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June 16, 2025

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News COVID-19

COVID-19 Dashboard is Mostly Back Online; Maryland Cases at “Red Alert” Levels

December 21, 2021 by Maryland Matters

After being offline for more than two weeks due to a cyberattack, portions of the Maryland Department of Health’s COVID-19 dashboard returned to operation on Monday, and a top official said the agency has developed “workarounds” for most of the functions that were affected by the outage.

The updated numbers reflect a significant spike in cases and test positivity — a surge that a physician who serves in the state legislature said pointed to a dangerous time for the state’s hospitals in the weeks to come.

The department brought its systems back online just hours after Gov. Lawrence J. Hogan Jr. (R) announced that he tested positive for coronavirus.

The Dec. 4 attack left the agency unable to update some portions of the online portal it established in the early days of the pandemic. The department was able to report hospitalizations and vaccinations throughout the crisis, but not other data.

The lack of case count numbers and positivity rates left local health officials in the dark as to the full impact of the omicron variant and holiday travel. They knew from other metrics — hospitalizations, mostly — that the situation appears to be growing worse by the day.

From Dec. 1 through Dec. 20, Maryland reported 24,905 new cases, an average of 1,779 per day, though data for six dates are missing.

Over a comparable period in early November — before Thanksgiving get-togethers and holiday shopping — Maryland saw an average of just under 700 new cases per day.

The state’s rolling 7-day test positivity rate is now 10.27%, a dramatic increase from the 4.36% the state reported the day after Thanksgiving. For most of October and November, the state’s positivity rate was between 3% and 4%.

“Unless we take action soon, our hospitals are going to be very quickly overwhelmed,” said Sen. Clarence K. Lam (D-Howard), a physician in the preventive medicine program at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. “We are seeing rising rates even among those that are vaccinated — and this could tax an already-strained health care workforce that is barely holding it together right now.”

“This should be red-alert across the entire state,” he added.

The state is still unable to report updates on the number of people who have died due to COVID-19. Maryland’s official count has been frozen at 11,022 since Dec. 4.

Hogan has said little about the attack, though he has made cybersecurity a top issue as he broadens his profile beyond Maryland.

During a briefing for reporters, Chip Stewart, Maryland’s chief information security officer, refused to disclose details about the intrusion into the MDH computer network, citing the ongoing “criminal” probe being conducted by state and federal investigators. He would not say whether it was launched from overseas or whether a ransom payment has been requested.

“There is no evidence, at this time, that the incident resulted in unauthorized access to — or acquisition of — any data,” he said.

W. Lance Schine, deputy secretary of the Department of Information Technology, said health department employees were given “loaner computers” shortly after the attack.

“We are making good progress on bringing systems back online as safely and quickly as possible,” he added.

As the absence of updated COVID metrics stretched into its second week, state lawmakers voiced frustration with the governor’s low profile. Maryland Matters reported last week that key committee chairs were debating whether to hold a public hearing with top state health officials in December or wait until the General Assembly reconvenes in January.

The briefing and the restoration of data came just hours after Hogan announced on Twitter that he had tested positive.

“COVID numbers, we felt, were important for the public and we worked hard to bring up the numbers that we could,” said Schine. “Today was the soonest we felt those numbers were accurate enough to share with the public.”

Hogan, a cancer survivor, was been vaccinated twice and recently received a booster.

His spokesman, Michael Ricci, said Hogan is “feeling fine.” He is working at Government House, the governor’s residence, and holding meetings online.

Members of his executive protection detail have tested negative, Ricci said, as have family and other staff. “He’ll quarantine in line with recommendations from health officials.”

Hogan, who is tested regularly, tested negative on Thursday, Ricci said.

In an interview, Lam urged the governor to reinstate a mask mandate to slow the spread of the virus during the holidays and to keep hospitals from being overwhelmed. But he expressed doubt that Hogan would go down that road.

“There are breakthrough cases all over the place,” Lam said. “We’re seeing rates that we haven’t seen since December of last year, and that was before the vaccine.”

