Governor Hogan Provides Update on State of Maryland’s Response to Colonial Pipeline Incident

Per the State of Maryland:

Governor Larry Hogan today authorized Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Secretary Greg Slater to take emergency measures to respond to the Colonial Pipeline incident and ensure continuity of fuel supply throughout the state.

“The emergency actions that we are taking will provide the state the flexibility it needs to address any disruption in fuel supply,” said Governor Hogan. “It is important for Marylanders to know that the supply chain is still working—albeit more slowly than usual—and there is no need for panic buying. While the operators of the pipeline anticipate that the disruption is likely to be short-term, we continue to prepare for all contingencies as part of our statewide response.”

With the governor’s designation of authority, Secretary Slater is issuing emergency waivers of weight restrictions and hours-of-service requirements for Maryland motor carriers, consistent with the federal regional emergency declaration. This increased flexibility is key to relieving supply pressures throughout the state, and will help to address transit issues as additional supplies are brought in from out of state.

The governor will provide an update on the state’s response at his press conference later today.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON MULTI-AGENCY RESPONSE:

Maryland Energy Administration (MEA)

• As the lead agency, MEA has activated the state’s Fuel Emergency Plan, and is tracking all state fuel reserves.
• MEA is engaged in ongoing discussions with the U.S. Department of Energy, coordinating with state agencies and other state energy offices.

Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE)

• MDE is working closely with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other states to ensure that a responsible and limited waiver from certain fuel requirements under the Clean Air Act is issued during this emergency.

Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) Thurgood Marshall Airport

• To this point, there is no impact on airline operations at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport.
• BWI is in regular communication with Colonial Pipeline, the air carriers, and the local fueling agent. The airport is working with airline partners and fueling companies to put alternate fueling measures in place.
• The airlines currently have several days of fuel inventory on hand. The airport has initiated over-the-road truck deliveries of fuel, and will continue to monitor the situation and adjust plans as needed.

Port of Baltimore

• The Port of Baltimore is set up to receive petroleum products such as gasoline and diesel transported by product carriers.
• Maryland can also use its anchorage sites in the Port of Baltimore, Mid-Bay, and Annapolis area anchorages to “lighter transfer” petroleum products from large ships onto barges so the product can be delivered into smaller ports.

MDOT State Highway Administration (SHA)

• SHA has looked into current fuel levels at state facilities via the fuel supplier and does not expect any impact to the agency at this time.
• If fuel becomes low in any areas, SHA will ask the supplier to expedite delivery. If unavailable, fuel will be moved among facilities.
• The appropriate SHA staff members have been notified of the situation and asked to keep fuel conservation in mind while continuing to deliver the expected level of service to customers.

Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA)

• The MDA Weights and Measures program will prioritize investigation of consumer complaints related to gas pump operations, functionality, and questions of accuracy.

Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)

• MEMA is coordinating state agencies to determine operational priorities, and has activated the Maryland Business Emergency Operations Center to provide information to the private sector and assess any needs.

Governor Hogan Asks Drivers to Proceed as Normal in Regards to the Colonial Pipeline

Per Governor Larry Hogan:

At yesterday’s cabinet meeting, the state’s energy and emergency planning teams provided an update regarding the temporary disruption to the Colonial Pipeline.

Since Saturday morning, when the state activated a statewide response, Maryland has been closely coordinating with the federal administration and local jurisdictions.

While the operators of the pipeline currently anticipate that the disruption is likely to be short-term, Maryland is prepared for all contingencies.

“We will keep Marylanders informed of any significant impacts on our fuel supply. For now, drivers should proceed as normal.”

We have been receiving reports of long lines at gas stations across the county. Below you’ll see a photo of the Shell station on Shady Grove Road in front of Bowlmor, sent in by Instagram user @amberr.paigee, where she tells us drivers are arguing and yelling at each other while in line.

