Governor Hogan Announces Additional Steps to Protect
Marylanders From Coronavirus
Feb. 27, 2020
Will Include $10 Million in Emergency Funding in
Supplemental Budget, Details Statewide Preparedness Efforts Underway,
Encourages Marylanders to Use 2-1-1 Hotline for Questions and Concerns,
Discusses Coordinated Response with Vice President Pence
ANNAPOLIS, MD—At a press conference today at the State
Emergency Operations Center of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency,
Governor Larry Hogan provided an update and announced additional steps the
state is taking to protect Marylanders from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
and prepare for any potential outbreak. Prior to the press conference, Governor
Hogan convened a meeting with senior Cabinet officials and spoke to Vice President
Mike Pence, who is leading the federal response.
“While there is currently no immediate public health
emergency here in Maryland, based on the latest guidance from the CDC and our
federal partners, we want our citizens to know that all levels of government
are working together proactively and taking every possible precaution to
respond to threats of public health,” said Governor Hogan. “We will continue to
track this and will be receiving almost constant, up-to-the-minute information.
The public should be assured that our state’s preparedness builds on decades of
planning, experience, and expertise gained from previous and ongoing public
health events. I would encourage all Marylanders not to panic, but to take this
seriously and to continue to stay informed.”
Joined by senior Cabinet officials, the governor announced
that he will submit a supplemental budget that will include $10 million for
emergency coronavirus preparedness expenses. While there are still no confirmed
cases of coronavirus in Maryland at this time, two patients have met the
criteria for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) testing. The
governor stressed the importance of heeding the CDC’s guidance that local
schools, businesses, and communities should be prepared for closures and
disruptions to daily life.
In addition, the governor encouraged Marylanders to visit
health.maryland.gov/coronavirus for the most up-to-date information, and to
dial 2-1-1 to talk to experts about any questions or concerns.
The governor also announced that in addition to convening
his full Cabinet tomorrow, administration officials will provide a detailed
briefing to members of the General Assembly, as well as the Comptroller, the
Attorney General, and the Treasurer.
Statewide Preparedness Efforts Continue
In January, Governor Hogan directed all state agencies to
take every precaution and mobilize whatever resources are necessary to address
COVID-19. Pursuant to his direction, the Maryland Department of Health (MDH)
continues to coordinate with the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)
and all state, federal, and local partners to lead response efforts, all with
the goal to minimize risk to the public.
MDH is engaged in regular communications with clinicians and
health care providers across the state, working with local hospitals to develop
comprehensive hospital surge plans to be activated if necessary. The
department’s preparedness and response team is inventorying available resources
at hospitals, local health departments, federally qualified healthcare centers,
long term care facilities, dialysis centers, and other healthcare partners.
MDH’s infectious disease experts are providing weekly briefings to all local
health departments and healthcare facilities across the state.
MDH has worked with the Maryland State Department of
Education (MSDE) to provide guidance to school systems across the state, and is
coordinating with colleges and universities to address concerns with student
and faculty populations. In coordination with the Maryland Department of
Transportation (MDOT), MDH is actively engaged with travelers to ensure they
have the information they need and are following CDC guidance to protect the
safety of these travelers and the public.
Potential alternative housing, support, and transportation
are being developed should some Marylanders impacted by the virus not be able
to recover at home.
Additionally, state agencies are participating in daily
briefing and coordination calls with federal partners at the CDC, the U.S.
Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response,
and the Department of Defense. Frequent calls are held with neighboring states
to coordinate case surveillance, investigation, and response activities
(including senior health officials, epidemiologists and public health emergency
preparedness directors).
What can Marylanders do to prepare?
Though the public health threat here in Maryland and across
the United States remains low, you can take very basic steps to help keep
yourself and your loved ones healthy.
Stay informed — Visit cdc.gov for the most recent general
updates and health.maryland.gov for the latest information on COVID-19 in
Maryland.
Practice everyday actions to promote good health and prevent
the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19:
Wash your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand
sanitizer or soap and water
Cover your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
If you are sick, stay home from work or school
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
Build a preparedness kit for your home in case you are sick
with any respiratory virus and need to stay at home. See health.maryland.gov
for details.
Examples include:
Pain relievers, fever reducers, decongestants, and cough
drops
Alcohol–based hand sanitizer
Thermometer
Facial tissues, paper products
Nonperishable food
Extended supply of prescription medications
Diapers or pet supplies if needed
There is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, but you should get
a flu shot — it’s not too late. It will not prevent COVID-19, but getting a flu
shot will help keep you and your loved ones healthy as we continue to see
widespread flu.
Visit health.maryland.gov/coronavirus for up-to-date
information and resources, including the latest information on COVID-19 status
in Maryland.
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Kevin Dayhoff for Westminster Common Council
Westminster Municipal election May 14, 2019
Authority Caroline Babylon, Treasurer.
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