Maryland Reports Fewest COVID-19 Cases Since July, Testing Urged

BALTIMORE, MD — Maryland's reported COVID-19 cases are at the lowest they've been since July 2020, according to new statewide health data released Monday. To keep numbers low, the state has ramped up promotion of a testing campaign and urges residents to work with contact tracing.

The state's COVID-19 case rate per 100,000 also fell to 9.2 percent –dropping by 61 percent to its lowest level since October 2020.

In addition, the state's positivity rate has fallen to 3.06 percent, dropping 67.7 percent since the peak positivity rate over the winter – the lowest since October 23.

The number of COVID-19 patients who are hospitalized fell under 800 on Monday, to 798, for the first time since March 15.

COVID-19 in Maryland by the numbers:

• Vaccines administered: 5,256,617
• Positivity rate: 3.06
• Case rate per 100K: 9.2
• Hospitalizations: 798

On Monday, the Maryland Department of Health also launched a new statewide campaign encouraging Marylanders to continue to get tested for COVID-19 and participate in contact tracing. "Don't Invite COVID" is part of a larger effort to help slow the spread of the virus, in combination with vaccination efforts.

The campaign encourages residents to continue being vigilant, especially during holidays and events where people are likely to gather, like the upcoming Father's Day and Independence Day celebrations.

"Don't Invite COVID" will run through October and will feature TV and radio public service announcements, as well as social media content.

“As more Marylanders are vaccinated against COVID-19, we know more and more people will begin to return to doing the things that we’ve all missed over the last year, especially when it comes to gathering with family and friends,” said MDH Secretary Dennis R. Schrader in a prepared statement.

To date, Maryland has administered 5,256,617 COVID-19 vaccinations, which has resulted in 64.5 percent of Maryland adults having received at least one dose, according to CDC data.

Where To Get Vaccinated

Marylanders 16 and older can book an appointment to get vaccinated at covidvax.maryland.gov or by calling the state's COVID-19 vaccination support center at 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829). The support center is available seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

No-Appointment Vaccinations. Marylanders can now get vaccinated at most mass vaccination sites without any appointment needed. Click here for the schedule.

Residents can get vaccinated without an appointment at six mass vaccination sites. Walk-up vaccinations are open to all eligible Marylanders at these locations:

• M&T Bank Stadium (Pfizer), 1101 Russell St., Baltimore; Monday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.*
• Baltimore Convention Center Field Hospital (Pfizer), 1 W Pratt St., Baltimore; Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon, for Baltimore City residents only
• Greenbelt Metro Station (Pfizer). 5717 Greenbelt Metro Dr., Greenbelt; Monday-Tuesday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesday-Thursday, 2 p.m.-6 p.m., and Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (Moderna), 550 Taylor Ave., Annapolis; Wednesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-11 a.m.*
• Wicomico Civic Center (Pfizer), 500 Glen Ave., Salisbury; Monday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Hagerstown Premium Outlets (Pfizer), 900 Premium Outlets Blvd., Hagerstown; Monday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

*Note that walk-ups will not be offered at these sites on the days of large sporting events.

Walk-up times and vaccination capacity may vary, officials say, and those who do not have appointments should be prepared to wait.

Search for the nearest location to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

In total, 8,670 Marylanders have died during the coronavirus pandemic, according to the state's COVID dashboard.