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Governor Hogan Announces Expansion of Mask Order and Pauses Reopening
By Logan DubelJuly 29, 20205 min read
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Contact Tracing
Hogan discussed the state’s increased contact tracing operation, which can now pinpoint specific locations and activities from which people are contracting cases of Covid-19. Interviews with patients revealed that 44% attended family gatherings, 23% attended house parties, and 21% attended outdoor events. Tracers found that many activities are indeed risky. These activities include working outside of the home (54%), shopping at retail stores (39%), outdoor dining (23%), and indoor dining (23%). Based on this data, the governor strongly recommends that people continue to telework.The Latest Data
Hogan is alarmed by the spike in hospitalizations and the positivity rate among those under 35. These key metrics triggered a ‘STOP SIGN” in the Roadmap to Recovery.- There are now 86,285 Covid-19 cases in the State of Maryland, with 508 cases in Worcester County
- Cases in Worcester County have increased by 175% since Memorial Day and 74% since Independence Day
- The seven-day statewide positivity rate is 4.77% (up 0.23% from Tuesday) and the positivity rate in Worcester County is 4.55% (down from a high of 7.37% on July 21)
- The positivity rate for those over 35 is 3.80%
- The positivity rate for those under 35 is 6.72%
- 56% of new infections are from Marylanders under 40
- Hospitalizations are at 571, which is up from 544 on Tuesday
COVID-19 Testing
Governor Hogan touted Maryland’s robust testing capabilities. More than 1.1 million tests have been logged across the state. Despite this surplus of tests, many are not receiving results for periods of up to two weeks, making the tests virtually worthless. The governor called this “unacceptable” and said that the federal government is working to address this nationwide issue. “The White House has committed to work with commercial labs to achieve quicker turnaround times, and to expand deployment of rapid point-of-care testing,” Hogan said. To address these delays, Marylanders should use state-operated testing sites, which can provide results within 24-48 hours.Testing in Worcester County
Free tests are available in Worcester County at the West Ocean City Park and Ride on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Testing is by appointment only and ID is required.
Other testing sites in Ocean City include the 75th Street Injury and Illness Center, Atlantic ImmediCare at Townsend Medical Center, and the CVS Pharmacy at 120th Street. Appointments are required.
Testing has certainly ramped up across Worcester County. “We’ve assisted with over 2,000 tests in that time period providing tests at the West Ocean City Park and Ride on Mondays/Wednesdays and in collaboration with Atlantic General Hospital at the Pocomoke Health Center on Tuesdays/Thursdays,” said Summer Widmyer, Public Affairs Specialist for the Worcester County Health Department.
To find a testing site, click here.
The Worcester County Health Department is working to make the process of receiving test results easier. Last week, the department tweeted, “If you received a Covid-19 test from Worcester County Health Department, you can get easy, online access to lab results you can understand. Simply text: MAKO to 66349 or, if you don’t have a smartphone, go to: mako.luminatehealth.com to set up your patient portal.”
Next Federal Coronavirus Relief Bill
As leaders on Capitol Hill continue to work on the next coronavirus relief package, Governor Hogan, who serves as the National Governors Association chair, is pushing for funding for state and local governments. Governor Hogan and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo released the following statement: “Financial aid to states is one of the most important economic tools available to the federal government. While the Senate proposal is disappointing, we continue to believe there is significant common ground for an agreement that will help state and local governments. We stand firm in our request for federal aid in the amount of $500 billion over the next three years. This will ensure a strong recovery for our nation. It is time for Congress to come together to help restore our nation’s health and economy.”Deputy Health Secretary Fran Phillips Retires
Governor Hogan announced that Deputy Health Secretary Fran Phillips is retiring. Phillips has been a strong presence at the governor’s Covid-19 press conferences over the last several months and has been working in public health for decades. Phillips came out of retirement for a second stint with the state less than two years ago. She will be replaced by Dr. Jinlene Chan, who currently serves as Assistant Health Secretary. Chan has worked with Phillips for decades.
Hogan was very complimentary of Phillps’ efforts to combat Covid-19 and increase Maryland’s testing capabilities. He presented her with a citation in honor of her retirement.About Logan Dubel
Logan Dubel is a contributor for OceanCity.com and the host of "This Week in Ocean City." He is a Baltimore County native, Franklin High School graduate, and an undergraduate journalism and media student at the University of Texas at Austin. He joined the OceanCity.com team in June 2020. On the shore, he has also served as a writer at the Art League of Ocean City and the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum.
Logan has a strong passion for covering the news and its impact on Marylanders. Since arriving at OceanCity.com, he has covered the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, interviewed newsmakers including former First Lady Yumi Hogan, Mayor Rick Meehan, and members of the City Council, featured local businesses, and covered local events.
As a collegiate journalist, Logan also works as a Life and Arts Reporter for The Daily Texan and an anchor/reporter for Texas Student Television. Most recently, he anchored live coverage of the 2022 Midterm Elections and reported from the CMT Music Awards Red Carpet.
Have a story idea? Contact logan@oceancity.com.
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