19th November 2020
Media contact:
Deidre McCabe, Director, Communications Bureau, 410-767-3536
Charlie Gischlar, Assistant Director, Media Relations, 443-463-7234
The Maryland Department of Health is issuing a vacation guide advising caution when traveling and holding large gatherings
Baltimore, MD – The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) today released vacation guidelines for Thanksgiving through New Years, urging families to be extremely cautious about vacation travel and celebrations as the number of infections continues to rise in Maryland and the surrounding area.
Maryland is currently seeing a significant increase in cases and hospital admissions compared to the summer, with more than 174,733 confirmed COVID-19 cases to date and more than 1,192 patients currently being hospitalized. 4,220 Marylanders have died from the virus since the pandemic began.
“We are all fed up with this pandemic and we really want it to be over, but now is not the time to let our vigilance down,” said MDH Secretary Robert R. Neall. “While we tend to feel safe around people we know – family, friends, and neighbors – we are really seeing an increase in infections. We need to keep the habits that protect us all – wear your mask, wash your hands, keep social distance and isolate yourself when you are sick. “
The MDH Frequently asked questions about safety on vacation are available on the CovidLINK Website. These guidelines are in line with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vacation recommendations and recommend that Marylanders limit large indoor gatherings with people from different households, avoid unnecessary travel, and consider alternatives to in-person celebrations.
“Holidays are a time to meet loved ones, but this year the celebrations pose a real risk of spreading COVID-19 in the community,” said Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Public Health Dr. “We need to be extra careful and watch out for each other, which can mean celebrating from a distance or meeting with just a few friends and family members in our immediate household. Avoid large gatherings and unnecessary travel in the coming months. This pandemic is far from over. “
Further information on COVID-19 can be found at CovidLINK or Coronavirus.maryland.gov.
See the CDC Holiday Celebration Guide Here.
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The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Maryland residents through disease prevention, access to medical care, quality management, and community engagement.
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