Governor Hogan recently made several announcements regarding the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, saying that recent improved metrics have shown a promising development amid the continued shortage of vaccine, and as such the state is making plans towards securing more vaccines and easing certain restrictions. These plans include increased vaccination sites, a testing program for schools, and limited visitation for Maryland hospitals and nursing homes. In a statement, Hogan maintained that
“We have seen significant improvements in all of our key statewide COVID-19 metrics…we are pushing back against this invisible enemy, and we’re making great progress; however, we need to remain cautious and vigilant.”
On vaccinations, Governor Hogan announced the opening of the next mass vaccination site at M&T Bank Stadium on February 25th, and that locations for mass vaccination sites in Western Maryland, Southern Maryland, and on the Eastern Shore are being finalized and will likely be ready to open in March. The Governor also announced four-week vaccine allocation projections for Prince George’s County, along with a new initiative to have counties appoint equity officers to address vaccine hesitancy.
On testing in schools, Governor Hogan announced that the Maryland Department of Health and the Maryland State Department of Education have launched a voluntary (opt-in) program to provide up to 1 million COVID-19 tests for public and private schools. Following up with his previously stated plan to facilitate the return to in-person schooling, the Governor mentioned the 22 school districts that have begun to bring children back for in-person instruction or have plans to do so by March 1.
On visitation, Governor Hogan announced that the Maryland Department of Health will issue orders to allow limited visitation to resume at Maryland hospitals and nursing homes. Each hospital will set its own visitation policies (which must be in compliance with CDC guidelines), and indoor visitation at nursing homes will resume as early as March 1 (provided facilities do not have active cases and follow proper testing protocols).
Where to find Vaccination Providers
