Assembled County Leaders gather to discuss looming "dire" COVID-19 situation (Release)

READOUT FROM BRIEFING ON COVID-19 SURGE BETWEEN LEADERS OF MARYLAND’S LARGEST JURISDICTIONS

Leaders call for Immediate Action to Protect Public Health

ANNAPOLIS – Today, in a show of unity, the leaders of Maryland's seven largest counties and newly sworn-in Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott conducted a virtual press conference to urge Marylanders to adhere to strict COVID-19 safety guidelines in their jurisdictions and across the State.

As COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths mount, and expected to worsen during winter months, the leaders warned of dire consequences if precautions are not immediately taken. This is the first such meeting of the State’s top City and County leaders.

Participants included:

• Angela Alsobrooks, County Executive for Prince George’s County

• Calvin Ball, County Executive for Howard County

• Marc Elrich, County Executive for Montgomery County

• Jan Gardner, County Executive for Frederick County

• Barry Glassman, County Executive for Harford County

• John A. Olszewski, Jr., County Executive for Baltimore County

• Steuart Pittman, County Executive for Anne Arundel County

• Brandon Scott, Mayor of Baltimore City

Each of the Executives spoke about the impact of COVID-19 on their jurisdictions, recent data along with actions they are taking to address COVID-19. The overarching theme between the leaders is that COVID has no borders.

In addition to the top officials, other participants included:

• Dr. Tom Inglesby, Director, Center for Health Security, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

• Dr. Peter Hill, Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs, Johns Hopkins Health System

• Dr. Gail P. Cunningham, Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs & Chief Medical Officer at University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center

• Dr. Fermin Barrueto, MBA, Senior Vice President, Medical Affairs University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health

• Dr. Josh Sharfstein, Vice Dean for Public Health Practice and Community Engagement

The press conference has been recorded and is available here. Zoom link.

Access Passcode: 7xf9Xb+N

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FOR COUNTY-SPECIFIC CONTACT INFORMATION:

Anne Arundel County: Roz Hamlett, roz.hamlett@aacounty.org,

Baltimore City: Stefanie Mavronis, stefanie.mavronis@baltimorecity.gov

Baltimore County: Dory Henry, dbhenry@baltimorecountymd.gov

Frederick County: Vivian Laxton, vlaxton@frederickcountymd.gov

Harford County, Cynthia Mumby, camumby@harfordcountymd.gov

Howard County: Scott Peterson, speterson@howardcountymd.gov

Montgomery County: Barry Hudson, barry.hudson@montgomerycountymd.gov

Prince George’s County: Gina Ford, erford@co.pg.md.us

Optional Holding statement:

STATEMENT FROM LEADERS OF MARYLAND’S LARGEST JURISDICTIONS ON COVID-19 SURGE ANNAPOLIS – Governor Hogan has been outspoken in encouraging the State’s residents to protect themselves and others by taking necessary precautions to guard against contracting COVID-19.

With rising cases, hospitalizations and deaths, leaders of the Big 8 (the State’s largest jurisdictions) are urging the Governor to work more closely with them. Working more closely means meeting regularly with the leaders so that our residents fully understand that we are, indeed, all in this together and that we all - regardless of party affiliation -- are one team with one purpose.

Governor Hogan has a standing invitation to attend the County Executives’ weekly meeting.

We believe the time has come to coordinate more closely than ever with the Governor’s Office because COVID-19 sees no boundaries.

--from Anne Arundel County Press Release