MD State of Emergency

On Tuesday, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan declared a 30-day state of emergency in order to combat the surge in Covid cases within the state. 

“All of the emergency actions we are taking today are to keep our hospitals from overflowing, to keep our kids in school, and to keep Maryland open for business,” Hogan stated in the press conference.

In addition to announcing the state of emergency, Hogan enacted two executive orders in an attempt to control the spike in cases. 

The first allows Maryland’s Health Secretary the authority to regulate hospital personnel, space, and supplies. This will help to decrease the stress on hospitals by allowing for alternate treatment facilities and allowing healthcare workers to practice outside of their outlined specialties. 

The second executive order allows the Governor to increase the state’s emergency medical services. “We are mobilizing 1,000 members of the Maryland National Guard to assist state and local health officials with the state’s emergency pandemic response,” said Hogan.

Hogan also announced on Tuesday that the state has authorized Covid-19 booster shots for children ages 12-15. He continued to urge employers to incentivize receiving the vaccine and to enforce the wearing of face coverings.

Hogan concluded his remarks by emphasizing the importance of getting vaccinated, and urging Maryland residents to take stronger precautions to avoid the spread of the Omicron variant.