Per the State of Maryland:
State Working on Emergency Procurements to Secure Additional Rapid Tests Amid National Shortage
New Data Shows Omicron is Now Dominant COVID-19 Variant in Maryland
UMMS: 2% of Hospitalized Patients Over Last 30 Days Were Boosted
ANNAPOLIS, MD—At today’s meeting of the Board of Public Works (BPW), Governor Larry Hogan provided an update on the COVID-19 state of emergency and steps the state is taking to address the national testing shortage. As of today, the state is reporting 3,118 COVID-19 hospitalizations, which is an increase of 61 over yesterday.
“I want to inform this board that, to address this national shortage, we are currently working on numerous emergency procurements to deal with the multiple emergency actions related to the crisis, including the acquisition of as many of these rapid tests as we possibly can from multiple sources,” said Governor Hogan. “As I said yesterday, the next four to six weeks will be the most challenging of the entire pandemic.”
(Watch)
Emergency Procurements for At-Home Rapid Tests. Governor Hogan notified the BPW that state officials are now working on emergency procurements to acquire more at-home rapid tests to address the national shortage. The state is currently in the process of distributing 1 million rapid tests through state-run testing sites and local health departments.
Sequencing Data: Omicron Is Dominant Variant. Governor Hogan announced that, according to the state’s lab partners, 88.5% of all recently analyzed samples tested positive for the Omicron variant. And of those samples that were hospitalized, 91.4% have the Omicron variant. This data shows that the Omicron variant is clearly the dominant variant among COVID-19 confirmed cases in Maryland.
UMMS: 2% of COVID Patients Boosted. The governor also shared new data from the University of Maryland Medical System showing that over the last 30 days, 74% of COVID patients were unvaccinated and 24% were considered fully vaccinated, while just 2% were boosted. This data highlights the urgency of getting boosted now for maximum protection against the Omicron variant. State health officials have authorized booster shots for all eligible Marylanders 12 and older.
For this COVID-19 state of emergency, state officials encourage Marylanders to utilize all of the recommended layered prevention strategies, including getting booster shots and wearing masks.
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The City of Rockville is hosting its annual Skate Jam event at the Rockville Skate Park (355 Martins Lane) on Saturday, April 20 from 9am until 5pm.
17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Now in its 17th year, the Kensington Day of the Book Festival is a family-friendly street festival featuring 150+ renowned authors, poets, and literary organizations. Enjoy live music on five stages, special guest speakers, military veteran writers and comedians, poetry readings, cookbook demos, children's program, and much more.
Admission is free, and attendees will also be able to explore a marketplace of books and food offerings from local vendors.
Not your average book festival! This festival offers something for everyone!
17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Sunday, April 21, 2024, 11am-4pm (held rain or shine!)
Howard Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895
www.dayofthebook.com
Instagram: @kensingtonbookfestival
Contact: Elisenda Sola-Sole, Festival Director
301-949-9416 (text preferred)
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!!!
