‘Deep Loss’: Maryland Surpasses 10,000 COVID-19 Deaths

The Department of Health reported Thursday morning that more than 10,000 Marylanders have died of COVID-19, and Maryland flags are flying at half-staff to mark the grim milestone.

“More than 10,000 lives have now been taken from us by this deadly virus,” Gov. Lawrence J. Hogan, Jr. (R) said in a statement. “Each of these Marylanders was the most important person in the world to someone, and our prayers are with all the family members and loved ones who are grieving.”

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According to an update to the Department of Health’s COVID-19 dashboard Thursday morning, 10,011 Marylanders have died of COVID-19 since Hogan declared a state of emergency on March 5, 2020, after the state’s first three cases were reported.

Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) called Maryland’s death toll a “deep loss.”

Senate President Bill Ferguson. Photo by Danielle Gaines.

“I, along with the entire Senate of Maryland send our most heartfelt sympathies to every friend and family member who has had to endure without their loved one by their side, due to this pandemic,” he said in a statement.

“We have learned so much in the last year and a half, and we shall not let their memories be in vain,” said Ferguson.

University of Maryland Medical System COVID-19 Incident Commander Dr. David Marcozzi thanked his team members for their dogged dedication to caring for patients that pass through the hospital system’s doors. He asked them to take a moment of remembrance in honor of the lives lost.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed so much about our daily lives during the past 18 months,” Marcozzi said in a statement. “One thing that remains constant is the profound impact that the loss of life has on each of us, both in our professional and personal lives.”

Maryland has seen 515,259 COVID infections in the past 19 months. As of Thursday morning, 804 people are currently hospitalized, 211 of which are being treated in intensive care units.

Maryland’s positivity rate rests at 4.46%.

About 82.4% of residents have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

While Hogan suggested in his statement that the “worst may be behind us,” he acknowledged that the lingering virus poses significant risks for vulnerable populations.

“Together, as we resolve never to forget any of these 10,011 Marylanders, I ask all the people of our great state to remain Maryland Strong and to have faith that we will emerge from this better and more resilient than ever before,” he said.

This week has been tough for the U.S. as a whole in its battle against the pandemic.

The Washington Post reported Wednesday that one in 500 Americans have died from COVID-19.

1 in 500 Americans have died of COVID-19 and vulnerable communities have been hit the hardest.

Vaccines and masks are the only way to END this pandemic.

This isn't about politics. This has never been about politics. This is about saving lives.https://t.co/7z7SKNE2MS

— Rep. David Trone (@RepDavidTrone) September 16, 2021

Rep. David Trone (D) tweeted Thursday morning that the only way to end the pandemic is through masking and getting vaccinated.

“This isn’t about politics. This has never been about politics,” he wrote. “This is about saving lives.”

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