Governor Hogan: COVID-19 UK variant found in Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan on Tuesday announced that UK variant of COVID-19 has been detected in Maryland. The strain is commonly known as B-117. The governor stated that two individuals (a couple) from Anne Arundel have been diagnosed with the variant.  One of the individuals had recently returned from travel abroad. The two individuals are now in isolation and contact […]

Maryland Department of Health launches Operation Courage mental health program for frontline workers, first responders

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Health on Monday announced Operation Courage, a new support services program designed to address the growing and long-term mental health care needs of frontline workers and first responders amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The program launched with a new website and an online assessment designed to encourage workers to get needed help. “We are grateful for […]

Maryland to receive over $400 million in funding to support expanded COVID-19 testing, vaccination distribution

NOTTINGHAM, MD—The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Thursday announced two upcoming actions by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide more than $22 billion in funding to states, localities, and territories in support of the nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as directed by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. The state […]

Baltimore County files lawsuit against JUUL Labs

TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski on Wednesday announced that the County had filed a lawsuit against JUUL Labs, alleging that the e-cigarette maker intentionally marketed its products to children and spread deceptive information about its products, contributing to widespread e-cigarette use among young people and a new epidemic of nicotine addiction. The County alleges that it was forced to […]

AAA: COVID-19 expected to influence Maryland holiday travel

TOWSON, MD—AAA Travel expects the vast majority of Americans, including Marylanders, to stay home this holiday season, with COVID-19 considered to be a key factor in the decision-making of many who are opting not to travel. Public health concerns and travel guidance are influencing their decisions not to travel over the year-end holidays, a period that typically sees high demand […]

Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to arrive in Maryland this week

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan on Monday announced that the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, which was granted emergency use authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday, has begun shipping to recipients in Maryland. Maryland’s total allotment now includes more than 191,000 total doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Phase 1A of Maryland’s COVID-19 vaccination plan focuses on front […]

Attorney General Frosh warns consumers of unlicensed pop-up COVID-19 testing sites outside of local shopping centers

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Office of the Attorney General is warning consumers of illegal, unlicensed pop-up COVID-19 testing sites operating in the Baltimore area. Individuals are setting up “Free COVID-19 Testing” tables at random locations, including outside shopping centers and retail stores, and along the sides of local roads. Officials say these testing sites are not authorized and the individuals operating […]

Maryland Schools Superintendent requests prioritization of COVID-19 vaccines for teachers, school staff, child care workers

BALTIMORE, MD—Maryland Schools Superintendent Karen B. Salmon, Ph.D. has requested that the Maryland Department of Health include teachers, school staff, and early child care professionals as the first priority in the plan to start COVID-19 vaccinations for essential employees in Maryland. Acknowledging many factors influencing the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines, “the safety and education of our children demand immediate […]