January 19th, 2021 by WCBC Radio

Even though COVID-19 hospitalizations in Maryland are increasing, the state’s positivity rate has dropped significantly.

The state health department reported 1,972 new coronavirus cases during a 24-hour period, with 53 deaths confirmed.

The statewide positivity rate fell by by nearly half a percent Tuesday to 7.8%.  

Hospitalizations are back above 1,800. There are now 1,875 in state hospitals for COVID-19, of which 411 are in ICU beds and 1,464 are in acute care.