Governor Hogan Announces Walk-Ups Now Available at All Mass Vaccination Sites

Per the State of Maryland:

At today’s meeting of the Board of Public Works, Governor Larry Hogan announced that, as part of the state’s “No Arm Left Behind” initiative, eligible Marylanders can now get vaccinated without an appointment at any of the state’s 13 mass vaccination sites.

As of today, Maryland has reported 4,996,199 total vaccinations. According to official CDC data, 62.5% of Marylanders 18 and older, and 85% of Marylanders 65 and older, have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

“We are in a new phase of our vaccination effort where we are focused on making sure that no arm is left behind,” said Governor Hogan. “Walk-ups have been an incredibly successful tool, and we are now able to make them available at all of our mass vaccination sites across the state. The sooner we get more Marylanders vaccinated, the sooner we can put this pandemic behind us once and for all.”

No-appointment vaccinations are now available at:

NEW: Montgomery College (Pfizer, Moderna)
20200 Observation Dr.
Germantown, MD 20876
Walk-up clinics vary. Visit montgomerycountymd.gov/COVID19/vaccine/Germantown.html for regular updates.

NEW: Mall in Columbia (Moderna)
10300 Little Patuxent Pkwy
Columbia, MD 21044
Wednesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

NEW: Maryland State Fairgrounds (Pfizer)
2200 York Rd.
Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093
Walk-up clinics vary. Visit baltimorecountymd.gov/vaccine for regular updates.

NEW: Frederick County (Moderna)
800 Oak St.
Frederick, MD 21703
Walk-up clinics vary. Visit marylandvax.org for regular updates.

Six Flags America Theme Park (Pfizer)
13710 Central Ave.
Bowie, MD 20721
Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Regency Furniture Stadium (Pfizer)
11765 St. Linus Dr.
Waldorf, MD 20602
Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Ripken Ironbirds Stadium (Pfizer)
873 Long Dr.
Aberdeen, MD 21001
Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

M&T Bank Stadium (Pfizer)*
1101 Russell St.
Baltimore, MD 21230
Monday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Baltimore Convention Center Field Hospital (Pfizer)
1 W Pratt St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
NOTE: Baltimore City residents only

Greenbelt Metro Station (Pfizer)
5717 Greenbelt Metro Dr.
Greenbelt, MD 20740
Monday-Tuesday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Wednesday-Thursday, 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (Moderna)*
550 Taylor Ave.
Annapolis, MD 21401
Wednesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Wicomico Youth & Civic Center (Pfizer)
500 Glen Ave.
Salisbury, MD 21804
Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Hagerstown Premium Outlets (Pfizer)
900 Premium Outlets Blvd.
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

To guarantee a time slot, Marylanders can immediately book an appointment by visiting covidvax.maryland.gov or by calling the state’s COVID-19 Vaccination Support Center at 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829). The support center is available seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Walk-up times and vaccination capacity may vary, and individuals should be prepared to wait, depending on demand. Individuals in need of a second dose may utilize walk-up lines. Only the Pfizer vaccine is authorized for 16 and 17-year-olds.

*Note that walk-ups will not be offered at these sites on the days of large sporting events.

Governor Hogan Announces Financial Incentive Program for State Employees to Encourage COVID-19 Vaccinations

Per the State of Maryland:

Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the State of Maryland will offer a $100 financial incentive to state employees who elect to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

“With this incentive program, we are further encouraging state employees to get vaccinated to help keep themselves, their families, and their communities healthy and safe,” said Governor Hogan. “Incentives like this are another way to reinforce the importance of getting vaccinated, and we strongly encourage businesses across the state to consider offering incentives to their workers as well. These vaccines are safe and effective, they’re free, and they’re readily available with or without an appointment.”

As of today, Maryland has reported more than 4.9 million vaccinations. According to official CDC data, 62% of Marylanders 18 and older, and 84.8% of Marylanders 65 and older, have received a COVID-19 vaccine.

