Dear Anne Arundel County Resident,
Our County Council will take a vote this Friday that could either help to slow the spread of COVID-19, or challenge the principle that local government should act to protect public health.
When Governor Hogan closed “non-essential” businesses in the spring of 2020, none of us knew what the COVID death toll would be, but data coming from Italy and New York was ominous. I think he did what he had to do given what was known, and lives were saved.
As the state reopened, the Governor asked each county to move at a pace based on the advice of health officers and the rate of spread. In Anne Arundel County we did just that, mostly opening what the state allowed, but delaying some steps with the central Maryland counties that represent 75% of the state population.
After losing more than 800 county residents to COVID, we entered December 2021 with the third highest vaccination rate of 24 Maryland jurisdictions, and a hope that this winter surge would impact us less than the last. I thought and hoped that we were done with government mandates.
The tail end of Delta and the spread of Omicron have left this region staggering. Our two hospitals are operating with crisis standards of care due to the 500% increase in COVID patients.
The vaccinated majority are faring far better, but their absences from work are leaving our hospitals, schools, government agencies, and businesses in precarious states. We need these institutions to function so that they can serve our residents.
After consultation with our Health Officer and members of our County Council, I announced that from December 31 through January 7, masks would once again be required in indoor public places. We have joined all of our neighbors in taking this action: Howard, Baltimore County and City, Prince George’s, Montgomery, and Frederick. Yesterday, Governor Hogan re-instituted a mask mandate in state government buildings. Today he declared a state of emergency, and said “wear the damn mask.”
My hope is that this mask mandate will prevent some hospitalizations and deaths, and keep people working. I know that not everyone will comply, but most will. It takes a vote of five County Council members to keep this protection in place beyond this Friday, and we need it to continue until the virus recedes once again.
The County Council will have an emergency meeting this Friday at 8 a.m. to vote on extending the mask mandate, Bill 6-22, and the state of civil emergency, Bill 7-22. If you want to stand with our hospital heroes against this damn virus, this week is a good time to speak up.
As always, thank you for helping to make Anne Arundel County The Best Place - For All.
Sincerely,
Steuart Pittman
Anne Arundel County Executive
