1) Governor Hogan is holding a press conference at the State House in Annapolis. He is joined by State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Salmon.
I will thread today’s updates.
I will thread today’s updates.
2) The governor announces that while states across the nation and throughout the region have seen troubling spikes in their infection rates, Maryland’s positivity rate has continued to decline. The statewide rate is now 4.49%, an 83% decline since its peak on April 17.
3) There are some trends we are closely monitoring. We are concerned that the gap between the positivity rates among Marylanders under 35 and Marylanders 35 and over is as big as it has ever been -- 3.5% versus 6.57%.
4) We are closely watching the recent uptick in hospitalizations. New hospitalizations are running younger, and not as sick as the wave of patients in the fall, so we are encouraged that ICU bed levels remain flat.
5) We are concerned about attempts by the federal administration to cut funding for testing, at a time when there are testing delays and shortages around the country. We continue to plan ahead with our long-term strategic stockpile of tests that will take us into the fall.
6) CONTACT TRACING. Over the last month, our contact tracers have been successful in reaching nearly 75 percent of cases. We need to get that number up. If you get a call from ‘MD COVID,’ answer the call to help us stop the spread.
7) TRAVEL. We continue to strongly advise Marylanders to refrain from traveling to areas experiencing rapidly increasing positivity rates. Anyone who does travel to one of these areas should get tested and self-quarantine until testing negative.
8) **Gov. Hogan: “I want to make very clear to the people of Maryland again that this crisis is not over and your actions may help determine whether we see a resurgence of the virus here in Maryland.”**
9) The governor reiterates #SaferAtHome guidance. Low risk does not mean no risk. Outside activity is still much safer than inside activity. Employers should continue encouraging telework. Avoid public transportation unless necessary.
10) Gov. Hogan: “Everyone must continue wearing MASKS in public areas, businesses, and on public transportation. If you do nothing else, this one act alone will help us significantly slow the spread of this virus.”
11) Gov. Hogan: “Only you can keep Maryland open for business by wearing masks and continuing to follow public health guidelines. It’s pretty simple: no shirt, no shoes, no mask, no service.”
12) The governor reiterates that our recovery is based on a flexible, community-based approach. We continue to press local leaders to aggressively enforce public health orders in place, particularly at bars/restaurants. The governor commends Montgomery County for cracking down.
13) Gov. Hogan: “As we have from the beginning, we are going to follow the advice of our doctors and public health experts, and we will not hesitate to take statewide actions if and when we deem them to be necessary.”
14) Gov. Hogan on the November election: We are encouraging everyone to vote by mail. If you do not want to vote by mail: by state law, we have eight days of early voting, and we are encouraging Marylanders to vote early in order to avoid any crowds on Election Day.
14a) Gov. Hogan urges the State Board of Elections to mail applications for ballots as soon as possible.
15) Gov. Hogan turns it over to State Superintendent Karen Salmon for an update on schools. Schools have until 8/14 to finalize their plans.
State will allow flexibility to local school systems, in consultation with local health departments, to make decisions on reopening.
State will allow flexibility to local school systems, in consultation with local health departments, to make decisions on reopening.
16) State will set GUARDRAILS for school systems: first, must adhere to CDC guidelines. Face coverings will be REQUIRED for all students and staff.
Guidance: governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/upl…
Guidance: governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/upl…
16a) Second, schools must follow state health protocols for responding to any confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Protocols: governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/upl…
Protocols: governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/upl…
16b) Third, schools must meet a series of benchmarks for reopening, including: 
