By: Bryan P. Sears
ANNAPOLIS — Maryland is taking a major step toward a pre-pandemic normal with the announcement that all statewide pandemic restrictions will be lifted beginning in two weeks and the state of emergency ended.
Gov. Larry Hogan announced the end of the more than 15-month statewide COVID-19 state of emergency during an early afternoon news conference at the State House. A high number of vaccinations across the state coupled with continued decreases in infections and hospitalizations made the decision possible, he said.
“With all of this amazing progress and thanks in large part to the hard work, sacrifices and the vigilance of the people of Maryland, we have finally reached the light at the end of that long tunnel,” said Hogan.
The announcement represents a downgrading of the pandemic for Hogan and state agencies. At one point, Hogan seemed to get emotional about the announcement.