Incentive program for those who are fully vaccinated: All state employees who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are eligible for this program. To receive the incentive, employees must provide their HR office with proof of vaccination, and agree to receive all subsequent CDC recommended booster vaccinations within 18 months of being fully vaccinated. The incentive is retroactive, so that all state employees who have already been fully vaccinated will also receive the $100 incentive payment.

Individuals who refuse subsequent CDC recommended booster vaccinations, after receiving the vaccination incentive, will be required to repay the state the $100 vaccination incentive for failure to adhere to the agreement.

The Maryland Department of Budget and Management is working with state employee unions to implement the incentive program.

Governor Hogan Lifts Outdoor Mask Requirement Effective Inmediately and Notes from Governor Hogan’s 4/28 Press Conference

Local jurisdictions have the ability to create their own guidelines, so Montgomery County must lift requirements for it to be effective locally.

These notes come directly from Kata D. Hall’s tweets (deputy communications director for Governor Hogan):

• VACCINE UPDATE.
-Maryland surpasses more than 4.5 million vaccines administered
-Nearly 85% of Marylanders over 65 have been vaccinated
-Over 60% of Marylanders 18 and older have been vaccinated

• COVID DATA UPDATE.
-Case rate per 100,000 has dropped by 33% over the past 2 weeks
-Positivity rate has dropped to 3.89%
-Hospitalizations are down 44% from winter peak

• OUTDOOR MASKING. Effective immediately, masks and face coverings are no longer required outdoors. Lifting this order is in line with the latest CDC guidance and follows the advice of leading public health experts.

• Marylanders who have not yet been vaccinated are strongly encouraged to continue wearing masks, especially when physical distancing is not possible.

• Masks and face coverings are still required at all large ticketed venues, as well as indoors at all public and private businesses, and when using public transportation.

Amended Masking Order Available Here.

• OUTDOOR DINING. Effective Saturday, May 1, all restrictions will be lifted for outdoor dining. Standing service may resume outdoors at bars and restaurants, and all capacity and distancing restrictions related to outdoor dining will be lifted.

• Seated service and physical distancing requirements will remain in place indoors at bars and restaurants, and individuals who are not vaccinated should continue to be cautious.

• Governor Hogan: “We expect to be able to take additional actions in the weeks ahead and to return to a sense of normalcy…the fastest way to put this pandemic behind us once and for all is for every single eligible Marylander to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

• VACCINE EQUITY TASK FORCE. The Maryland VETF has now completed over 200 missions and is adding dozens of clinics each week, including a new clinic opening at Morgan State University on Friday.

• MASS VAX SITES. Maryland now has 12 mass vaccination sites open and fully operational. The 13th and final site at the Mall in Columbia (Howard Co) will open Friday, and is anticipating a record opening day of 1,000 vaccinations.

• DIRECT SCHEDULING. Beginning Saturday, May 1, all eligible Marylanders will be able to go online (covidvax.maryland.gov) or call 1-855-MD-GOVAX and immediately book an appointment at any of the state’s mass vax sites.

• To prepare for direct scheduling, pre-registration will end tomorrow, and by the end of the day Friday, everyone who has already pre-registered will be contacted for an appointment.

• If you would rather avoid the appointment process, walk-up or drive-thru options are now available at 9 mass vaccination sites.

• NO ARM LEFT BEHIND. If you require additional assistance, especially if you are homebound or need transportation, please contact our call center, provide your information, and we will directly connect you with a vaccinator.

• COLLEGE STUDENTS. We are reserving large blocks of appointments for university students and major employers. All college students in Maryland are encouraged to begin the vaccination process here, even if they may end up getting their second shot in their home state.

No-Appointment Vaccinations Now Available at 9 Mass Vaccination Sites

Governor Larry Hogan today announced that Maryland has begun drive-thru, no-appointment vaccinations at the Six Flags America, Regency Furniture Stadium, and Ripken Stadium mass vaccination sites. Marylanders are now able to drive up to these sites for a vaccination without an appointment.

