March 4th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

At Wednesday's Board of Public Works meeting, Gov. Larry Hogan announced emergency legislation that would allow him to use up to $50 million from the state's rainy day fund to respond to the novel coronavirus.

That's in addition to an expected $10 million request the governor is expected to make in a supplemental budget issued later this week.

Hogan announced the Maryland Emergency Management Agency is raising its activation level to "Enhanced," freeing up additional state resources.

“We are submitting emergency legislation which will allow us to transfer any necessary resources from the rainy day fund for costs associated with the state’s coronavirus response,” Hogan said in a statement. “Given the rapidly evolving nature of this threat to public health, it is critical that we have the flexibility to immediately access these resources. I want to continue to assure Marylanders that our state is taking every precaution when it comes to the coronavirus.”

Nationwide, 60 people in 12 states have tested positive for the virus. Six people have died. Maryland has no confirmed cases of coronavirus. Ten Marylanders have tested negative while 11 tests remain pending. On Tuesday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cleared a state lab in Baltimore to conduct tests.

A vaccine has not yet been developed. Prevention methods include frequent hand-washing and covering coughs and sneezes. Treatment can include over-the-counter reliefs, fluids and rest. Those with more severe symptoms may need to be hospitalized. Elderly people and those with chronic health conditions are believed to be at higher risk for infection.