After making great strides through the spring in our fight against COVID-19, Maryland’s positive cases and hospitalizations sadly now are moving in the wrong direction .

This worrying news follows declines in new case counts, hospitalizations, and deaths since the peak two and a half months ago. That didn’t just happen. It was the result of your hard work and the discipline of our fellow Marylanders, who took measures to keep themselves and others healthy.

Yet, case counts are again climbing, and our hospitals are seeing more patients suffering from the novel coronavirus. After peaking at 1,707 COVID-19 hospitalized patients in early May, the number fell to just 386 in early July. But as of July 24, confirmed COVID-19 inpatients jumped 41%, to 545.

In conversations, you’re telling us you can handle this caseload but you’re concerned about the prospect of a more powerful resurgence, especially as fall and flu season approach. You’re already at your limits on testing, PPE inventories are thinning, and most of all, health care workers are truly fatigued.

So last week we joined the chorus urging fellow Marylanders to do their parts. There are simple things everyone can do—and must do—to stop the disease spread. MHA broadcast these tips to the public via our website , on social media and on TV news:

• Cover your face
• Keep your distance
• Wash your hands
• Cover your cough
• Clean and disinfect 
• Avoid large crowds

Maryland hospitals are here for everyone who needs them. We have wonderful community and specialty hospitals throughout the state and world renowned academic medical centers. We hope and we believe that working together, Maryland can stem the spread of this virus in our communities.

Bob Atlas
President & CEO