Maryland mandates vaccines for nursing home, hospital staff

Gov. Larry Hogan says all workers at Maryland hospitals and nursing homes will be required to get vaccinated or submit to regular coronavirus testing. The requirement affects the state’s 227 nursing homes and all hospital systems, though some of the largest systems already imposed vaccine mandates. Hogan announced Wednesday that workers must get their first dose no later than Sept. 1 or undergo regular testing. He says nursing homes that don’t comply will face tougher enforcement actions. While 79% of all nursing home staffers have already been vaccinated, the rates vary with some facilities averaging fewer than 50% vaccinated. Hogan says these “unacceptable” low rates of vaccination are endangering the lives of nursing home residents.

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