COVID-19 Hospitalizations In MD Drop 60 Percent Since January

MARYLAND — COVID-19 intensive care unit levels in the state have dropped below 200 for the first time since Nov. 12. Overall, COVID-19 hospitalizations in the state have fallen by more than 60 percent since peaking close to 2,000 in January, down to 765 (570 acute, 195 ICU). Since the third wave peak, the state’s positivity rate has dropped by 61.7 percent and the case rate has dropped by 74.3 percent.

Gov. Larry Hogan reported Friday that the state administered 44,915 new vaccinations Thursday for an overall total of 1,781,370 vaccines administered and a 7-day average of 42,264 shots per day.

According to official CDC data, more than 20 percent of Marylanders have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 11.4 percent have been fully vaccinated, putting Maryland 16th in the nation for a fully vaccinated population. In addition:

• Maryland ranks 13th in the nation for long-term care facility doses administered.
• Maryland ranks 15th in the nation for the daily vaccination rate.
• Maryland ranks 19th in the nation for total doses administered.

“Fewer Marylanders are being hospitalized and more and more people are getting vaccinated, as we work together each day to bring this pandemic to an end,” Hogan said in a statement. “We will keep following the science and taking a cautious and vigilant approach as we continue on the road to health and economic recovery.”

Earlier this week, the governor announced the following steps to ease some COVID-19 mitigation measures, while keeping in place masking and distancing protocols. Those guidelines take effect at 5 p.m. Friday and are:

• Capacity limits will be lifted on outdoor and indoor dining at restaurants and bars, retail businesses, religious facilities, fitness centers, casinos, personal services and indoor recreational establishments. Bars and restaurants will be open for seated and distanced service only—patrons may not stand at a crowded bar. Masking, physical distancing and other safety protocols will remain in place.
• Large outdoor and indoor venues may begin operating at 50 percent capacity. This includes theaters; concert, convention and wedding venues; racing facilities, and outdoor entertainment and sporting venues. Masking, physical distancing and other safety protocols will remain in place.

• Medical adult day care centers may reopen, with facilities able to set appropriate restrictions and safety measures.
• Quarantine requirements and other restrictions on out-of-state travel will be lifted. A Maryland Department of Health travel advisory will remain in place and Marylanders continue to be encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 upon their return from out-of-state travel.