Maryland providers have now administered more than 4.43 million vaccines. According to CDC data, 58.9% of Marylanders 18 and older have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including 83.5% of Marylanders 65 and older.

“Expanding no-appointment vaccinations is another way we are working to make it as easy as possible for people to get vaccinated,” said Governor Hogan. “Our goal throughout this massive effort remains the same—to provide a vaccine to every single Marylander who wants one.”

No-appointment vaccinations are now available at nine mass vaccination sites:

NEW: Six Flags America Theme Park (Pfizer)
13710 Central Ave.
Bowie, MD 20721
Monday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

NEW: Regency Furniture Stadium (Pfizer)
11765 St. Linus Dr.
Waldorf, MD 20602
Monday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

NEW: Ripken Ironbirds Stadium (Pfizer)
873 Long Dr.
Aberdeen, MD 21001
Monday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

M&T Bank Stadium (Pfizer)
1101 Russell St.
Baltimore, MD 21230
Monday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Baltimore Convention Center Field Hospital (Pfizer)
1 W Pratt St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
NOTE: Baltimore City residents only

Greenbelt Metro Station (Pfizer)
5717 Greenbelt Metro Dr.
Greenbelt, MD 20740
Monday-Tuesday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Wednesday-Thursday, 2 p.m.-6 p.m.
Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (Moderna)
550 Taylor Ave.
Annapolis, MD 21401
Wednesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.*

Wicomico Youth & Civic Center (Pfizer)
500 Glen Ave.
Salisbury, MD 21804
Monday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Hagerstown Premium Outlets (Pfizer)
900 Premium Outlets Blvd.
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Monday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Note that walk-up times and vaccination capacity may vary, and individuals should be prepared to wait, depending on demand. Individuals in need of only a second dose may utilize walk-up lines. Only the Pfizer vaccine is authorized for 16- and 17-year-olds.

The fastest way to get through a mass vaccination site and be guaranteed a vaccine is by pre-registering at covidvax.maryland.gov or by calling 1-855-MD-GOVAX.

*Note that no-appointment vaccinations will not be offered at these sites on the days of large sporting events.

Governor Hogan Announces Everyone 16+ is Now Eligible To Get Vaccinated at Any MD Mass Vax Site (and Notes From Governor Hogan’s 4/5 Press Conference)

Our regular note taker is not available for this press conference so we are using tweets from Kata Hall, Governor Hogan’s Deputy Communications Director.

• The State of Maryland has reached several milestones in our #COVID19 vaccination campaign:

-first day over 75,000 vaccinations
-3 million total vaccinations
-averaging 61,331 shots per day
-over 76% of Marylanders over 65 and over 42% age 18 and older have been vaccinated

• ACCELERATION OF VACCINE ELIGIBILITY. @GovLarryHogan announces all Marylanders 16 and older can get vaccinated at *any of the state’s mass vax sites* beginning tomorrow morning.

By Monday 4/12, Marylanders age 16 and older will be eligible for a vaccine from *all providers.*

• NOTE: Marylanders 16 or 17 years of age will only be able to utilize clinics that are providing the Pfizer vaccine, as it is the only vaccine that is currently approved by the FDA for ages 16 and older.

• UPDATE ON MASS VAX SITES. Three new mass vaccination sites are opening this week:

-FEMA site at the Greenbelt Metro Station (Prince George’s)
-Maryland State Fairgrounds (Baltimore Co)
-Montgomery College Campus in Germantown (Montgomery)

• Next week, two new sites are opening:

-Frederick Community College (Frederick Co)
-Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (Anne Arundel)

• We are opening a mass vaccination site at Ripken Stadium (Harford) the week of April 19, and at the Mall in Columbia (Howard) immediately after that.

• NO-APPOINTMENT LINE. Friday, we launched a no-appointment, walk-up line at the mass vax site in Salisbury.

