According to the CDC, as the highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19 spreads, hospitalizations and deaths are back on the rise in the U.S. One very notable statistic is that the vast majority of deaths – 99% – have something critical in common. The affected individuals have not been vaccinated against COVID-19.
“This is becoming a pandemic of the unvaccinated,” said CDC Director Rochelle Walensky on Friday.
While high numbers of COVID hospitalizations and deaths are expected in areas of the world where vaccine supply is still limited, all of these hospitalizations and deaths are completely preventable in the United States where COVID vaccines are free and readily available.
The Allegany County Health Department continues to urge Allegany County residents to get a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible. ACHD will offer walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations on the ground floor of the Willowbrook Office Complex (12501 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland, MD) on Wednesday, July 21. From 9 a.m. to noon both the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccines will be offered for those age 18 and older. Then, from 1 to 4 p.m. the Pfizer COVID vaccine will be available for those age 12 and older. Anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian in order to be vaccinated.
“There really is no time to lose in order to prevent illness and death due to COVID-19,” said health department spokesperson Brenda Caldwell. “These vaccines are safe and effective, and studies show that unvaccinated individuals are at significantly higher risk for life-threatening health complications from COVID-19. Don’t wait. Vaccinate.”
The Allegany County Health Department reports that 40.3% of Allegany County residents are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 compared to 57.9% of all Marylanders.
Allegany County COVID-19 Case Statistics as of July 18:
• New COVID Cases: 6 (cumulative total 7,078)
• Additional Deaths: 0 (cumulative total 212)
• Cases Per 100,000 Population: 2.03 (Maryland: 2.53)
• Positivity Rate: 1.1 % (Maryland: 1.48%)
There were new cases of COVID-19 reported in Grant County. Only one case still active. Free Covid Testing is available from 11-5 at Viking Field.
