Experts say the resistance some in Harford County have shown to mask mandates, vaccinations and other COVID mitigation measures, along with its medical facilities having small capacities to begin with, have contributed to its hospitals reaching critical levels before those in other parts of the state.
As April began, Harford County had the worst COVID-19 positive test rate in Maryland and one of its highest average new case rates. As the month comes to a close, those metrics have been halved, something the county’s top health official attributes to improved behaviors and more people being vaccinated.
The COVID-19 vaccines are designed to protect everyone who receives the shots, regardless of race, gender, age, body type, but they are not getting to all groups in Harford County in an equitable manner, according to the local health officer.