Gov. Hogan addresses vaccine shortage, eases visitation restrictions at hospitals, nursing homes

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — "We need more damn vaccines", Governor Larry Hogan said at a press conference Thursday afternoon.

The governor says Maryland isn't receiving enough COVID-19 vaccines to meet the demand. 

"Unfortunately, just because you may be eligible, does not mean that a vaccine or an appointment for a vaccine will be available to you. " 

The governor is expected to meet with President Joe Biden on Friday to address the issue.  

However, citing improvements in the state's coronavirus metrics, the Maryland Department of Health is issuing new orders to allow limited visitation to resume at hospitals and nursing homes as early as March 1. 

“ We have seen significant improvements in all key statewide COVID-19 metrics”, said Gov. Hogan.

According to data, Maryland’s positivity rate has dropped to its lowest level since November 8 and hospitalizations have dropped to its lowest level since November 22. 

The governor says the number of nursing homes with active COVID cases has dropped to its lowest level since before Thanksgiving. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8lZt7arlNA&feature=youtu.be

During the press conference, Governor Hogan also announced the state’s third mass vaccination site will open at M&T Bank Stadium on Thursday, February 25. 

Officials say, residents will be able to start making appointments as soon as next week.

In an effort to support school reopenings, state health and education officials have launched a program to provide up to 1 million COVID-19 tests for both public and non-public schools.