Reported by Howard County Executive Calvin Ball on January 24th:
As of 9:00 a.m. this morning and according to the Maryland Department of Health, Howard County’s positivity rate is 12.77% which is a decrease from 16% last week. and our 7-day moving average case rate per 100k is 63.73, which decreased from 114 last week. While we are seeing a significant decline in the COVID-19 case rate, hospitalizations and cases remain high around the state. There are currently 36 COVID-19 patients in both the ICU and Acute Care units at Howard County General Hospital.
Howard County has high vaccination rates with 86% of our residents 12+, fully vaccinated. But approximately 44% of our eligible residents (12+) have not yet received their booster shot. I strongly encourage residents to get boosted if you have not yet received a booster shot. Studies show that antibodies are significantly reduced 6 months after the first initial series. Vaccination, including boosters, work by significantly reducing serious illness, hospitalization and death.
We must continue to practice the mitigation strategies we have all become accustomed to: stay home if you are sick, get tested, wear a high-quality mask, and please get vaccinated and boosted if you haven’t already. Find a vaccine near you at https://vaccine.howardcountymd.gov.
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Scott E
