The Allegany County Health Department reports 149 new cases of COVID-19 and 9 additional deaths since Friday. This brings Allegany County’s cumulative total number of cases to 2,332, with a total of 56 deaths from COVID-19.
Currently, Allegany County’s case rate is 165.34 per 100,000 population, more than four times the state average of 38 per 100,000. Allegany County’s current positivity rate is 15.95%, while the statewide average is 6.88%.
“With widespread community transmission of COVID-19 in Allegany County, it is more important than ever for people to stay at home as much as possible, wear a mask at all times when in public, and maintain social distancing of at least six feet from others,” said Jenelle Mayer, Health Officer for Allegany County. “I know people want to travel and visit with family for the holidays, but the best thing you can do for your loved ones this year is to stay at home.”
Health officials recommend that families connect by phone or video chat this year instead of visiting in person. For more information on how to safely celebrate the holidays this year, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html.
From ACPS: IMPORTANT FOOD SERVICE UPDATE: George’s Creek Elementary School will once again have meal distribution available beginning on Tuesday, November 24, 2020, and Northeast Elementary School will once again have meals available beginning on Wednesday, November 25, 2020, this week. Schools will be closed on November 26, 27, and 30, 2020, for Thanksgiving break.
From GCHD: The Garrett County Health Department received 48 additional positive COVID-19 results since the last report on Friday, November 20th, bringing the current county total positives to 559.
The Health Department and its local community partners tested just over 400 people at a drive-through community event on Friday, November 20th at its Oakland office. All results are still pending for these tests.
The current statistics for Garrett County are as follows:
• 7-day positivity rate among Garrett County residents is 12.1% (Maryland rate is 6.9%)
• 7-day case rate per 100,000 among Garrett County residents is 94.0 (Maryland rate is 38.3)
• The breakdown of new cases by age ranges:
o 35.4% (17 out of 48) under age 30
o 47.9% (23 out of 48) ages 30-59
o 16.7% (8 out of 48) ages 60+
Visit garretthealth.org for the most up-to-date COVID-19 information. Additional local testing events are being planned and will be announced as plans are finalized.
906 total cases 373 active 25 probable 527 recovered
3 more deaths in mineral county
It is with the utmost sadness that the Mineral County Health Department is reporting that it has received official notification of the 9th and 10th COVID-19 related deaths in Mineral County. The individuals were residents at Piney Valley nursing home (Outbreak #664) located in Keyser, WV. The Mineral County Health Department would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends.
Additionally, new cases include 3 employees and 8 residents that have tested positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). This brings the total to 5 resident deaths, 71 residents and 34 employees testing positive since the start of the outbreak. The facility has been working with the health department and the West Virginia DHHR Bureau for Public Health’s Division of Infectious Disease Epidemiology to ensure protocols and procedures are being followed.
The Health Department is in the process of identifying any potential persons who may have had close contact with the individuals, including family members, friends, residents and health care professionals.
Because of the ease of spread in a long-term care setting and the severity of illness that occurs in residents with COVID-19, a single case of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in a long-term care facility (LTCF) is defined as an outbreak (Outbreak #664).
For more information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), please visit our website at www.mineralcountyhealthdepartment.com.
It is with the utmost sadness that the Mineral County Health Department is reporting that it has received official notification of the 11th COVID-19 related death in Mineral County.
Our community member was a 70-year-old male and had been hospitalized. During his isolation and hospitalization, the Health Department worked to identify any potential persons who may have had close contact with the individual, including family members, friends, co-workers and health care professionals.
The Mineral County Health Department would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Please visit our website at www.mineralcountyhealthdepartment.com or go to our Facebook page for daily updates.
Based on Governor Justice orders for counties with high infection rates, the National Guard conducted a drive through testing at Petersburg Elementary School for 172 people.
Free Drive Through COVID Testing
10:00 am until 3:30 pm
Tuesday November 24 at Mt. Storm
Union Educational Complex
Valid ID is required, and those under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. You do not have to be a Grant County resident to be tested.
