Governor Larry Hogan's Nov. 17 COVID-19 Press Conference

Governor Larry Hogan held a press conference on November 17, 2020, in the State House. The focus of the press conference was Maryland’s COVID-19 response. The Governor was joined by Dr. Tom Scalea, Physician-in-Chief, University of Maryland Medical Center Shock Trauma; Dennis Schrader, Acting Secretary of Health, Maryland Health Department; and Jinlene Chan, M.D., Acting Deputy Secretary, Public Health Services, Maryland Department of Health.

Key Takeaways of the Press Conference

The Governor continues to urge Marylanders to follow health guidelines and remain vigilant due to spiking COVID-19 infections.
The State of Maryland issues additional restrictions on dine-in activities at bars and restaurants and capacity for businesses and other organizations.
Maryland is taking additional steps to mitigate the overburdening of health care systems.

Governor Hogan’s Remarks

The Governor said he has been focused on COVID-19, including a meeting with the White House Coronavirus Task Force on November 16, a meeting with the Maryland Coronavirus Task Force on November 17, another meeting later November 17 with the National Governor’s Association, and a meeting November 18 with President-Elect Biden’s COVID-19 team.
He again urged the U.S. Congress to pass a stimulus bill.
The Governor said COVID-19 infections continue to increase and Maryland is seeing widespread community transmission.
Even with additional 6,000 beds in Maryland, hospitals are reaching capacity. The Governor is concerned about overburdening health care systems.

COVID-19 Statistics

There are 13 consecutive days of 1,000 or more cases and two days this week where Maryland has seen 2,000 or more infections.
On November 16, the U.S. had 149,000 new infections, the 14th straight day of 100,000 or more.
In Maryland, the positivity rate is 6.58%, which puts Maryland in the red zone for cases per 100,000. Maryland currently has 29 cases per 100,000 and case rates above 10 per 100,000 in every Maryland jurisdiction.
There have been 4,186 Maryland deaths and 247,000 nationwide to date.
For the first time since June 7, Maryland surpassed 1,000 hospitalizations. There are 73,000 Americans hospitalized nationwide.

Statewide Orders or Guidance

Effective November 20 at 5 p.m., the State is requiring that all bars and restaurants statewide and other similar establishments must close by 10 p.m. and remain closed through 6 a.m. These and other health guidelines will be strictly enforced.
Effective November 20 at 5 p.m., the State is requiring 50% capacity for retail businesses, organizations, religious institutions, personal services, bingo halls, bowling alleys, etc.
The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) is issuing an order restricting hospital visits statewide except in certain cases.
MDH issued guidance to hospitals that they should avoid elective procedures that are likely to require prolonged ventilation, ICU admission or skilled nursing care.
MDH urged Marylanders to take early and measured steps to prevent health care treatment to avoid increasing hospital capacity.
The Governor is authorizing overcrowded hospitals in some areas of the state to move patients to other, less-crowded hospitals.
The State is significantly limiting nursing home visits unless there is a negative test result and the visit is a compassionate-type visit.
The State will not allow fans to attend games at Maryland stadiums.
The statewide order continues that masks are required in indoor public areas, on public transportation and outdoors where physical distancing is not possible.
Maryland remains in a state of emergency and all advisories and emergency health orders remain in effect.
Marylanders are urged to get tested if returning from school or out-of-state travel.