MARYLAND, USA — On Friday, Gov. Larry Hogan announced new measures to prepare for the convergence of the Delta and Omicron COVID-19 variants alongside the flu in Maryland hospitals this winter. The announcement comes after the state surpassed 1,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations on Friday, which has doubled over the past three weeks.
The Maryland Department of Health is directing hospitals to update their emergency plans by Dec. 15 and maximize their use of regional hospitals and alternate care sites.
State health officials have also directed hospitals to establish community-based monoclonal antibody (mAb) infusion programs, including the capability to do in-home infusions, which are meant to prevent Marylanders from ending up in the hospital.
The state also plans to help enhance health care staffing by permitting temporary licenses to those who have a recently retired license, as well as simplifying or eliminating the administrative burdens for interstate agreements or out-of-state health care practitioners to practice in Maryland.
Previously, in September, the governor announced measures to increase the state’s nursing workforce, which are still in effect. These include early exits for nursing graduates as well as the directive that registered nurses or licensed practical nurses who hold a current active license in any other state or jurisdiction may render nursing care.
The governor also announced that emergency legislation will be introduced next month to provide hospital systems with more tools to help address staffing shortages.
Additionally, with data showing waning immunity against COVID-19 after six months, and following Thursday's approvals by the FDA and CDC, the governor urges all Marylanders ages 16 and 17 to get a Pfizer booster shot for additional protection against the virus. Maryland also expanded the already eligible group of Marylanders 18 and older to receive any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine as a booster dose.
The governor also strongly recommends all eligible Marylanders get a flu shot at the earliest opportunity. Flu shots can be administered at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine shot.
To find a clinic, visit covidvax.maryland.gov or call the state’s multilingual call center, available seven days a week, at 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829).