Tag: Covid-19 Omicron variant

Hogan signs order to boost staff at hospitals, nursing homes

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has signed an executive order to expand staffing in hospitals, nursing homes and pharmacies. The order signed Monday provides licensing flexibility for pharmacists and technicians to help support the pharmacy workforce. It also expands an initiative to allow nursing students to serve as licensed practitioners by including licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, and certified medical technicians. The order allows respiratory therapy […]

01/25/2022 8

Events

Maryland’s first lady tests positive for coronavirus

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland's governor says his wife has tested positive for the coronavirus and is experiencing mild symptoms. Gov. Larry Hogan tweeted Thursday morning that first lady Yumi Hogan tested positive as part of their weekly testing regimen. The governor says his wife, who has been vaccinated and received a booster, will quarantine at the governor's residence in Annapolis. He says he received negative rapid and PCR tests. […]

01/21/2022 5

Events

Maryland to open more testing sites; distribute 20M masks

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland is opening six new hospital-based COVID-19 testing sites. Gov. Larry Hogan made the announcement Thursday at one of the new locations at University of Maryland Shore Regional Health in Easton. The new locations are on track to be fully operational and open each day with no appointment necessary by the end of next week. The other locations are TidalHealth in Wicomico County; Garrett Regional Medical […]

01/14/2022 5

Events

Mask mandate returns in Maryland state buildings

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Masks are required again in all state buildings in Maryland. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced Monday that face coverings are required for employees and visitors in all state buildings and leased space in all public or shared spaces. The announcement comes as state health officials reported 14,251 new coronavirus cases Monday and 2,746 hospitalizations. The governor announced that the state will give employees who receive a […]

01/05/2022 19

Events

Hogan declares 30-day state of emergency due to virus surge

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has declared a 30-day state of emergency to fight a surge in COVID-19 cases. As part of the announcement on Tuesday, Hogan said 1,000 members of the Maryland National Guard will be mobilized to help state and local health officials. About 250 National Guard members will be deployed to support COVID-19 testing sites across Maryland, including at hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, […]

01/05/2022 12

Events

State of MD has new coronavirus drugs that may guard against death

BALTIMORE (AP) — State officials in Maryland say they've gotten the first load of two new antiviral medicines that may guard people with Covid-19 from becoming seriously ill or dying. The Baltimore Sun reported Friday that the drugs are called Paxlovid and Molnupiravir. The Maryland Department of Health said that the medications are given to infected patients in pill form over five days. A medical trial has estimated that Paxlovid […]

01/03/2022 8

Events

Hogan: Coming weeks may be “worst part” of pandemic for MD

Maryland’s Governor predicts that the next four to six weeks may be the “worst part” of the pandemic for his state. The Washington Post reported Sunday that Gov. Larry Hogan is putting much of the blame on people who are unvaccinated against the latest surge of COVID-19. There are more than 2,000 people who are hospitalized with the coronavirus in Maryland. The number surpasses a previous record set this time […]

01/03/2022 4

Events

MD hospitals advocate asks Hogan for emergency declaration

BALTIMORE (AP) — An advocate for Maryland's hospitals says Gov. Larry Hogan should reinstate a public health emergency because of staffing and capacity challenges from a COVID-19 case surge. Maryland Hospital Association CEO Bob Atlas said Tuesday such an action by Hogan would show how serious the situation is. He told The Baltimore Sun that hospitals are nearly full, emergency departments are stretched thin and nursing shortages are exacerbating problems. […]

12/29/2021 9

Events

Maryland courts postpone jury trials amid virus surge

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland's judiciary has announced plans to postpone jury trials and reduce other court operations amid a surge in coronavirus cases. According to Monday's order from Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Joseph Getty, the emergence of more contagious variants requires the return to more restrictive emergency operations. State health officials reported 5,376 new cases Monday and an increase in hospitalizations to 1,714, Jury trials scheduled between […]

12/28/2021 9