Update on Maryland's Coronavirus Response
A note from Senate President Bill Ferguson just now: "Update on Maryland's Coronavirus Response - Tonight, Speaker Adrienne Jones, Senator Clarence Lam, the only physician in the Maryland Senate, and I announced the introduction of emergency legislation to increase access and reduce barriers to healthcare access and protect Marylanders during this State of Emergency.
Under the legislation introduced, the following provisions would be in effect in a declared catastrophic health emergency:
• Reduce barriers to screening tests by restricting and reducing costs • Improving access to telehealth so all Marylanders can access the needed health care • Improve access to the COVID-19 vaccine, when it becomes available • Ensuring that people under quarantine or isolation cannot lose their jobs • Prohibiting Price Gouging
Governor Hogan also introduced an emergency bill last week to authorize the administration to draw money from Maryland’s Rainy-Day Fund to combat the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in the state. The legislature moved quickly, passed the bill unanimously, and the legislation was signed into law earlier today. As of Monday, there have been 73 negative tests for the virus in Maryland, and 5 positive cases. Governor Hogan said the Maryland Emergency Management Agency is ratcheting up to combat the virus across government agencies.
The Maryland Department of Health has created a website dedicated to providing accurate and up-to-date information regarding the novel coronavirus in Maryland. Individuals should rely on the Maryland Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to receive accurate information related to the novel coronavirus."
