Governor Hogan Announces New Vaccination Protocols for State Employees, Urges Unvaccinated Marylanders to “Just Get The Damn Vaccine”

Governor Hogan Announces New Vaccination Protocols for State Employees, Urges Unvaccinated Marylanders to “Just Get The Damn Vaccine”

Per the State of Maryland:

State Workers in Congregate Settings to Show Proof of Vaccination or Adhere to Masking Requirements, Ongoing Testing
Nursing Homes Strongly Encouraged to Institute Vaccination Requirements for Employees
Unvaccinated Marylanders Advised to Wear Masks in Indoor Settings
State Health Officials Add Post-Vaccination Infection Data to COVID-19 Data Dashboard

ANNAPOLIS, MD—With the Delta variant accounting for nearly all of the new COVID-19 cases in the State of Maryland and an increase in infections among unvaccinated Marylanders, Governor Larry Hogan today announced new vaccination protocols for state employees who work in congregate settings.

Effective September 1, employees in 48 state facilities will be required to show proof of vaccination, or adhere to strict face covering requirements and submit to regular, ongoing COVID-19 testing.

“We know that right now the Delta variant accounts for nearly 100% of the new cases currently being sequenced in Maryland and it accounts for 93% of all the cases nationwide,” said Governor Hogan. “We also understand that it may cause more severe illness than earlier variants. We do need to take the Delta variant very seriously.”

123

Watch today’s press conference.
View the slides from today’s press conference.

New vaccination protocols will apply to state employees in the following agencies:

  • Department of Health (11 state health care facilities)
  • Department of Juvenile Services (12 facilities)
  • Department of Public Safety and Corrections (6 detention centers and 18 correctional facilities)
  • Department of Veterans Affairs (Charlotte Hall Veterans Home)

State employees in these facilities will need to receive their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by September 1. Anyone attempting to provide false proof of vaccination will be subject to disciplinary action. Read the Maryland Department of Health order.

Nursing Homes Strongly Encouraged to Institute Vaccination Requirements. Governor Hogan called on the private operators of the state’s nursing homes to institute similar vaccination requirements for their employees. If nursing home operators do not act, state health officials are prepared to take further actions if necessary.

Just Get The Damn Vaccine.” Governor Hogan urged Marylanders who refuse to get vaccinated to reconsider their decision, citing the fact that nearly everyone currently hospitalized or dying from COVID-19 in Maryland is unvaccinated.

“Please, just get the damn vaccine,” said Governor Hogan. “The vaccines are free, safe, they work, and they are widely available everywhere across the state at thousands of distribution points, including hundreds of pharmacies and primary care providers.”

Mask Guidance. The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) continues to strongly recommend that unvaccinated individuals wear a face covering in indoor settings and situations where physical distancing cannot be maintained. Businesses and other workplaces may set their own policies to protect public health as they deem appropriate.

Post-Vaccination Data Dashboard. MDH has added post-vaccination infection data to its COVID-19 data dashboard. To date, state health officials have identified 3,836 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among fully vaccinated Maryland residents, which represents less than 0.12% of Maryland residents who are fully vaccinated.

Vaccines. Marylanders can get a free COVID-19 vaccine at any of the thousands of distribution points across the state, including hundreds of pharmacies and primary care providers, by visiting covidvax.maryland.gov or by calling 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829).

Recent Stories

The Frederick J. Felton Neighborhood Matching Grant program is helping Gaithersburg neighborhood associations make improvements in their communities by providing dollar-for-dollar matching grants.

A $50,000 Bonus Match 5 lottery ticket was sold for the Thursday, March 28 drawing at a Rockville Giant. Full story below courtesy of the Maryland Lottery:

Montgomery Parks has released its schedule of events and programs that will take place in April.

A Germantown woman is $100,000 richer after purchasing a winning lottery scratch-off ticket from the 7-Eleve at 12301 Middlebrook Rd. Full story below courtesy of the Maryland Lottery:

FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival

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!!!

Bethesda Film Fest

The 2024 Bethesda Film Fest will feature five short documentary films made by filmmakers from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Screenings will be held Friday April 5 and Saturday April 6 at Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.

×

Subscribe to our mailing list