Get Tested For Coronavirus, MD Governor Tells Protesters

MARYLAND — After protesters gathered in groups that numbered in some cases in the thousands, Gov. Larry Hogan said the state would open "multiple high-volume testing sites" across Baltimore City, including at the Baltimore Convention Center.

"Public health officials do have serious concerns," Hogan said Wednesday, "about the dramatic, immediate end to physical distancing and the potential public health impact of going from 10-person gathering limits to thousands of people gathering together in close proximity."

If people attended large gatherings, including the recent demonstrations since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on Memorial Day, Hogan advised them to get tested for the virus.

"Our health experts are strongly encouraging anyone who attended any of the protests or gatherings in Maryland over the past two weeks to immediately get tested for the coronavirus," Hogan said.

"Try to avoid contact with vulnerable populations such as older people and those with underlying conditions," he added.

"We are going to make every effort to ensure that every single one of the thousands of protesters will have the opportunity to be tested," Hogan said.

"Maryland Department of Health and Maryland National Guard will be opening multiple high-volume coronavirus testing sites," said Hogan.

Reminding Marylanders that in March only 50 tests a day were possible due to limited supplies, the governor said Wednesday that 6.4 percent of the state's population had been tested.

Here is the current list of coronavirus testing sites in Maryland.

The Maryland Department of Health did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the specifics regarding the "high-volume" coronavirus testing sites.

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