Del. Kirill Reznik (D-Montgomery) praised Hogan for being candid about his positive test result — and stressed that even people who’ve been vaccinated can become infected. “We know that breakthrough cases happen.”

Reznik had sent a letter last week to Health Secretary Dennis R. Schrader seeking an update about the attack and indicating that health care providers had not been paid in connection to the breach.

Reznik said Monday that the updated metrics “confirm everything that we have feared — which is that things are moving in the wrong direction and quickly.”

Stewart said systems relating to Medicaid operations — including eligibility verification and provide payments — are back online, as are systems for issuing birth and death certificates.

By Bruce DePuyt

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: COVID-19 Tagged With: coronavirus, Covid-19, cyberattack, dashboard, health department, Maryland

“We Know Nothing”: Lawmakers to Probe Attack That Took Down Agency’s Computers

December 15, 2021 by Maryland Matters

Two legislative committees that oversee the Maryland Department of Health plan to grill state officials about an attack that disabled the agency’s computers, top lawmakers said on Tuesday.

Gov. Lawrence J. Hogan Jr. (R) has revealed little about the Dec. 4 attack, which has significantly hampered the agency’s operations.

Health department employees initially were told to stay off their computers as a precaution. Although some systems have come back online, the agency has not posted COVID-19 case rates, testing or mortality data since Dec. 3.

Hospitalization and vaccine data are available, as are congregate and school outbreak reports. Maryland is experiencing its biggest spike in hospitalizations since April.

“The governor has been incredibly quiet about this issue,” said Del. Shane Pendergrass (D-Howard), head of the House Health and Government Operations Committee. “The question of how it happened, why it happened, how bad is it — all of those things need to be answered.”

Senate Education, Environment and Health Affairs Committee Chairman Paul G. Pinsky (D-Prince George’s) accused Hogan of being “absent.”

“He’s always out front when there’s good news — even it’s not because of his actions. But when there’s bad news, he’s not in front of the cameras,” the lawmaker said. “They shouldn’t duck this. They should say what the problem is [and] how long it’s going to take to fix it.”

“We know nothing” about the impacts the attack is having, Pinsky added, including whether hackers have sought a ransom payment, a common tactic.

Hogan’s office initially did not respond to requests for comment on Tuesday, and a Maryland Department of Health spokesman declined a request for an interview.

The agency also refused to answer written questions about whether the attack originated overseas, whether a ransom has been requested, whether employees are able to use their government-issued computers, how operations have been impacted, who is handling the investigation, or whether Health Secretary Dennis Schrader intends to testify at the legislature’s hearing.

The morning after this story was initially published, Hogan spokesman Michael Ricci sent a brief statement: “We fully briefed legislative leaders last week, and we will continue to provide information to legislators and constituents to the extent possible without compromising the ongoing investigation.”

At a press conference last Thursday, Hogan said, “Our system was compromised, but at this point it appears to be much, much less intrusive and with a much better outcome than we were afraid might be the case.”

“We don’t believe that any data was sacrificed, and I think they’re digging into it and getting into the problem,” he added.

On July 1, the state reported 97 COVID patients in Maryland hospitals. On Tuesday, there were 1,173, the most since April 22.

Anne Arundel officials reported Tuesday that there are 84 COVID patients in county hospitals, up from approximately 40 last week.

“It is concerning to have a doubling of our hospitalization in the last week and not know what our case rates look like right now,” County Executive Steuart Pittman (D) told reporters. “Not knowing what’s going on with the case rates means that [hospitals] can’t project what their hospitalization rates are going to be in two weeks.”

Most of Anne Arundel’s sickest COVID patients had not been vaccinated, Pittman said.

Anne Arundel Fire Chief Trisha L. Wolford said hospitals are “absolutely struggling” — as are her paramedics.

“The waits are incredibly long,” she said. “When they’re at the hospital for multiple hours, it’s heartbreaking that they can’t be out in the community.”

Wolford urged unvaccinated residents to “do the right thing for your community and your neighbors” by getting their shots.

