Coronavirus In Maryland: 4 More Deaths Reported Sunday As Positivity Rate Increases Slightly

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Coronavirus hospitalizations and positivity rate increased slightly in Maryland Sunday as four additional deaths were reported by the State Department of Health.

As of Sunday, Maryland has seen 131,357 cases of the coronavirus and 3,854 deaths, an increase of 562 cases and four deaths from Saturday.

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Ten additional hospitalizations were reported; the total increased from 383 on Saturday to 393 on Sunday. Of those in the hospital, 303 were in acute care and 90 were in intensive care.

The state's calculation of the positivity rate increased from 2.79% to 2.83%.

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Since the pandemic began, the state has seen 2,892,265 coronavirus tests conducted, of which 1,600,487 have come back negative.

For the sixth day Maryland's positivity rate remains below three percent, but doctors worry with the cold winter months ahead and flu season, we may see a resurgence of the coronavirus pandemic.

The president said Saturday the virus is disappearing but the numbers tell a different story. On Friday, the U.S. saw the largest one day increase in cases in two months as the country prepares for the cold month and flu season.

Dr. Scott Gottlieb on CBS' Face The Nation said Sunday morning the entire nation is seeing a disturbing uptick.

"I think we're gonna face a difficult fall and winter. What we thought might just be a bump after Labor Day clearly is a resurgence of the virus in the fall and winter. You see cases build across the entire country," Dr. Gottlieb said.

At Bond Street Social in Fells Point, they were at 75% capacity Sunday. The tables were spread six feet apart as more and more people want to come and eat inside as it gets cooler.

"Most concerning is hospitalizations are building, the hospitalizations are the clearest objective measure of the rising infections around the country," Dr. Gottlieb said.

Local doctors agree.

"This is definitely concerning in the last week that we've seen an increase," said Dr. Dean Meadows, with Saint Agnes Hospital ICU.

And as we head into the colder months and flu season, doctors are urging the public to get their flu shot to avoid what they're calling a twin-demic.

"We are worried about a repeat surge of COVID along with flu as the weather gets cooler," Dr. Meadows said.

"Having one is not good, imagine how bad having two could be," said Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch, Baltimore County Health Officer.

In Fells Point, some say getting a flu shot is a definite priority this year.

WJZ Reporter: "Did you get a flu shot this year?"

"Yes! I didn't want to either so I just try and be as diligent as I can as far as health," a passerby said.

"I'm planning to get mine as soon as I go to the doctor," another said.

"I'm planning on getting it next week," another said.

"I know everyone's attention is on COVID but the flu is still out there and you gotta protect yourself," another person said.

Many of these people said while they don't have the flu shot yet, they do plan on getting it in the coming days and weeks.

 You can find out how to get a flu shot here.

Here's a breakdown of cases and deaths by county (probable deaths are listed with an asterisk):

By County

By Age Range and Gender

By Race and Ethnicity

In:
• Maryland
• COVID-19