Information will be given at the test site for how to obtain results.
These test results will also be reported to the Grant County Health Department and anyone with a positive test result will be notified by staff.
There were Fifteen (15) new positive cases today. Surveillance showed exposures at various places in the community.
330 Total COVID Cases
• 249 Confirmed Positive COVID cases
• 81 Probable COVID cases (Probable cases are those that have a positive test from a rapid antigen test).
• 223 Total Recovered
• 94 Active Cases. Four are hospitalized.
• 9 Deaths listed as COVID related (6 from GRCC).
Everyone must do their part to prevent the continued spread of this virus.
Social Distance by always maintaining 6 ft distance from those not in your household, avoid crowds, WEAR that mask, and practice good hand hygiene. Masks decrease the transmission of the virus by blocking droplets that carry the virus. Masks do not eliminate the risk of transmission.
Masks, AND social distancing (6 ft. or more) greatly reduce the risk.
Possible symptoms of COVID are increased sinus or cold like symptoms, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, fever, cough, muscle aches, cough, shortness of breath, headache or diarrhea.
COVID testing is available:
Grant Memorial Hospital:
Mon-Fri 6 am- 9am and 6pm-9 pm/Sat. 8 am- 12 noon.
Call (304) 257 1026 and press 5 to speak to an ER nurse to preregister.
By Appointment:
Grove Street Health Center call 304-257-2451
Mt. Storm Health Center call 304-693-7616
The Hampshire County Health Department has received 6 confirmed cases today. Case investigation and contact tracing are ongoing.
Hampshire County’s current case count is 266 confirmed, 23 probable, 62 active, 2 deaths and 1 hospitalization.
Free testing available at Hampshire Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, November 24th from 9a-1p.
Care for your community and wear your mask!
The Hardy County Health Department and Hardy County Office of Emergency Management has twelve additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Hardy County, making 65 active cases, with a total confirmed case count of 214. We have had one confirmed COVID-19 death. We currently have 63 patients in quarantine at home, following proper protocol to protect their neighbors and community. Two patients are currently hospitalized due to severe symptoms of COVID-19. Due to privacy, additional information regarding the persons, area of residence, and travel history will not be disclosed. The Hardy County Health Department has completed the necessary contact tracing to ensure the safety of close contacts and to prevent additional transmission. Hardy County now has 148 individuals recovered, included in the total confirmed case count of 214.
COVID-19 can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, including when an individual coughs or sneezes. These droplets may land on objects and surfaces. Other people may contract COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days following exposure. Most people recover from COVID-19 without needing special treatment. The elderly and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems, lung problems, and diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness.
There are vaccines under development and testing, but none released yet to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
The Hardy County Health Department as always recommends everyday preventive actions to help impede the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
Avoiding exposure to others who are sick.
Staying home when you are ill.
Wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies).
DHHR’s COVID-19 information hotline 24/7, toll-free at 1-800-887-4304 and state website at http://www.coronavirus.wv.gov/
For local information, please call Hardy County Health Dept at 304-530-6355 or visit the Health Department’s website at http://www.hardycountyhealthdepartment.com/ All media inquiries, contact David Maher, Hardy Sheriff PIO at [email protected].
For a printable copy, see https://www.dropbox.com/s/0hnl8wr8dpnkdnz/20201123-hardy-covid-update.pdf?dl=0
Bedford County
Total Cases: 1,228
Confirmed: 953
Probable: 275
Negative: 6,381
Cases per 100,000: 2,549.0
Deaths: 15
Deaths per 100,000: 31.1
Somerset County
Total Cases: 1,472
Confirmed: 1,175
Probable: 297
Negative: 14,656
Cases per 100,000: 1,990.5
Deaths: 9
Deaths per 100,000: 12.2
Following the notification of an employee testing positive for COVID-19 the Sheetz location on Bedford Street was closed over the weekend. According to a statement from Sheetz PR Manager Nick Ruffner “Sheetz was informed Saturday that an employee at our store location along Bedford Street in Cumberland, MD, tested positive for COVID-19. This employee last worked at this store location on Friday, Nov. 20, 2020. Our top priority is the health and wellness of our customers and employees. Because of this positive test, this store location was immediately closed and was professionally deep cleaned, sanitized and disinfected before reopening Saturday evening. Our gas pumps were also sanitized and cleaned.We are taking an abundantly cautious approach and have worked with all employees who may have had close contact with this employee. We are also exceeding all sanitization guidelines. All employees will be fully paid for the time this store was closed. We apologize for the inconvenience caused by this closure and will continue to prioritize the well-being of our customers and employees as we join the nation in navigating this unprecedented health crisis.”
