COVID-19 IN MD: Lowest Number of New Cases Since March, Positivity Rate Down 80%

BALTIMORE, Md. (WBFF) -- The Maryland Department of Health has released the updated coronavirus numbers for the state of Maryland.

As of 10AM, there are 63,229 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Maryland. 260 New COVID-19 Cases Reported on June 17. Maryland is reporting its lowest number of new COVID-19 cases since March 31.

The statewide positivity rate is now 5.43% The state’s seven-day average positivity rate has dropped nearly 80% from its peak level on April 17.

Health department officials say there are a total of 2,886 confirmed deaths an increase of 20 from the previous day.

The Governor's Office said Thursday, Maryland’s key COVID-19 health metrics continue to trend in a positive direction, with the statewide positivity rate dropping, ICU beds falling to their lowest level since April 5, and the state reporting its lowest number of new cases since March.

Maryland has now conducted 535,444 COVID-19 tests, including 8,562 tests over the last 24 hours.

Maryland’s current total COVID-19 hospitalizations—one of the state’s key recovery metrics—have dropped to 660. ICU bed use has decreased to 269, its lowest level since April 5. Since the beginning of June, total hospitalizations have decreased by more than 43%.

Baltimore City Leads Large Jurisdictions With 8.5% of Population Tested, Positivity Rate Continues to Decline. To date, Maryland has tested 7.4% of its population. Baltimore City, still currently in Stage One of recovery, is above the state average with 8.5% of its population tested.

Related: Coronavirus in Baltimore City

Its positivity rate has dropped to 6.42%, and is down by 37% since June 1.

Now Nearly 170 Major Testing Sites Statewide. Maryland has broadened the criteria for COVID-19 testing to include those who are asymptomatic. There are now nearly 170 major testing sites in Maryland. Visit coronavirus.maryland.gov to find a location that is most convenient for you.