In a statement, state health department spokesman Andy Owen said the agency “took down certain systems out of an abundance of caution following the recent network security incident.”

The agency’s priorities are “gaining full visibility into the affected network infrastructure,” bringing systems back online, and restoring full COVID-19 data reporting capabilities, he said.

Pendergrass has scheduled a hearing into the computer attack for Thursday, Jan. 13, the first full day of the legislature’s 2022 session. She and Pinsky have agreed to hold one together but Pinsky wants to hold it in December.

Regardless of when lawmakers hold their hearing, “the governor will not likely take responsibility for this, nor will anyone else,” Pendergrass said. “The administration is not ever very forthcoming about anything, in particular the Health Department.”

By Bruce DePuyt

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Maryland News Tagged With: attack, coronavirus, Covid-19, data, general assembly, health department, Maryland, network

Talbot County Strongly Encourages Those Unvaccinated to Continue to Wear a Mask

May 24, 2021 by Spy Desk

Governor Larry Hogan announced on May 14 the end of the statewide mask mandate, except while in healthcare facilities, childcare facilities and schools, and on public transportation.

The Talbot County Health Department is closely following the CDC guidance at this time, which strongly recommends those who are unvaccinated continue to wear a mask.

Fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting, except those required by federal, state, or local law and rules, including local business and workplace guidance.

In Maryland, the current executive order requires everyone wear a mask in four types of settings: public transportation, healthcare facilities, childcare facilities, and schools.

Although there is no executive order requiring unvaccinated people to wear a mask, Dr. Maria Maguire, Talbot County Health Officer, strongly recommends everyone follows the CDC’s guidance that people who are not yet fully vaccinated still take all precautions, including wearing a mask.

Some fully vaccinated residents and visitors may choose to wear a mask because they feel more comfortable or continue to be cautious of their own personal risks, such as those who are immunocompromised.

“Those who are not fully vaccinated, including people who are partially vaccinated and not yet two weeks past their final vaccine shot, still need to wear a mask in many settings,” Maguire said. “Where there are other unvaccinated people around, whether that be indoors, at outdoor gatherings, at live performances, festivals, or at sporting events, it is imperative you take all precautions to ensure the safety of both yourselves and others.”

As of May 21, 49% of Talbot County residents are not fully vaccinated, meaning they should continue to wear their masks until they are at least two weeks after receiving their final vaccine dose.

“To avoid the confusion about masks, just get vaxxed!,” Maguire said.

“Widespread vaccination is the best and fastest way to end the pandemic and return toward a normal life,” Chuck Callahan, Talbot County Council president, said. “We are gaining ground on the race between vaccination and new variants of this virus. Getting as many people vaccinated will allow us to enjoy our summer together.”

The more people who are vaccinated, the less chance there is of spreading new variants of this virus in the months to come. Further benefits of receiving the vaccine include:

• not needing to wear a mask in nearly every setting

• not needing to quarantine if you are exposed

• not needing to be tested for COVID following a known exposure under most circumstances.

“As a community, Talbot County continues to pull together to address the needs of others as we navigate the various impacts of this pandemic,” said Clay Stamp, Talbot County manager. “Right now, we must continue to rally around those in need and promote vaccination as we are in a race to immunity with this stubborn virus.”

If you wish to be vaccinated, you can call the Talbot County Vaccine Helpline at 410-819-5641. Talbot County is offering Moderna, J&J, and Pfizer vaccines throughout the coming months in hopes of vaccinating as many individuals as possible at their convenience.

As of May 12, Pfizer is officially approved for anyone 12 years old and older. At this time, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines may be administered to people 18 years and older.

For more information and resources about Talbot County’s response to COVID-19 and how to receive vaccine, please visit talbotcovid19.org and talbothealth.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 2 News Homepage, COVID-19 Tagged With: Covid-19, dr. maria maguire, health department, mask, Talbot County, vaccination, vaccine

Talbot County and FEMA Host COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic April 13-18 in Easton

April 11, 2021 by Spy Desk

The Talbot County Health Department in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is hosting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic April 13-18 at the Easton Elks Lodge #1622 for individuals aged 18 and older.