Update from MD Governor’s Office: Ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday and with the new surge of COVID-19 intensifying in Maryland and across the nation, Governor Larry Hogan today announced the launch of a wide-scale compliance, education, and enforcement operation to slow the spread of the virus and keep Maryland safely open for business.
“I know that there is growing frustration that we are all still fighting this virus,” said Governor Hogan. “Many people are struggling emotionally and financially, and this is causing a great deal of stress for nearly everyone—but following the public health directives is the only way we will be able to stop this virus, keep Maryland open for business, and keep hospitals from overflowing.”
The governor was joined by Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Jr., Baltimore County Police Chief Melissa Hyatt, Maryland State Police Superintendent Col. Jerry Jones, and Marshall Weston, president and CEO of the Restaurant Association of Maryland.
“This is a pivotal moment in our fight against this deadly disease. Lives are on the line and we will continue doing whatever is necessary to protect the public,” said County Executive Olszewski. “We’re urging Marylanders to do the right thing this Thanksgiving by limiting contacts, following all state and local health orders, and wearing your mask.”
Statewide Compliance, Education, and Enforcement Operation. In addition to the state’s traditional efforts ramping up drunk driving patrols and enforcement ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, the governor announced the launch of an all-hands-on-deck compliance, education, and enforcement operation.
The Maryland State Police (MSP) is expanding its COVID-19 Compliance and Coordination Center and deploying ‘High Visibility Compliance Units’ across the state.
Additional state troopers will be assigned in every county to work in partnership with local leaders, law enforcement, and other county officials with a focus on educating the public about existing orders and protocols, preventing super-spreading events, and taking enforcement actions when necessary.
These ‘High Visibility Compliance Units’ will be detailed to several downtown areas including Bel Air, Bethesda, Fells Point in Baltimore City, Salisbury, Silver Spring, Towson, and to Allegany County. In addition to bars and restaurants, the operation will focus on venues that host gatherings, including nightclubs and banquet halls.
This statewide operation will kick off on Wednesday ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, and continue throughout the holiday season.
Support for Local Compliance Teams. Effective immediately, MSP will be operating a 24/7 phone line and email address specifically to support local compliance teams in the field with any questions regarding existing orders and enforcement.
24/7 COVID-19 Prevention Hotline. MSP is expanding its 24/7 COVID-19 Prevention Hotline, where members of the public can report unsafe facilities and activities or public health order violations. Marylanders who see unlawful behavior are encouraged to report it by emailing [email protected] or by calling (833) 979-2266.
Statewide Wireless Emergency Alert. On Wednesday, November 25 at approximately 5 p.m., the Maryland Emergency Management Agency will send a wireless emergency alert to cell phones statewide to remind Marylanders of critical COVID-19 prevention measures and provide information regarding state and local law enforcement actions. This will be only the second use of this technology by the Hogan administration, following the March 31 alert informing residents of new Stay at Home guidance during the spring COVID-19 surge.
New Unified Public Health Campaign. Governor Hogan announced a new unified statewide public health campaign beginning this week, with a public service announcement on radio, television, and social media to remind Marylanders to continue taking precautions to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Holiday Guidance. Governor Hogan reiterated federal and state public health guidance advising against holiday travel, and strongly recommending that families celebrate only with members of their immediate household. Read the holiday guidance here.
