Montgomery County COVID Cases & Deaths Down Dramatically
This week in Montgomery County the 7-day average number of new cases is 1 per 100,000 residents. This is down dramatically from a high of 50 per 100,000 in January. For comparison, Baltimore’s case rate is 2.1 per 100,000 Prince George’s is 2.4 per 100,000, and D.C. has a case rate of 1.8 per 100,000 residents. Every District 16 zip code has new COVID cases in the low single digits over the last 2 week period.
In May of 2021, the County, unfortunately, saw 17 COVID-related deaths. This is down from 331 deaths in May of 2020. The death rate trails the infection rate, so we should see this reduced even further.
Today, there are 187 people hospitalized with COVID across Maryland. This is down from a high of 1952 people in January of 2021. Only 2% of Montgomery County’s Intensive Care Unit beds are occupied by people with COVID.
Delta Variant In Maryland
The Delta variant of COVID, first identified in India and prominent in the UK, is spreading quickly in the US. It is present in Maryland and has grown from 3% of US COVID cases last week to 10% of cases this week. This variant is likely significantly more transmissible than the alpha variant and appears harder to treat.
Studies have indicated the mRNA vaccines are highly effective against this variant, however, the second dose is essential for protection from this variant. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine has not yet been studied with this variant, but research suggests the T-cell response will be effective at preventing disease.
Experts predict an increase in cases this Fall among unvaccinated individuals as a result of this variant. The more people we get fully vaccinated before the fall, the better off we will all be.
Montgomery County and Maryland Vaccination Data
You may have heard the great news that Montgomery County has the highest vaccination rate for people 12 and older among large counties in the United States.
Montgomery County has vaccinated 65% of the population with at least one shot, slightly behind neighboring Howard County at 68%. The Maryland statewide average is 59% vaccinated (it’s 72% of those 18+) with at least one shot, putting us in the top 10 in a ranking of US States, tied with New Mexico.
Vaccine Rates By Social Class, Race & Gender
There is a persistent correlation between vaccination rates and wealth and education level in Maryland, and across the US. Affluent and highly educated counties lead the nation in vaccination rates. Here in Maryland, there is a huge gap between the rates in Montgomery (65%) and Howard (69%) and the vaccination rates in Baltimore City (47%), Prince George’s County (48%), Allegheny County (41%) and Somerset County (38%). In late May, the NY Times did an in-depth analysis of this concerning trend.
In Montgomery County, our vaccination rates by race and ethnicity show slight disparities in vaccination across demographic groups, with 19% of the population identifying as Black, but only 14% of vaccines going to Black residents. 20% of our population is Latino, and 17% of the vaccinated population is Latino. Statewide data shows even more significant racial and ethnic disparities. In particular, Black Marylanders are 31.1% of the population, but only 22% of the vaccinated population is Black. Among the Latino/Hispanic population, there is also a gap. Hispanics makeup 10.6% of the population, but have gotten only 7.3% of the vaccines administered.
The gender gap we have seen in vaccination rates since the beginning has persisted. 53% of vaccines have gone to women and only 43% have gone to men.
Ongoing Vaccination Opportunities
Because of decreasing demand, most state vaccination sites are winding down operations. Greenbelt, Hagerstown, and Ripkin Stadium closed earlier in June. The Waldorf - Regency Stadium, M&T Bank Stadium, Navy-Marine Corps Stadium, and the Mall at Columbia will close over the next three weeks.
The site at Six Flags will close on 7/17.
However, the Montgomery County state mass vax site at Montgomery College in Germantown is an exception and will remain open for the foreseeable future.
To get a vaccine through the County visit this webpage to see available dates and times or call 240-777-2982. More than 700 pharmacies offer the vaccine across the state and the GoVax Maryland campaign will conduct special events throughout the summer. To find a vaccine through the state, visit massvax.maryland.gov or call 1-855-MD-GOVAX.
Doctors, Health Clinics, Urgent Care
Maryland has opened up vaccine availability to all registered providers. To place an order for Pfizer or Moderna, click here for guidance on how to register and order vaccine supply.
Vaccine Information for Children 12 and Older
Montgomery County has done an excellent job of vaccinating our teenagers. A strong partnership with local schools has helped and events have been held at several high schools. If your child is 12 or older and needs a vaccine you can get one from a pharmacy, pediatrician’s office, or a County-run clinic.
The next event is TOMORROW -- June 16 from 12 PM to 7 PM at Paint Branch High School. The event is open to any MCPS family with children 12 and over. To reserve an appointment, please complete all information using this link.
What About Children Under 12?
We are patiently awaiting guidance from the FDA on the approval process for vaccinations for children under age 12. The FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) met last week to discuss the risks and benefits of an expedited process for Emergency Use Authorization for children under 12. The discussion focused on the risks of increased cases in the Fall coinciding with the return to in-person school. While COVID is low-risk for most younger children, it has caused 300 childhood deaths nationwide. It still has the potential to be in the top 10 causes for childhood death this year, and notably, 75% of children who have died from COVID are children of color.
Community Outreach Continues
As we work to increase our vaccination rates statewide, we are continuing outreach with mobile vaccination units, and partnerships with churches and community groups. The state Vaccine Equity Task Force has completed 624 Community Partnership events to date. Maryland also just signed a partnership deal with Compare Foods, a large chain of Spanish grocery stores, to provide vaccinations. Maryland’s Latino Legislative Caucus also recently sponsored a community clinic in Prince George’s County. Community outreach and education needs to continue across the state, and we also must work with employers to reduce barriers to vaccination.
