A Baltimore woman in her 20s is the city’s second confirmed case of the new coronavirus, Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young announced Monday.
Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Letitia Dzirasa said her agency is investigating the case, and pleaded with residents to take steps to protect themselves and others.
“Everyone in Baltimore City has to take seriously the need to practice social distancing, in additional to increased hand washing,” Young said in a statement. “This virus is not a joke and the quicker we have maximum participation from our residents, the better for everyone. We will continue to take aggressive measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, but we need the public’s help.”
Baltimore officials have asked residents to practice “social distancing” to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 illness in the city. People are advised to avoid crowds and stay home if sick.
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The city’s first case was announced Saturday and involved a man in his 60s. As with this latest announcement, few details were provided, including where in the city the patient lives, how they contracted the illness or what kind of treatment they’re receiving.
Maryland has more than 30 confirmed cases.
Cities across the state on Monday prepared to take drastic measures to attempt to limit the spread of the virus, after Gov. Larry Hogan announced plans to shut down all bars, restaurants, movie theaters and gyms.
The mass closures go into effect at 5 p.m. Monday. Grocery stores, banks, pharmacies and other essential services will remain open.
“We should continue to expect the number of cases to dramatically and rapidly rise,” Hogan said during a news conference. “This is going to be much harder, take much longer and be much worse than almost anyone is currently understanding."