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced all the public health directives are only effective when they are being followed. During a press conference this afternoon he said following the public health directives is the critical to keep Maryland open.
Hogan announced the Maryland State Police are launching a statewide compliance program. Additional state troopers will be assigned in every county to investigate any reports of noncompliance with state law.
The COVID-19 Compliance and Coordination Center will be deploying ‘High Visibility Compliance Units’ across MD.
MSP will operate a 24/7 phone line and email address to support local compliance teams with questions about existing orders and enforcement.
Maryland’s can report any unlawful behavior to the COVID Prevention Hotline by calling (833) 979-2266 or emailing [email protected].
Wednesday at 5pm MEMA will send out a wireless emergency alert to cell phones to remind Marylanders of critical COVID-19 prevention measures and provide details on state and local law enforcement actions.
From MD Governor: Governor Larry Hogan today announced that 17 Maryland local jurisdictions were awarded $19.3 million in Maryland Eviction Prevention Partnership grants, which will address the needs of more than 3,600 households across the state.
“Maryland has continued to be a national leader in our COVID-19 response, which is why we have responded aggressively with targeted rental relief funding,” said Governor Hogan. “These grants will help ensure our citizens can remain safe and secure in their homes as we continue to respond to this global pandemic.”
Awards were made to the following jurisdictions:
Allegany County $39,000
Anne Arundel County $1,200,000
Baltimore City $2,000,000
Baltimore County $3,000,000
Calvert County $600,000
Carroll County $529,592
Cecil County $475,000
Charles County $750,000
Dorchester County $100,000
Garrett County $350,000
Howard County $2,000,000
Montgomery County $3,473,228
Prince George’s County $2,672,725
St. Mary’s County $700,000
Somerset County $210,000
Wicomico County $900,000
Worcester County $336,000
Through the Maryland Eviction Prevention Partnership, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is awarding federal Community Development Block Grant funding across local jurisdictions in Maryland to prevent evictions. DHCD had already distributed $2.2 million in Eviction Prevention Partnership grants to eight counties, part of a more than $20 million partnership with Maryland’s local jurisdictions. Landlords and tenants should contact their local jurisdiction for more information.
Assisted Housing Relief Program. In addition to this partnership with local governments, Governor Hogan also launched the Assisted Housing Relief Program, an eviction prevention program intended to help bring rental delinquencies current and provide real relief for tenants through direct payments to their eligible property management company. Tenants in eligible properties will be credited rent rebates paid directly to the property management company, which will eliminate their rental debt and the threat of eviction.
The program serves rental units in multifamily projects financed by DHCD’s Community Development Administration using state funds or federal resources, such as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program where the unit rent is controlled. Learn more about the program here.
To date, the program has awarded more than $8 million and made more than 4,500 rental payments for Maryland’s working families.
Moratorium on Evictions During State of Emergency. On March 16, Governor Hogan issued an emergency order that prohibits Maryland courts from ordering the eviction of any tenant who can demonstrate that their inability to pay rent was the result of COVID-19—for example, because of lost or reduced unemployment, or needing to care for a school-aged child—or because they are diagnosed with, or under investigation for, COVID-19. The order remains in effect during the state of emergency.
From PA Governor: With new modeling projecting 22,000 new COVID-19 cases per day in Pennsylvania in December, Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine today announced new targeted mitigation measures to help stop the spread during this critical time. These include a robust enforcement plan targeted at chronic violators along with an effort to ensure schools are safe and in compliance with COVID safety plans. The administration is also encouraging Pennsylvanians to limit unnecessary travel and stay at home.
“As our hospitals and health care system are facing greater strain, we need to redouble our efforts to keep people safe,” Gov. Wolf said. “If our health care system is compromised, it isn’t only COVID-19 patients who will suffer. If we run out of hospital beds, or if hospital staff are over-worked to the breaking point, care will suffer for every patient – including those who need emergency care for illnesses, accidents, or chronic conditions unrelated to COVID-19.”
