One investment includes an innovative wastewater sampling program to detect coronavirus outbreaks
Frederick, MD (KB) A number of initiatives and state programs are receiving a total of $70 million dollars in additional funding to help fight the surge in COVID-19 cases. During a news conference in Annapolis on Thursday, Governor Larry Hogan announced that $10 million dollars is being provided to pay for a plan to order, distribute, and administer a coronavirus vaccine in Maryland when it becomes available.
“Over the past eight months, we built a COVID-19 infrastructure from scratch,” Hogan said. “This vaccination plan will be yet another unprecedented undertaking for our state,” he continued.
Hogan also announced that $1 million dollars will go toward a wastewater sampling program to help detect COVID-19 outbreaks among the state’s most vulnerable population.
“This science-based, field-tested program will help provide us more data to detect and respond to outbreaks and help us save more lives,” stated Hogan.
The Governor said the sampling program, which is a partnership between the Departments of Health and the Environment, will test waste water in correctional facilities and public housing communities.
Other programs receiving funds include food banks, rental assistance and foster care providers.
All of the investments mentioned during Thursday night’s news conference are to protect the health, safety, and well-being of Marylanders during the pandemic.