Governor Larry Hogan has declared a state of emergency in Maryland after health officials confirmed the first three positive cases of novel coronavirus in the state.

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Gov. Hogan tweeted Thursday the state's Public Health Laboratory in Baltimore says the patients — a married couple in their 70's and a woman in her 50's from Montgomery County — contracted the virus while traveling overseas.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich tells FOX 5 the three patients were on a cruise. This information was first reported in Bethesda Magazine.

Maryland Deputy Health Secretary Fran Phillips said the patients returned to the U.S. on February 20. They were tested on March 4 when health officials first learned of their symptoms. The positive tests came back today.


Gov. Hogan says the patients are all in good condition.

"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 tweeted.

Montgomery County leaders tell FOX 5 a 10 a.m. news conference is expected Friday to discuss the very latest information.

For more information, visit health.maryland.gov/coronavirus