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First Omicron Variant Case Found in the U.S. and More Notes from Governor Hogan’s 12/1 Press Conference Providing Covid Update

Governor Hogan is holding a press conference to provide a Covid update to Marylanders.

Below you’ll see notes from his press conference, including tweets by his Deputy Communications Director, Kata Hall:

– On Monday, the governor held an emergency meeting of our COVID-19 Response Team and received a briefing on the Omicron variant, the latest strain of COVID-19 to be designated as a “variant of concern.”
– Just moments ago, the CDC confirmed the first Omicron variant case in the United States (Found in Southern California in someone who traveled to South Africa).
– According to public health experts, it could take several weeks before enough data is gathered to determine if Omicron causes more severe illness than earlier strains or how effective current vaccines/treatments are against it.
– Gov Hogan: “We continue to hope for the best, while also actively preparing for the worst…We are taking every precaution, and preparing to mobilize all available resources because our highest priority is to continue keeping Marylanders safe.”
– VARIANT SURVEILLANCE. Maryland currently has one of the strongest variant surveillance systems in America to track various mutations of the virus, and we are now sequencing at nearly three times the level recommended by public health experts
– Earlier today, the Maryland Board of Public Works approved an emergency procurement to acquire additional special reagents and supplies to further expand our capacity to track and detect variants of COVID-19.
– The Maryland Board of Public Works also extended the state’s sequencing agreements with the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins, and we are encouraging all our lab partners to immediately ramp up their surveillance.
– COVID-19 TESTING. Getting tested remains one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself and your family. PCR testing remains widely available at hundreds of locations.
– RAPID TESTS. Last week, the governor announced that another 500,000 rapid antigen tests are being distributed free-of-charge at multiple locations across the state, including local health departments, libraries, and community centers.
– RAPID TESTS AT BWI AIRPORT. Maryland Department of Health and Maryland Department of Travel will immediately make rapid tests and guidance available at the international terminal of

@BWI_Airport for the nearly 7,000 passengers who arrive each week.
– There is also a new urgent care center at BWI Airport, which offers both COVID-19 testing, vaccines, and boosters to travelers.
– Gov Hogan: “We are beginning to see the anticipated seasonal uptick in some of our key health metrics…the most important thing you can do right now to maintain immunity and protect yourself and your family from severe illness is to get vaccinated.”
– VACCINE UPDATE: -Maryland has administered nearly 9.4 million COVID-19 vaccines -99.9% of Marylanders 65+ have been vaccinated -88.9% of Marylanders 18+ have been vaccinated -Nearly 118,000 Marylanders age 5-11 have been vaccinated
– Gov Hogan: “If you are already vaccinated, the single most important thing you can do to maintain your immunity against this virus and its variants is to get your booster shot.” *Data continues to show waning immunity after 6 months.*

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FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival

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Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.

Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.

Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.

Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.

As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.

Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.

LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!

MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME

2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES

KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!

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