Maryland mandating vaccinations, testing for hospital, nursing home employees
ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced on Wednesday that COVID-19 vaccinations will be required for all hospital and nursing home employees in the state.
The state will now require that all employees provide proof of vaccination – or be subjected to regular testing.
READ MORE: CDC COVID-19 map shows most of US under high community transmission
All employees must receive their first shot by Sept. 1 in order to be compliant with the order.
READ MORE: COVID-19 boosters now available for some with compromised immune systems
Nursing home that fail to comply with the order will be subjected to fines, civil penalties or other disciplinary measures, according to the Governor.
"We are concerned that the Delta variant surge has led to an increase in infections among nursing home staff, which has been a consistent source of the outbreaks in these facilities. Our main focus has always been, and continues to be, reducing hospitalizations and deaths, particularly among our most vulnerable Marylanders," he said in a statement.
Download the FOX 5 DC News App for Local Breaking News and Weather
According to the health department, 79% of all Marylanders have received their COVID-19 vaccinations.