Hogan Promotes Testing And Boosters As Best Defense Against Omicron Variant

BALTIMORE, Md. (WJZ) — Gov. Larry Hogan confirmed connected Wednesday that helium is assured Maryland volition observe and deter the Omnicron assortment done antigen investigating and booster shots.

In efforts to summation detection, Maryland took steps to marque the antigen accelerated trial much wide available, including distributing different fractional a cardinal tests crossed the state.

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Additionally, MDH volition instantly marque accelerated tests disposable astatine BWI Airport for the astir 7000 planetary passengers who get each week.

“Maryland has 1 of the strongest variant sequencing operations successful the nation,” Hogan said. “If Omicron does travel to Maryland, we volition find it and way it down.”

Hogan confirmed that helium doesn’t spot immoderate request for shutdowns oregon lockdowns, but urges that Marylanders instrumentality their wellness into their ain hands. “While I bash not judge successful broad mandates, I bash judge successful idiosyncratic responsibility,” Hogan said.

He advised that each adults get their booster shots, noting that it’s “the azygous astir important happening you tin bash to support your immunity against this virus.”

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Hogan emphasized that Omicron is simply a “variant of concern” and could beryllium much transmissible than erstwhile strains of COVID-19. It whitethorn besides airs a greater hazard of reinfection.

However, helium notes that it volition beryllium respective weeks earlier there’s capable information to find vaccine efficacy against the variant.

“We proceed to anticipation for the best, portion besides actively preparing for the worst,” Hogan said. “We are taking each precaution, and preparing to mobilize each disposable resources due to the fact that our highest precedence is to proceed keeping Marylanders safe.”

Those 18 and older tin instrumentality the booster six months aft their 2nd Pfizer and Moderna dose oregon 2 months aft their Johnson & Johnson dose.

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You tin find a vaccine session successful your vicinity by visiting the state’s vaccination website.

CBS Baltimore Staff