ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland now has COVID-19 cases categorized by ZIP codes, which was provided by the state's health department on its coronavirus website.
The five Maryland ZIP codes with the most coronavirus cases in the D.C. Metro area are:
- 20904 (Colesville, White Oak, Fairland, Calverton in Montgomery County)
- 20906 (Aspen Hill, Colesville, Leisure World in Montgomery County)
- 20902 (Silver Spring, Kemp Mill, Wheaton-Glenmont, Wheaton, North Kensington, Glenview, in Montgomery County)
- 20744 (Fort Washington, Oxon Hill, Camp Springs, Friendly in Prince George’s County)
- 20706 (Lanham, Glenarden, Glenn Dale, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Goddard, Westgate, Seabrook in Prince George's County).
These ZIP codes are among the top six ZIP codes in the entire state with the most coronavirus cases, according to the Maryland Department of Health. Only the 21215 ZIP code in Baltimore has more coronavirus cases.
But while this information in important and insightful, authorities are cautioning us to be careful drawing conclusions from new ZIP code maps that show where the highest numbers of coronavirus cases are turning up.
The same cautions were issued for county-by-county data showing death rates very high in some places and not others.
Dr. Travis Gayles, the chief health officer in Montgomery County, says answers are not straightforward.
"It can be a little misleading," Gayles said. "All ZIP codes are not created equal in terms of how many folks live in those areas."
Gayles cautioned the ZIP code date is not adjusted for per capita rates of infection.
For example, some ZIP codes with high numbers also have high populations, while the actual rate of coronavirus per capita may be no worse than other, less populated ZIP codes, according to Gayles.
Use the tools below to explore more information about coronavirus cases in Maryland by the ZIP code they were reported in:
CORONAVIRUS 101
What precautions should you take?
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wear a mask if you have to make an essential trip outside
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are unavailable.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Reasons to leave your home under stay-at-home order:
- Grocery store trips
- Medical visits or trips to the pharmacy
- Travel to your essential job
- Exercise such as walks, hikes or bike rides
Commonly reported symptoms of COVID-19 infection include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Pneumonia
If you are sick or suspect you are infected, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends taking the followings steps:
- Stay home except to get medical care
- Avoid public areas, including work or school
- Avoid public transportation
- Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home
- Contact your doctor via telemedicine for more guidance