Neighbors,
As you may know, a new State of Emergency in Baltimore County was issued yesterday by County Executive Johnny Olszewski due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases. We have seen over 1,500 new cases in the past two weeks alone.
This number should be a stark reminder for everyone to not only follow federal, state, and local masking and social distancing mandates, but to get vaccinated if you have not. Just two days ago, the FDA gave its FULL approval (rather than an emergency authorization approval) to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination. This should ensure full confidence in the safety and efficacy of this vaccine.
While vaccinated people can still get and spread COVID, the risk is much lower, making vaccines an important protection, particularly as children return to in-person schooling on Monday. The vaccine can truly be the difference between mild cold-like symptoms and possible hospitalization and death. For the sake of those who cannot get vaccinated due to their young age or immunocompromised status, we stress the importance of remaining vigilant in wearing masks and keeping a safe distance from others wherever possible and to follow all federal, state, and local COVID-19 related mandates.
To make your vaccination appointment, get a test, or access further COVID-19 related resources for Baltimore County residents, you can visit this portal: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/covid-19/
Stay safe and get vaccinated,
Del. Sheila Ruth