen that doesn’t function correctly
  • Extreme obesity (body mass index [BMI] >40)
• People who are pregnant

COVID-19 is spread just like colds or flu through:

• coughing and sneezing, which creates respiratory droplets
• close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• touching an object or surface with the virus on it

Symptoms:

• Fever
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• In more severe cases, pneumonia (infection in the lungs)

Most people recover from this infection. Close to 80 percent will have mild or moderate symptoms. Some people may be advised to recover at home and isolate themselves from others. These individuals should call their physician or clinic if their symptoms get worse. There is also no specific medicine currently to cure COVID-19 because it is a new disease. However, people who have COVID-19 should get medical care to lessen the severity of symptoms.

Some COVID-19 infections can lead to serious illness, and in some cases death. If someone has a more serious illness from COVID-19, they may be admitted to the hospital.  Older people and those with pre-existing medical problems have a greater risk for serious illness. Examples of pre-existing medical problems are cancer, diabetes, heart disease, COPD or other conditions impacting the immune system’s ability to fight germs.

There is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19.  So, it is important to take everyday preventive steps that are always recommended to slow the spread of respiratory illnesses like colds, flu and COVID-19:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using standard cleaning practices.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, your sleeve, or your elbow.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home except to get medical care. Inform your supervisor of any illness.
• Practice social distancing. Avoid crowds. In a group setting, it is best to provide at least 6 feet of space between individuals.

If you have recently traveled internationally or were in contact with someone with COVID-19, and you have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing, seek medical care right away. Follow these steps:

• Call your doctor or emergency room before you go.
• Tell them about your recent travel and close contacts (such as people in your household.)
• Wear a mask if one is available. An ear loop mask or simple surgical mask would be appropriate.

At this time, if you are not having any symptoms (asymptomatic), you will not be tested, due to limited resources. Please stay home and self-quarantine for 14 days.

• Mildly symptomatic patients (like fever or mild cough) who are otherwise healthy can self-quarantine, monitoring temperature and symptoms and check in with your medical provider as needed.
• Individuals who have severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, should seek care immediately. Always call ahead to your medical provider or emergency department.
• Older patients and individuals who have underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised should contact their physician early in the course of even mild illness. In most situations, those patients will need to be evaluated in an emergency department. Always call ahead to your medical provider or emergency department.

If people unknowingly have COVID-19 and are not symptomatic, they can still spread the disease. That is why it is wise to wear a face mask in public. At home, sick people should wear a face mask, and the people who are caring for them should also wear face masks. If you are unable to wear a mask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then  you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes. 

There is no COVID-19 home test kit on the market for sale. People that suspect they have COVID-19 should contact their health care provider, who will determine if the patient has signs and symptoms compatible with COVID-19 and will decide to refer the patient for lab testing.

• Have an adequate supply of over-the-counter drugs and other health supplies on hand, which could include: pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.
• Have a thermometer, tissues and hand sanitizer in case you become ill and must stay at home to recover.
• Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.
• Have a two-week supply of water and food in your home.

Currently the CDC warns that travelers avoid nonessential trips. View Travel List The CDC also advises people who are elderly and those with chronic health conditions to avoid all nonessential travel.

• Do not stigmatize people of any ethnicity. People who have not recently traveled to China or other affected regions, and have not had close contact with a person who is ill with COVID-19, are at no greater risk of this disease than you. Viruses do not target people from specific populations, ethnicities or racial backgrounds.
• Stay informed and only get information from trusted, official sources. Be especially wary of myths, rumors, misinformation and scams circulating online and elsewhere.  Health information spread on social media is frequently inaccurate.