March 5: Year Anniversary Of First Cases Declared Remembrance Day

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Friday marks one year since Maryland identified its first known cases of coronavirus. In memory of the thousands of victims lost to the pandemic, Gov. Larry Hogan declared the anniversary a day of remembrance.

"One year ago at this time, we could not have fathomed the toll that the pandemic would take on each and every one of us," Hogan said in a press release. "On Friday, we will pause as a state to remember all those we have lost, and express our gratitude to the healthcare heroes and frontline workers whose many sacrifices have saved lives."

The governor will host a twilight vigil at the statehouse starting at 6:15 p.m. Marylanders can tune in at this link.

"Each life lost to COVID-19 leaves behind loved ones and countless unfinished dreams," Hogan added in his proclamation. "We will never forget those whom we have lost."

Maryland flags will lower to half-staff. The state capitol and buildings across Maryland will illuminate in amber.

"It is important to set aside a time to reflect on the devastation COVID-19 has caused globally, while leaving no community untouched," the governor concluded.

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Numbers Check-In

Maryland has made some progress in its fight against the coronavirus. The state has administered 950,810 first doses of the immunization so far, and the Johnson & Johnson inoculation is set to become the third shot available in Maryland. Many students started hybrid learning on Monday. Business restrictions have eased, and health metrics have improved.

The case rate has dropped to 12.52 new infections per day per 100,000 residents over the past week. That's down from its Jan. 12 high of 53.39. The case rate hit a recent minimum of 12.43 on Feb. 21, marking the lowest clip since Oct. 28, 2020.

The positivity rate sits at 3.24 percent. That's the lowest since Oct. 24, 2020 and it's down from its recent high of 9.47 percent set on Jan. 3

Coronavirus hospitalizations have fallen to 856, which is the fewest since. Nov. 11, 2020. It's also about half the state's Jan. 12 high of 1,952 hospitalizations.

Altogether, 384,765 Marylanders have been infected. The virus has killed 7,740 of those patients.

Editor's Note: These metrics are accurate as of 3:45 p.m. Thursday.

Coronavirus Vaccine Resources

Read Patch's explainer to learn when, how and where you can get an immunization.

To see when you'll be eligible for the vaccine, head to this website or read Maryland's plan. Use the state's search engine to find the location and registration form for your closest inoculation clinics.

Check Maryland's immunization progress on its numbers dashboard. Follow the state's infection trends on its data tracker. For more information about the coronavirus vaccine, click here.

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• Vaccine Sign-Up Frustrates Marylanders; Leaders Want Single Form

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