In the past week, the number of COVID-19-attributable deaths has quadrupled, and the average daily case count is seven times higher than it was two months ago.
Dr. Levine noted last week that modeling available from the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington projects that Pennsylvania will run out of intensive care beds in December.
The IHME’s modeling also projects that if mitigation efforts are not adhered to, Pennsylvania could have more than 32,000 deaths from COVID-19 by Feb. 23, 2021 – that’s in just three months. With universal mask-wearing, those deaths can be reduced by half.
“As the Secretary of Health, I have issued a series of advisories and orders intended to help stop the spread during this critical time, to protect our hospitals, our health care workers and the lives of our fellow Pennsylvanians,” Dr. Levine said. “Our collective responsibility continues to be to protect our communities, our health care workers and our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians from COVID-19. That has not changed.”
The new measures include revamped school safety attestation, targeted business and gathering restrictions, and a new enforcement plan that includes liability protection for businesses enforcing the Secretary of Health’s strengthened mask-wearing order. The administration is also advising all Pennsylvanians to limit unnecessary travel and keep gatherings held in homes to members of the same household.
Requiring Strict Safety Measures in Our Schools
Summary: The Wolf Administration is requiring Pre-K to 12 public schools in counties that have been in the substantial transmission level for at least two consecutive weeks to commit to safety measures to ensure the safety and well-being of students and educators. If they choose not to, they must move to fully remote learning without all extra-curricular activities. As of Friday, Nov. 20, there are 59 counties in the substantial transmission level for at least two consecutive weeks.
Requirements for Pre-K to 12 public schools in substantial counties for at least two consecutive weeks:
Schools are mandated to comply with updated protocols if a COVID-19 case is identified in the school building.
By 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30, chief school administrators and the governing body president/chair must sign an attestation form stating they have either transitioned to fully remote learning or are complying with the orders if they are conducting any in-person instruction while in the “substantial” range of transmission.
Those schools that do not sign or comply with an attestation are required to provide only fully remote learning and suspend all extracurricular activities as long as the county remains in the substantial transmission level.
“All of us have a responsibility to slow the spread of this virus so our children can stay or return to the classroom,” Gov. Wolf said.
Keeping Businesses, Customers and Employees Safe
Summary: The administration is revising and reissuing its orders to protect businesses, customers, and employees. This order will consolidate previous orders and includes reiterating cleaning and social distancing requirements, mandatory telework requirements unless impossible, and other safety measures.
Telework is mandatory unless impossible; safety measures required for businesses including cleaning, social distancing and masking.
Online sales and curbside pickup for all shopping are encouraged.
Furthermore, to help with enforcement of existing masking orders in businesses, the administration is introducing liability protection for all businesses that maintain in person operations and are open to the public. Businesses will receive immunity from civil liability only as related to the Secretary’s masking order given that individuals and entities are engaged in essential emergency services activities and disaster services activities when enforcing the order.
Strengthening Gathering Limitations
Summary: As Pennsylvania sees an increase in cases, the commonwealth is strengthening gathering restrictions. All large events and gatherings are now reduced until further notice. In addition, the retail food services industry, including bars, restaurants, and private catered events must end alcohol sales for on-site consumption at 5 p.m. on Nov. 25, 2020 only.
All indoor and outdoor events/ gatherings categories size limits will be reduced
New limits are as follows:
Maximum Occupancy Calculator for indoor events:
Maximum Occupancy
Allowable Indoor Rate
0-2,000 people
10% of Maximum Occupancy
2,001 – 10,000 people
5% of Maximum Occupancy
Over 10,000 people
No events over 500 people
Maximum Occupancy Calculator for outdoor events:
Maximum Occupancy
Allowable Outdoor Rate
0-2,000 people
15% of Maximum Occupancy
2,001 – 10,000 people
10% of Maximum Occupancy
Over 10,000 people
5% of Maximum Occupancy up to 2,500 people
Household gatherings are also advised against when attendees include non-household members as noted through the Secretary of Health’s Stay at Home Advisory.