Appointments for the 1,500 Johnson & Johnson one-dose vaccine can be made at marylandvax.org, or with assistance by calling the health department’s vaccination helpline at 410-819-5641. The helpline is operated 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Gov. Larry Hogan and FEMA announced March 29 that these mobile clinics are part of the nation’s first federal mobile COVID-19 vaccination units launching in the state. The mobile site will provide access to COVID-19 vaccinations for thousands of Marylanders who live in remote or otherwise underserved areas on the Eastern Shore, Hogan’s office said in a release.

“The focus of the FEMA unit’s efforts on the Eastern Shore helps bring much needed vaccination availability to our communities,” said Talbot Health Officer Dr. Maria Maguire. “We are excited to offer these one-dose vaccinations to individuals who are 18 years of age and older, and are hopeful that with the extended hours and weekend availability, it will be easier for Talbot residents who have not yet been able to get vaccinated to do so.”

Though everyone 16 years and older is now eligible to be vaccinated, these specific clinics are open to people age 18 years and above because that is the minimum age the Johnson & Johnson vaccine can be given per its FDA authorization. 16- and 17-year-olds interested in getting vaccinated require the Pfizer vaccine, which is available through the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health and the state-run mass vaccine clinic in Salisbury.

“These federal units complement the vaccine clinics that are currently operating in Talbot County, including those organized by community organizations, our local health care providers, and retail pharmacies,” Dr. Maguire said.

Easton Elks Lodge #1622 is located at 502 Dutchmans Lane in Easton, with appointments required, and vaccinations available on a first-come, first-served basis. The mobile units are designed to provide a minimum of 250 doses per day and include cold storage for vaccine doses, staff office space, and generators. The site also includes parking and a mobile shelter for vaccinations.

Hours will be from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on April 13, 17, and 18, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 14-16.

Marylanders interested in receiving a vaccination at any state-run mass vaccination site should visit COVIDvax.maryland.gov or call 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829).

More information and resources about Talbot County’s response to COVID-19 is at talbotcovid19.org and talbothealth.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 2 News Homepage Tagged With: clinic, coronavirus, Covid-19, FEMA, health department, mobile, Talbot County, vaccination, vaccine

Talbot Health Provides New Guidance for Event Planners

April 2, 2021 by Spy Desk

The Talbot County Health Department has launched a dedicated webpage to ensure large events occurring in Talbot County are conducted in a safe manner and in compliance with the governor’s executive orders.

The new webpage is accessible at bitly.com/talbotcovideventplanning and provides guidance during COVID for organizations and entities planning large events, gatherings, and social activities in Talbot County.

“We are all eager to have normalcy return to our lives, including the events we love in Talbot County,” says Talbot County Health Officer Dr. Maria Maguire. “We’re providing this resource to event planners so that precautions and safety measures are in place as we continue navigating toward the COVID-19 pandemic’s end.”

The webpage includes an online application for event planners to request Talbot County Health Department’s review of their COVID-19 safety plans for indoor and outdoor events, gatherings, and activities in Talbot County.

Organizers are asked to complete the application at least 30 days prior to the start of an event, gathering, or social activity for review and approval by the Talbot County Health Department.

“This new resource will help lower the risk of event staff, attendees, and Talbot residents contracting and spreading COVID-19 during events,” says Dr. Maguire. “This is an additional level of assurance to the public as we move forward as the weather warms, and events are being planned.”

Dr. Maguire says the Health Department’s review of COVID-19 safety plans does not negate the organization’s need to obtain any other governmental approval authorizing the event to occur.

The site provides CDC event guidance links and a list of local municipal and county personnel responsible for providing guidance on conducting events, gatherings, and activities within their jurisdictions.

More information and resources about Talbot County’s response to COVID-19 is at talbotcovid19.org and talbothealth.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: COVID-19 Tagged With: coronavirus, Covid-19, dr. maria maguire, events, guidance, health department, Talbot County

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