Md. Governor provides update on COVID-19

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Governor Lary Hogan held a press conference on Thursday to provide an update on COVID-19 across the state of Maryland.

The governor says Maryland is reporting nearly 150,000 confirmed cases, with just under 1,200 new cases over the past 24 hours, which is the highest one-day total since July 25th. There are 588 current hospitalizations and a total of 4,035 deaths from the virus in the state.

The state’s seven day positivity rate is trending upwards, currently sitting at 4.21%. 7 of the state’s 24 jurisdictions is currently sitting at a positivity rate above 5%.

Hogan also says that Maryland has entered the federal ‘red zone’ for case rates. Our average cases per 100,000 has risen to 15, which is a 22% increase over the last week. Case rates are now above 10 cases per 100,000 in 18 of 24 jurisdictions across the state.

“Our statewide metrics do not yet warrant taking drastic immediate actions. However, the upticks in some of our metrics here and the spiking numbers in other states do place us, once again, at a pivotal moment in this fight,” Hogan said.

The governor added that Maryland has been preparing for a fall surge since the pandemic first began, and says we are in a much better place than we were at the beginning of the crisis.

The statewide mask order will remain in full force and effect, requiring everyone to wear masks or face coverings in the public spaces of all businesses and outdoors when distancing cannot be maintained. The governor is also calling on local leaders, health departments, and law enforcements to step up enforcement efforts.

In terms of economic recovery, we’re told the state just doubled its investment with an additional $250 million to provide even more help to struggling familes and small businesses across the state.

Hogan says Marylanders cannot afford to their their guard down, as the weeks and months ahead will be difficult, and everyone’s collective actions will determine whether we can continue safely on the road to recovery.

“Do your part, right now, to help us keep this virus at bay…recommit to the actions that helped us crush the curve the first time around. With the holidays approaching and so many Marylanders making plans to spend time with family and friends, it is more important than ever for all of us to remain cautious and vigilant.”