Less vaccinated pockets of Maryland remain vulnerable as delta variant of COVID-19 spreads

When Maryland officials lifted statewide mask mandates and other COVID-19 restrictions July 1, it looked like the pandemic might be, well, maybe not over, but at least suppressed by widespread vaccination. Infection, hospitalization and death rates were down substantially across Maryland and the nation. Offices, restaurants, bars and gyms started welcoming back those who had stayed away for so long. Older adults and people with certain medical conditions got the green light from federal and state agencies to break out of isolation and hug their loved ones.