Negotiations between Maryland and South Korea yield 500,000 coronavirus tests for the state in the absence of federally provided supplies. 

Governor Hogan announced the supplies will help ramp up the state’s testing ability.  The Baltimore Sun reports on the purchase and the negotiations leading up to the purchase which they quote the Governor as calling “Operation Enduring Friendship.”:

The supplies from LabGenomics, a South Korean company, will enable the state to administer 500,000 tests, according to the Hogan administration. The tests cost the state $9 million — a “worthwhile investment” given how much revenue the state is losing with so many businesses closed, Hogan said.

For more information:

Maryland secures 500,000 coronavirus tests from South Korea: ‘Huge step in the right direction’ (The Baltimore Sun)