We are all experiencing the heartbreaking and detrimental effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus has taken a toll on our physical and mental health, and the uncertainty everyone has faced during this time has been overwhelming. With all the misinformation being distributed, we have the right to know the facts, not fiction.
Below are all the crucial details that all students need to be aware of. As of February 16th 2021, “[i]n Maryland, a total of 850,994 [vaccine] doses have been administered, with 231,127 Marylanders (3.82% of the state’s population) having received both shots. Just over 10% of the Maryland population has received one shot as of Sunday” (NBC4 Washington). Contextually, there are 6 million people living in Maryland, but only 850,994 doses have been delivered.
Since mid-February , the number of new cases has been on a decline—with only 518 new cases on February 16th. This is about half the number it was a week prior—February 9th—when there were 978 cases. These numbers are looking promising, with a steady decline in cases.
Here are some actions you can take to stop the spread of COVID-19:
Wear a snug-fitting mask that covers your nose and mouth.
Avoid being indoors with people who are not members of your household. The more people you are in contact with, the more likely you are to be exposed to COVID-19. If you are indoors with people you don’t live with, stay at least six feet apart and keep your mask on.
Avoid poorly ventilated indoor areas.
Wash your hands often, especially after you have been in a public place.
Get the flu vaccine to help prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
Below are the following reopening dates based on all 24 counties in Maryland. The chart built upon the information as of February 16, 2021: