May 23rd, 2021 by WCBC Radio

Governor Larry Hogan today announced that COVID-19 hospitalizations in the State of Maryland have dropped below 500 for the first time since October 27, 2020. Hospitalizations have declined by 62% over the last month.

In addition, the state’s COVID-19 positivity rate fell to another new low of 2.04%, and is down 65% since April 14. The state’s rate of cases per 100K—5.7—is down 76% since April 14. COVID-19 hospitalizations are at 490, including 134 ICU patients. 

Official data is available at coronavirus.maryland.gov.

Get Your Shot For A Shot To Win

Maryland reported 47,102 new vaccinations, for a total of 5,855,655 vaccinations to date. On Thursday, the governor and the Maryland Lottery announced the launch of the $2 Million VaxCash Promotion, which will award $2 million in cash prizes to a total of 41 Maryland residents who have been vaccinated.

Daily drawings will be held from Tuesday, May 25 through Sunday, July 4. Maryland residents 18 and older who have received a COVID-19 vaccination in Maryland at any time are eligible to win. No registration or entry is needed.

Each day from May 25 through July 3, one winner will be randomly drawn to win a $40,000 prize. The $2 Million VaxCash Promotion wraps up on the Fourth of July when a final drawing will award one winner a grand prize of $400,000.

Marylanders who have not been vaccinated are encouraged to visit any one of thousands of distribution points across the state, and directly schedule an appointment by visiting covidvax.maryland.gov, or by calling 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829).