An Update from Governor Hogan

Dear Marylanders,

We are at a pivotal moment in the fight against COVID-19. As the virus surges in states across the nation, we are monitoring concerning increases in several of our key metrics, including our positivity rate and hospitalizations. The good news is that Maryland has been preparing for this fall surge since the very beginning of the crisis, and we are in a much better place than we were at the beginning of the pandemic.

However, we cannot afford to let our guard down. The weeks and months ahead will be difficult, and our collective actions will determine whether we can continue safely on the road to recovery. 

We need every single Marylander to recommit to the actions that helped us crush the curve the first time around:

• Wear a mask. Our statewide masking order remains in full effect, requiring everyone to wear masks or face coverings in the public spaces of all businesses across the state and at outdoor public areas when it is not possible to maintain physical distancing. 
  
  
• Watch your distance. Maintain at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) of distance from other people who are not from your household, and avoid crowds and gatherings.
  
  
• Wash your hands. Wash hands frequently with soap and water, or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Be sure to clean and sanitize high-touch surfaces, like doorknobs and light switches.
  
  
• Telework when possible. We encourage people who can telework to do so and employers should make every effort to give employees the opportunity to telework.
  
  
• Avoid travel to hotspots. Marylanders should avoid traveling to states that are experiencing spiking virus numbers. We strongly advise you to cancel or postpone any travel to these areas, particularly those that exceed a positivity rate of 10%, until these metrics decline. If you do travel to one of these locations, you should immediately be tested for COVID-19 and should self-quarantine while awaiting test results.

This very long, very difficult time has taken an unimaginable toll on our families, our businesses, our communities, and on each and every one of us. But Maryland will continue to attack this virus with every tool at our disposal, and the most effective tool we have is each and every one of you—the people of Maryland.  

Sincerely,

 

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