To specifically address large crowds, on Nov. 25, 2020 only, all sales or dispensing of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption at businesses in the retail food services industry, including bars, restaurants, and private catered events must end at 5 p.m. Indoor dining may continue, takeout is encouraged.
Empowering local government
The governor and Secretary of Health’s orders were issued pursuant to the authority granted to them under the law, and as such they have the force and effect of law. This authority extends to all local enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania. Local law enforcement received guidance on enforcement of the various COVID-19 orders in place from the Pennsylvania State Police through the PA Chiefs of Police Association.
Given the importance of local engagement, the Department of Health has provided recommendations for local municipal leaders, as well as county-wide leadership. While statewide mitigation steps are necessary, local leaders can implement their own orders, ordinances, or directives in order to protect health and safety as long as they are stricter than those mandated by the state. Additionally, counties and municipalities are authorized to enforce state law, including orders from the Secretary of Health or Governor.
Local leaders at all levels of government should exercise their authority and influence to support public health efforts that will protect residents and local economies. When local leaders engage, their constituents understand that they are supported in adopting and sustaining preventive behaviors.
The Department of Health has established thresholds representing low, moderate, or substantial community transmission of COVID-19, and corresponding actions that can be taken by county and municipal leaders. A county’s threshold may change week-by-week as incidence and percent positivity rates rise and fall. Leaders should implement more public health actions rather than fewer if their county is between thresholds. To determine level of community transmission, counties should use the Department of Health’s COVID-19 Early Warning Monitoring System Dashboard. The Department of Health and the Department of Education use the same metrics to recommend instructional models for school leaders.
Recommendations for each level of community transmission include increased communication, collaborative planning, stricter directives, and working with school leaders.
Ramping Up Enforcement
Summary: Orders already in place and those announced today are all enforceable, and law enforcement and state agencies will be stepping up enforcement efforts, issuing citations and fines, and possibly regulatory actions for repeat offenders.
Given that this is a critical time for mitigation efforts and orders to be followed, the Wolf Administration is stepping up enforcement on the following orders:
Out of State Travel
Mask-wearing
Business Safety, including telework, occupancy, cleaning, social distancing
Restaurant Mitigation, including occupancy, masking, social distancing, self-certification
Gathering Limits
School Attestation and Mitigation
Orders are enforceable as a disease control measure under the Disease Prevention and Control Law. Citations may be written under the Administrative Code of 1929 71 P. S. § 1409 and/or the Disease Prevention and Control Law of 1955 35 P.S. § 521.20(a). The decision whether to issue a warning or a citation is made on a case-by-case basis and determined by the unique circumstances of each encounter.
Persons who fail to comply with an order may be fined between $25 and $300 dollars.
Enforcement agencies include the Pennsylvania State Police, local law enforcement, personnel from the departments of Agriculture and State, and PA Liquor Control Board stores who interact with visitors.
Because a component of enforcement is investigating complaints, the Department of Health, with assistance from other agencies, is bolstering its ability to receive and respond to complaints from customers and employees. The department will continue to investigate complaints provided via its webform and plans to use additional staff from other state agencies under the governor’s jurisdiction to process complaints.
Following a complaint about a business, the Department of Health will send a warning letter informing the business of the potential consequences, including fines and closure if the business is not compliant with the mitigation orders. If a business continues to receive complaints, it risks referral to the Pennsylvania State Police or regulatory agencies, further fines and possible closure.
“As Pennsylvanians, we have a responsibility to one another, to do what we can to protect each other and preserve the life we all love in this commonwealth,” Gov. Wolf said. “For those who refuse to do their part to protect their neighbors and communities and refuse to accept that their actions have consequences that cause pain and suffering for others, we will be stepping up enforcement of all of the public health orders Dr. Levine and I have put in place.
“We are in a very dangerous situation, and we need to work together to stop the spread of COVID-19 right now because if we give in to the virus, we will lose many more Pennsylvanians. And that is unacceptable.”