Carrots & Sticks
There are lots of reasons people remain unvaccinated. Some people have discomfort with the idea of vaccination, or with the COVID vaccine specifically. Some have been influenced by misinformation and rumors about the vaccine. Kaiser Family Foundation polling shows that among unvaccinated people, 36% believe the vaccine can cause COVID. In addition, 29% believe the vaccine may have long-term effects on fertility. Altogether, 67% of unvaccinated people believe one or more of the myths about the vaccine.
Others find vaccination inconvenient, burdensome, or expensive, especially when travel and time off work or childcare are required to get the shot and may be needed to deal with potential side effects. Employers have a responsibility to ensure their workforce has easy access to the vaccine, including by sponsoring on-site vaccine clinics and providing paid time off for employees experiencing side effects. If you would like to host a vaccine clinic at your workplace, you can partner with a local vaccine provider or request a mobile vaccination unit from the state. Email my office for more information.
In addition to countering myths and removing logistical and financial barriers, we are also seeing numerous incentives to increase vaccination rates. For example, the State of Maryland provides $100 bonuses to all state employees who get vaccinated. In addition, Maryland is giving away $2 Million in cash lottery prizes now through July 4th, with a daily $40,000 lottery and a one-time $400,000 prize on July 4. From free Ledo’s pizza and Jose Andres restaurants gift cards to Krispy Kreme donuts to childcare, the private sector has been stepping up to provide incentives for vaccination. Learn more HERE.
If you run a business and have been thinking about incentivizing your employees to get vaccinated now’s the time!
Maryland and DC Hospitals Require Staff to Be Vaccinated
Last week, the Maryland Hospital Association and the Washington DC Hospital Association announced that all employees will be required to be vaccinated. Each hospital is setting its own deadline and guidelines, but this is a major move for public health. About 70% of hospital employees in Maryland and DC are currently vaccinated– this despite their easy and early access to the vaccine. Federal and State law allows private employers to require vaccines when appropriate. In Maryland, most hospitals already require Hospital staff to receive an annual flu shot.
Will Long-Term Care Follow With A Vaccination Mandate for Employees?
The vaccination rates among staff at long-term care facilities are also lower than we would like, at 73%. The vaccination rate among residents is 84%. At least one Maryland Nursing Home provider is requiring staff to be vaccinated. Others may follow. However, there are severe shortages within the nursing home workforce, so some employers may not feel they have the leverage with their employees to institute a mandate. Vaccination rates for each long-term care facility for residents and staff are available on Maryland’s Department of Aging website.
What About Vaccine Requirements in Schools?
I am asked this question at every community event I attend.
Maryland has historically had one of the highest childhood immunization rates in the country, with school districts partnering with public health officials to ensure our kids are immunized. Until recently, this has not been a partisan issue. Unfortunately, it has become political. This year, we faced a floor amendment on one of my vaccine access bills that would have stripped the state’s right to require any vaccines for school attendance. Not just the COVID vaccine (which we do not currently require) but also Measles, Rubella, Chicken Pox, Tetanus...anything!
Thankfully, on a party-line vote, this amendment was defeated 90-41. It was so discouraging to me to see every House Republican voting against vaccines, one of the greatest tools we have in public health.
Right now, Maryland does not have a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for PK-12 school attendance. We do have other vaccine requirements for schools and daycares, and may choose to add the COVID vaccine to this list once it is fully authorized for children- but we don’t know if or when this will be, or if it will be necessary at that time.
The University System of Maryland WILL require vaccination on all 11 campuses. This requirement covers 216,000 employees and students on 11 campuses.
Unemployment Insurance Updates
(Hogan Cuts Benefits, Chaos at DoL Continues)
Starting July 3, Marylanders will no longer be able to receive the federal unemployment assistance that gave gig workers/contractors access to benefits and also provided workers with an additional $300 a week. Concerned that low-wage workforce shortages across the state may be a result of the expanded benefits, Governor Hogan ended the program three months early in an effort to persuade Marylanders to “get back to work.”
I’ve heard from many D16 residents dependent on these benefits who are struggling to make ends meet and have been unable to resume work due to child care obligations, clients not back in operation yet, or entire industry sectors not fully returning until the fall. Senator Van Hollen and others in the federal delegation immediately urged the Governor to reverse course, as did the leadership of the Maryland House and Senate.
Last week, the House of Delegates Economic Matters Committee held a hearing on the decision. Members cited ongoing problems with the benefits process and specifically pressed the Hogan administration on the reasoning behind the decision to end the benefits three months early. MGA leadership awaits a decision from the Attorney General on whether there are legal avenues to pursue.
On top of this decision to end benefits, the Department of Labor continues to struggle to keep up with the demand caused by the pandemic. More than a year later, it’s still difficult to get through to anyone, claims take entirely too long to process and many honest residents are caught up in fraud investigations with their benefits on hold. The D16 delegation has helped over 500 constituents navigate this process and continues to work with the DOL to assist our community. If you have problems, please email my office at Ariana.Kelly@ house.state.md.us.
As always, we are here to help you throughout the year. Feel free to contact my office with any concerns. However, my hope is you will e spending the summer safely enjoying reconnecting with family, friends, and community.
Best,
