On July 21, 2020 Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski gave a press conference in light of rising numbers of COVID-19 cases and the county’s increasing positivity rate. Olszewski shared updates on new public health orders, mask requirements, and hospitalizations. Find key takeaways from the briefing below.
- 860 new coronavirus cases were reported Tuesday in Maryland.
- The county is testing thousands of residents per day, and finding a growing number of cases.
- Effective at 9 a.m. Thursday, Baltimore County is issuing a public health order to require all people 2 or older to wear masks in any indoor public space, including any indoor business, service, organization, or establishment that serves the general public. This includes, but is not limited to, retail establishments, recreational establishments, houses of worship and other locations open to the public.
- County is also strongly encouraging residents to wear face coverings in outdoor public spaces wherever 6-foot social distancing is not possible.
- Maryland is reporting a statewide positivity rate of 4.49%. There is an uptick in total hospitalizations: the number of acute care beds are up and intensive care beds were generally flat.
- Baltimore County is experiencing the highest seven-day average of 97 community cases per day — exceeding the previous peak of 94 cases per day over a seven-day period in May.
- Baltimore County’s positivity rate has increased since July 7 to 5.92%, which shows continued community transmission of COVID-19.
- Similar to statewide trends, young people now account for the majority of cases. Over the past three days, 53% of Baltimore County cases are residents under the age of 35.
- Olszewski called on the Governor to limit bars and food service establishments to outdoor dining and takeout or delivery service. Currently, indoor dining is permitted under restrictions.
