Governor Larry Hogan held a press conference on November 23, 2020, at 4 p.m. in the State House. The focus of the press conference was Maryland’s COVID-19 response. He was joined by Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski; Baltimore County Police Chief Melissa Hyatt; Superintendent of State Police Woodrow Jones; and Marshall Weston, President and CEO of the Restaurant Association of Maryland.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland continues to see widespread community transmission of COVID-19.
- The Governor announced that Maryland is launching a compliance and coordination effort, which includes deploying State troopers in every county to work with counties to investigate violations of State law.
Governor Hogan’s Remarks
- Last week, Governor Hogan held a call with local and municipal leaders across Maryland to address COVID-19-related issues.
- On November 23, the Governor discussed the progress of vaccine distribution with the White House COVID Task Force.
- The Governor said Maryland remains better prepared to withstand a COVID-19 surge than other states.
- The State has completed 51,110 COVID-19 tests, including the South Korean Lab Genomics tests. There are 230 testing sites across the State.
- The Governor said contact tracing continues to indicate widespread community transmission.
- Maryland has seen 19 straights days with more than 1,000 new cases. In the past 24 hours, Maryland has seen 1,658 new cases.
- Maryland’s seven-day positivity rate is 6.88%.
- There are 1,276 patients currently hospitalized in Maryland and 289 in ICU, which is the highest level since June 15. There are 83,000 hospitalizations nationwide.
- The Governor praised the efforts of Baltimore County enforcement of COVID-19 protocols. The Governor said these efforts will keep the public safe and help keep businesses open.
- The Governor announced that Maryland is launching a compliance and coordination effort, which includes deploying State troopers in every county to work with counties to investigate violations of State law. This new effort will focus on visibility, educating the public and enforcing compliance of COVID-19 protocols. Maryland State Police will be operating a 24-hour phone line and email address to support compliance teams.
- The Governor also announced the launching of a statewide public health campaign to remind residents to do the simple things like wearing masks, washing hands and keeping a safe distance.
- The Governor also strongly advised against holiday travel and urged Marylanders to celebrate safely.
- The Governor urged Marylanders to continue supporting local restaurants.
Also see:
- Governor Larry Hogan’s Nov. 17 COVID-19 Press Conference
- Governor Larry Hogan’s Nov. 12 COVID-19 Press Conference
- Nov. 12, 2020 — Harford County Executive Glassman Acts to Protect Public Safety in Response to COVID-19 Surge
- Governor Larry Hogan’s Nov. 10 COVID-19 Press Conference
- Nov. 10, 2020 — Gov. Hogan announces series of actions to slow the spread of COVID-19
- Nov. 6, 2020 — Health Commissioner Updated Directive and Order Regarding Face Coverings in Public
- Nov. 5, 2020 — COVID-19 Relief Funds Now Available for Maryland Restaurants, Artists, Entertainment Venues
- Governor Larry Hogan’s Nov. 5 COVID-19 Press Conference
- Governor Larry Hogan’s Oct. 22 COVID-19 Press Conference
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