Governor Larry Hogan held a press conference on December 10, 2020, in the State House concerning Maryland’s COVID-19 response.
Key Takeaways of the Press Conference
- Maryland, while in a better situation than most states, continues to struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Governor Hogan announced a series of actions to assist small businesses in Maryland, including the forgiveness of COVID-19 relief loans and protecting businesses from sudden increases in unemployment taxes.
- The Governor announced new funding for health care, housing and law enforcement initiatives.
Governor Hogan’s Remarks
- The Governor said Maryland has the nation’s 7th lowest COVID-19 positivity rate and the nation’s 9th lowest case rate.
- There are 225,855 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Maryland. The seven-day positivity rate dropped slightly to 7.74%.
- All 24 Maryland jurisdictions are in the red zone for case rates. 4,850 Marylanders have died of COVID-19.
- 1,720 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized in Maryland, which tallies as the highest level to date. There are 416 Marylanders in ICUs, which is the highest level since June 6. 88% acute staff beds are occupied and 143 surge beds are in use.
- The State continues to monitor 183 nursing homes and 137 assisted living facilities in Maryland.
- The Governor recounted Maryland’s $500 million in State funding for COVID-19 relief, which includes $215 million of relief to businesses, $50 million to restaurants, $40 million to Maryland non-profits, $25 million through a layoff aversion fund to more than 1,000 small businesses, $8 million to tourism entities, and $5 million to Maryland farm families.
The Governor also announced a series of additional actions to help Marylanders:
- The Governor will sign an Executive Order to protect Maryland businesses from sudden increases in unemployment taxes.
- The forgiveness of $75 million of loans already provided to small businesses
- $25 million in additional funding for low income housing tax credit projects
- $12 million in additional funding for Rental Housing Works program
- $94 million in additional funding to help treat Marylanders with diabetes during COVID-19 pandemic
- $10 million in additional funding for law enforcement, youth services and victim services
Also see:
- Statement of Donald C. Fry, President & CEO, Greater Baltimore Committee, on New State Measures to Assist Small Business Affected by Covid-19 Pandemic
- Mayor Brandon Scott announces tighter restrictions to fight COVID-19 pandemic in Baltimore
- Congressional Letter of Support from the Business Community: COVD-19 Federal Relief
- Gov. Larry Hogan’s Dec. 8 COVID-19 Press Conference
- Gov. Larry Hogan’s Dec. 1 COVID-19 Press Conference
- Governor Larry Hogan’s Nov. 23 COVID-19 Press Conference
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