• Governor Hogan contacted President-elect Joe Biden to urge the federal government to provide additional federal monies. CARES money runs out by the end of this month and Payroll Protection Program funding has already run out. Governor Hogan’s message to all has been that if Congress does nothing else, it must pass the Phase 4 relief package. Governor Hogan also had a call with Vice-President Mike Pence and members of the Operation Warp Speed Committee. 

• This morning, there was a meeting of the Unified Relief Task Force to monitor the metrics (which can be found at www.coronavirus.maryland.gov).  Maryland’s hospitalization rate has increased by 51% over the last few weeks, with 130 surge beds in current use. Many hospitals across the country have reached 90% of their capacity; in Maryland, that number is 21% of hospitals. The State is laser-focused on taking action to prevent the overburdening of our hospital system. In the spring, a number of steps were taken regarding increasing the availability of health care workers and hospital surge capacity. Last month, the State increased the capacity of alternative care sites and provided guidance on elective procedures. 

• The current surge is not only filling hospital beds but affecting the health care workers. An estimated 2,000-3,000 additional workers are needed to step into clinical and non-clinical roles over the next several weeks. Today, in partnership with the Maryland Hospital Association, additional steps are being taken. The State is asking willing health care workers to go to www.marylandmednow.com to register to assist in this effort. The State is also asking that universities and colleges employ an “Early Out” to allow health care students who have satisfied graduation requirements to be able to expeditiously receive their licensure. Nursing homes and others congregate care facilities are being encouraged to use unlicensed individuals to provide appropriate levels of care.  

• Effective immediately, hospitals are required to submit a surge plan to MDH by December 8. Hospitals should be making adjustments on elective procedures and transferring patients to other appropriate settings. 

• In response to a question, Governor Hogan stated that hospitals are reaching a critical point, and that the worst part of this crisis is still ahead of us. For those that are returning from travel, they should be tested, especially if around vulnerable individuals. 

• The Governor also recognized Secretary Robert Neall for his service and appointed MDH COO as Dennis Schrader as the Acting Secretary. Dr. Jinlene Chan has been appointed to head the State’s vaccine acquisition and distribution efforts.  

• Dr. David Marcozzi of UMMS emphasized that individuals still need to ensure that they are receiving medical care. He warned that people do not want to survive this pandemic only to discover that other health care issues have worsened. He also noted that wearing a mask is a sign of respect. The Governor earlier stated that a Carnegie-Mellon study indicated that 96% of Marylanders were compliant in mask wearing. He emphasized that there are safe and very effective vaccines on the way and that when available, everyone should get one. He encouraged everyone to find “their second wind” and fight this pandemic together. 

• When asked why more restrictions were not being implemented, Governor Hogan responded that he is acting when things become necessary. He noted that the focus right now is on hospital capacity and health care workforce. 

• When asked about the vaccine, Governor Hogan stated that the whole country will only get a small percentage of what it needs, but he believes the first batch will be about 50,000 from Pfizer and 105,000 from Moderna (unclear if this number is doses or full vaccine). He expressed concern over the difficult decisions that will arise when vaccine distribution begins, but expressed optimism that production and distribution will ramp up quickly. 

• The Maryland Department of Health weekly COVID-19 update call will be held today, Wednesday, December 2 at 5:00 pm. Register here.

• MedChi will host Addiction Treatment in the Time of COVID-19 on December 7 at 5:00 pm.

• The Maryland Department of Health will hold a "flash briefing" on the COVID-19 surge on Monday, December 7 at 5:30 pm. Register here.

• MedChi is partnering with the Maryland Department of Health's Behavioral Health Administration to present a series of CME webinars designed to support health care professionals:
• December 3: Coping with Loss and Stress
• December 17: The Impact of Racial Trauma on Providers
• January 14: The Approach to Impaired Clinicians
• January 28: Vicarious Stress and Self Care for Health Care Workers
• February 11: Balancing Work and Parenting