Governor declares state of emergency after first 3 coronavirus cases found in Maryland

The first three cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Maryland, prompting Gov. Larry Hogan (R) to declare a state of emergency. 

The cases are from patients who contracted the virus overseas and are in “good condition,” Hogan said. 

“We have been actively preparing for this situation over the last several weeks across all levels of government. I encourage all Marylanders not to panic, but to take this seriously and to stay informed as we continue to provide updates,” Hogan added in a statement. 

During a press conference, Hogan declared a state of emergency in Maryland, WTOP reported. 

The patients are Montgomery County residents, including a married couple in their 70s and an individual in their 50s, Hogan reportedly said. 

There are 148 confirmed total cases across the U.S., including those repatriated from cruise ships or China, according to data reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The first case in Colorado was also reported Thursday. 

Globally, there are more than 97,800 confirmed cases, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. 

More than 80,000 of the cases are in China, where the virus originated.