Tomorrow, we will be launching a no-appointment line at the Hagerstown site, and next week at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore City.

• Pre-registration continues to be the best, easiest, and fastest way to reserve an appointment and to ensure that a vaccine is available to you.

Maryland Opens Pre-Registration to Phase 3 Today and More Notes From Governor Hogan’s 4/1 Press Conference

Notes are paraphrased.

• MD has administered 2,760,176 Covid19 vaccines. More than 140,000 in past 48 hours. Average is over 57,000 shots per day.

• MD is doing sequencing testing for variants at one of the highest levels in the country. There have been 677 cases of Covid19 variants in Maryland (86% are the UK variant)

• Variants are driving an increase in new infections and hospitalizations, particularly among younger people. In MD there has been a similar increase, primarily in Baltimore City and Baltimore County.

• Governor Hogan encourages everyone continue wearing masks.

• The statewide masking order remains in full force and effect.

• Governor Hogan advises against travel to states with high rates and encourages testing once you return if you did travel.

• MD Department of Health is requiring all county health officers to submit finalized equity plans by Monday, April 5.

• MD Department of Health will also provide each county with a targeted list of underserved zip codes and specific congregate facilities to focus on.

• Effective today, MD is immediately opening pre-registration to Phase 3. Everyone age 16 and up can pre-register for an appointment at a mass vax site.

• Anyone eligible under Phase 1 and Phase 2 will continue to be prioritized for appointments.

• Mass vax site opened in MoCo (Germantown) and will transition to state-run site next week.

• Baltimore County mass vax site will open at MD state fairgrounds and at Frederick Community College and Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Anne Arundel County the week after that.

• “We still recommend that the best way to ensure you get a vaccine at any of our sites is to pre-register and schedule an appointment.”

Governor Hogan will be providing a Covid-19 update at 2:00 this afternoon.

Watch live via Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube.

As always, we will provide notes from the press conference as soon as it has ended.

Today at 2 p.m., Governor Hogan will make major announcements regarding the state’s vaccine plan, per his social media posts.

Watch live via Facebook, Twitter, or Youtube.

As always, we’ll have notes immediately following the  press conference.

Notes From Governor Hogan’s 3/9 Press Conference

(notes may be paraphrased)

• MD’s case rate per 100k has dropped by more than 76% to 12.9%, which is better than 32 other states.

• MD’s positivity rate has declined by more than 64%, to just 3.4%, which is better than 39 other states.

• Nursing homes with active cases has dropped by 59%

• Hospitalizations down 59%, from nearly 2,000 to 792, which is lowest since 11/10/2020

• MD is conducting surveillance testing at one of the highest rates in the country and sequencing for coronavirus variants at one of the highest rates in the world.

• More than half of Marylanders over 65 and more than half of our entire Phase 1 population has been vaccinated.

• Demand for the vaccines continues to exceed the supply. Supply will remain in the same level for approximately two weeks before we see an increase.

• Effective Friday, 3/12 at 5pm, capacity limits will be lifted on outdoor and indoor dining. Restaurants will still be limited to seated and distanced service only.

Local jurisdictions are not required to follow these guidelines.

• Effective Friday, 3/12, other large outdoor and indoor venues will expand to 50% capacity, including conference and wedding venues, concert venues, conventions, theaters, racing facilities, and sporting venues.

Local jurisdictions are not required to follow these guidelines.

• Masking, physical distancing, and other safety protocols will remain in place for all indoor and outdoor business and establishments.

Updated executive order available here.

• Quarantine requirements and other restrictions regarding out-of-state travel will also be lifted.

• Employers are encouraged to continue supporting telework when possible.

• Statewide masking order REMAINS IN FULL EFFECT.

• We can’t afford to undo the progress we’ve al made together.

• We are closer to the light at the end of the tunnel and a return to some kind of normalcy in our lives.