Montgomery County continues to see a moderate level of COVID-19 community transmission as reported by the CDC. July 27 the CDC revised face mask guidance due to the increase in COVID-19 cases across the country. The new guidance recommends face masks be worn indoors in areas of substantial transmission regardless of vaccination status.
Last week County Executive Marc Elrich recommended the county reinstate the indoor face mask mandate if the level of community transmission increases to a substantial level, which is defined as 50 or more cases per 100,000 during a 7-day period. Most recent CDC data shows the county had 500 new cases over seven days as of Monday, at a rate of 47.59 cases per 100,000. The county council, sitting as the Board of Health, will discuss and vote on the regulation Thursday.
Montgomery County averaged 6.9 new cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 residents Tuesday, according to the data from the county’s COVID-19 information portal. The rate has increased from July 1 when there were 0.9 new cases per 100,000 residents reported.
There were 41 new cases of COVID-19 in the county on Tuesday, bringing the cumulative total to 72,383.
Montgomery County reports 17 patients are hospitalized with COVID-19 as of July 30. This represents only 1.3% of the hospital beds in the county.
Montgomery County officials continue to urge residents to get vaccinated against the virus. Vaccinations are currently available to anyone 12 years of age and older. More information about COVID-19 vaccines may be found online at the COVID-19 information portal.
