Annapolis – With an overnight jump of 157 cases, which is by far the largest one-day increase to date, Maryland COVID-19 cases reached 580, according to the Gubernatorial office here.
In a statement, Governor Larry Hogan highlighted the severity of the developing pandemic scenario saying, “We are only at the beginning of this crisis, in our state, in the National Capital Region, and in America. As I have repeatedly stressed, we should continue to expect the number of cases to dramatically and rapidly rise.”
On the fast-developing economic deterioration and thus rising unemployment, Governor Hogan noted, “Today, we are also seeing an unprecedented increase in the number of Marylanders filing for unemployment. We are going to do everything we can to help people and small businesses get back on their feet.”
“This battle is going to be much harder, take much longer, and be much worse than almost anyone comprehends. We have never faced anything like this ever before, and I continue to urge the people of our state to stay in place at home and stay safe,” urged the governor for people to stay indoors.
“I want Marylanders to know that if we continue to lead and work together—if we rely on and help each other—together we will get through this crisis,” Governor Hogan concluded.
A day earlier on Wednesday, Governor Hogan during his regular updates announced that he was requesting a presidential disaster declaration for the state of Maryland.
“People are looking for certainty, but the truth is, we simply don’t know yet how bad it’s going to get, how long it’s going to last, or how successful these social distancing actions are going to be in flattening the curve,” said Governor Hogan.
Hogan reiterated his caution about the rise in cases, saying, “What we do know is that this will not be over in a matter of days or weeks. As I have been saying over and over since day one, the number of cases will continue to rapidly and dramatically rise. It is critically important that every single person remains vigilant and continues doing their part by staying in place, in their homes, as much as possible so that we can break the back of this virus.”