Governor Hogan Press Conference: November 10, 2020
“This must be an all hands on deck effort.” – Governor Larry Hogan
Amidst surging numbers throughout the state, Governor Hogan announced reduced capacity for indoor dining, warns against large indoor gatherings and certain travel, and confirmed the retirement of Secretary Robert Neall.
- Coronavirus data released by the Maryland Department of Health indicated the state had recorded more than 1,000 new cases for the seventh consecutive day.
- MDH data released shows Maryland has recorded 156,709 coronavirus cases to date.
- 4,084 confirmed deaths and 149 probable deaths.
- On Monday, the positivity rate rose above the 5% benchmark of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization for the first time since June 24.
- The state’s positivity rate continued an upward trend and is reported to be 5.24%.
- Nationwide, coronavirus hospitalizations surged to a record high Monday with more than 59,000 patients.
- In Maryland, total coronavirus hospitalizations are at 761 and 176 patients are in ICU.
- Maryland’s case rate has risen to 19.8 per 100,000. This is a 36% increase in the past week.
- Case rates are above 10 per 100,000 in 18 jurisdictions and above 20 per 100,000 in seven jurisdictions.
- Maryland contact tracing data indicates that family gatherings are the most common activity among those who were recently infected with the coronavirus.
- Contact tracing shows a marked increase in the number of people infected with the virus who recently dined indoors at a restaurant and among those who traveled out of state.
- Effective at 5 p.m. Wednesday, the capacity for indoor operations at bars and restaurants will be reduced from 75% back to 50% for seated and distanced service only.
- Maryland Department of Health is issuing a new public health advisory strongly warning against any indoor gatherings of 25 people or more.
- Marylanders are strongly advised to avoid all nonessential travel to any state with a positivity rate above 10% or an average case rate of 20 cases per 100,000.
- Effective immediately, all state employees who are approved to telework must once again begin a period of mandatory telework except for essential, direct, public-facing services and essential personnel.
- Businesses are encouraged to establish plans to keep employees apart.
- MDH is issuing an emergency order to activate the next level of the state’s hospital surge capacity planning by adding alternative care site capacity, and providing additional staffing support and clinical care to nursing homes.
- MDH is issuing updated guidance to slow the spread of the coronavirus at nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
- Visitors should get tested, staff should avoid gatherings and nursing homes should develop sufficient personal protective equipment stockpile.
- Also of note: Governor Hogan announced that Maryland Department of Health Secretary Robert Neall will be retiring as of December 1, 2020.
