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The state of Maryland declares a state of emergency over COVID-19 spikes. On Tuesday, Maryland’s Gov. Larry Hogan declared a 30-day state of emergency. The coronavirus cases officially reached crisis levels. COVID-19 related hospitalizations rose to 3057 and more than 500% increase in the past seven weeks.
Maryland health officials estimate COVID-19 hospitalizations to climb higher than 5000. “The truth is that the next four to six weeks will be the most challenging of the entire pandemic,” Hogan said during a press conference on Tuesday. “While we are hoping for the best, we are preparing for the worst,” Hogan ordered the mobilization of 1000 National Guards to help health officials at the state and local level with pandemic response duties.
In addition, the state-authorized booster shots for children ages 12 to 15 and eligible residents. Hogan also called on the Biden administration to increase the number of doses distributed to MD and approve more rapid COVID-19 tests. He also challenged employers throughout the state to encourage their employees to wear a mask and provide incentives for vaccinations. Furthermore, state health officials plan to open additional COVID-19 testing sites outside hospitals.
Hogan agreed the Omicron variant has “spread like wildfire” worldwide. Their main focus in the state of MD is to prevent COVID-19-related hospitalizations and deaths. “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,” he said. “We will continue to take whatever actions are necessary for the very difficult days and weeks ahead.”
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