ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has tested positive for COVID-19, according to a tweet from the governor's official Twitter account.
Hogan said that he received a positive COVID-19 rapid test result Monday morning following his regular testing routine. He also said that he is "feeling fine at the moment" and continues to encourage residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine and booster.
On Monday evening, Hogan announced he received a positive PCR test following the rapid test this morning. The governor released a statement following the positive result:
"Just now, I received a positive PCP test result for COVID-19, following the positive rapid test this morning. I am experiencing some cold-like symptoms, and will continue to quarantine and work from home throughout the week. With the Omicron variant becoming increasingly dominant, I want to again urge Marylanders who haven't yet to go out and get your booster shot as soon as possible. Thank you to everyone who has reached out today with prayers and well wishes."
This comes after the governor made an in-person appearance on the FOX News network Sunday to discuss the actions Maryland is taking to keep residents safe as the COVID-19 omicron variant continues to infect folks globally.
Hogan is a two-time cancer survivor who battled the exact same form of skin cancer back in 2018. And in 2015, he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, five months into his first term. He underwent chemotherapy for nearly a year, getting a booster once a month. Over four months, he underwent 30 days of 24-hour chemotherapy. He also had three surgeries and four spinal taps before he announced he was in remission in November 2016.
As winter approaches, the reality of the coronavirus pandemic and flu season has many of our country's leaders concerned. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the country's leading infectious disease expert said more people need to be vaccinated. In a briefing Sunday he said the COVID-19 omicron variant is “just raging around the world."
To date, Maryland has confirmed 621,220 cases of COVID-19, an increase of 28,541 cases since Dec. 3, according to the Maryland Health Department. The state's 7-day average testing positivity rate has risen from 5.43% on Dec. 3 to 10.27% on Dec. 20—an increase of 89%.
“Delta remains the most prevalent variant in Maryland and with an increase in cases we are taking steps to support our state’s healthcare system,” said MDH Deputy Secretary for Public Health Dr. Jinlene Chan. “There are more tools than ever before to help prevent and respond to COVID-19 infection. Please get vaccinated, get a booster when you are eligible, and get tested if you have symptoms or plan to travel. I strongly recommend that people wear masks when indoors as another critical layer of protection.”