After three cases of COVID-19 coronavirus were confirmed in the state, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced Thursday night that he’s declaring a state of emergency.
They are in “good condition,” he said, without elaborating on where they may have traveled.
“A thorough investigation is underway to determine their recent interactions with the public,” he said of the couple. “This news is serious,” but “this is exactly what our state has been actively and aggressively preparing for many weeks now,” Hogan said. “I encourage all Marylanders not to panic, but to take this seriously and to stay informed as we continue to provide updates.”
Maryland Deputy Health Secretary Fran Phillips told the news conference that the patients came back to the United States on Feb. 20 and were tested on March 3 after state officials learned of their symptoms.
“The department is working with the local public health agencies to identify any close contacts who may have been exposed while the person was infectious. Public health practitioners will attempt to contact anyone who may have been exposed and monitor them for signs and symptoms of COVID-19,” Colorado health officials said.
Tennessee on Thursday also confirmed the state’s first patient, who is being quarantined in Williamson County, said Gov. Bill Lee in a news conference.
So far, more than 150 cases and 12 deaths have been reported by the CDC and various state health agencies across the U.S. as of Thursday evening. The majority of the deaths have occurred in King County, Washington.