BALTIMORE — COVID-19 numbers are rising across the state. Maryland is now up to a statewide positivity rate of over 9 percent.
This as vaccine distribution is going slower than anticipated.
According to the CDC, Maryland has been allotted close to 300,000 vaccine doses and 65,000 have been reported as administered.
The Maryland Department of Health said they are on pace with other states in terms of the roll out and they are working closely with the federal government to ensure that Maryland's vaccine doses reach recipients as soon as possible once they are allocated.
A spokesman for the department said there are more than half a million vulnerable residents, healthcare workers, and first responders who remain a priority in Phase 1A of the state’s vaccine distribution plan. As of this week, all licensed, registered, and certified healthcare workers in the state are eligible for vaccination, and distribution to 911 dispatchers and correctional officers is beginning.
Governor Larry Hogan's office said all licensed health care providers interested in being vaccinated this month should to reach out to their local health departments.
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski said they expect to receive a shipment of 6,825 additional vaccines from the Maryland Department of Health Tuesday to be deployed to health care workers and first responders.
Hogan will hold a press conference Tuesday at 5 p.m. to provide an update on vaccination efforts in Maryland and Baltimore City officials including Mayor Brandon Scott are holding a press conference Tuesday at 10 a.m. to speak about their distribution plans and give an update on COVID-19 restrictions.
