Business, Health, Sci-Tech

7 Maryland residents being tested for coronavirus, Fed cuts rates

BALTIMORE, MD—After coronavirus fears led to a stock market free-fall last week, the Federal Reserve is taking action.  Here in Maryland, new reports suggest that up to seven residents are now being tested for COVID-19.

Six people have died from coronavirus in Washington state and at least 100 others are sick.

The Maryland Department of Health now reports that 7 residents are being tested for the coronavirus and 6 others have already tested negative.

The Baltimore City Health Department reports that they’ve launched an incident command team to quickly identify those who should be treated and/or tested for COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve on Wednesday announced an emergency 50 basis point rate cut in an impromptu meeting on Tuesday in response to the virus.  The stock market tumbled last week as pandemic fears gripped investors.

Fed Chairman Jerome Powell will hold a press conference at 11 a.m. on Tuesday.

The rate cut decision was unanimous among the members of the Federal Open Market Committee.  It marks the largest rate cut by The Fed since 2008.

How does the coronavirus stack up against the flu?

According to LiveScience, older adults have been hit the hardest. The death rate is at around 14.8% in those 80 and older; among those ages 70 to 79, the COVID-19 death rate in China seems to be about 8%; it’s 3.6% for those ages 60 to 69; 1.3% for 50 to 59; 0.4% for the age group 40 to 49; and just 0.2% for people ages 10 to 39. No deaths in children under 9 have been reported.

At the end of February, Maryland health officials offered the following tips to help prevent the spread of coronavirus:

  • Regular hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
  • Avoiding contact with eyes, nose and mouth
  • Avoiding close contact with individuals who are sick
  • Avoiding animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat).
  • Remaining at home when individuals have symptoms such as a persistent cough, fever, diarrhea and chills.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency on Monday issued two public service announcements pertaining to the novel coronavirus.

Follow the latest NottinghamMD updates on the coronavirus here.

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