All Allegany County Public School students will remain in a fully-virtual learning format for the week of November 23rd through November 25th. Schools will be CLOSED on Thursday, November 26, 2020, Friday, November 27, 2020, and Monday, November 30, 2020, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Please note that Wednesday, November 25, 2020, is a 3-hour early dismissal for students. Students will engage in synchronous learning through Schoology in the morning, but there will be no asynchronous learning in the afternoon, and teachers will not have office hours. Announcements regarding the learning format for the week of December 1st will be communicated to the public on Friday, November 27, 2020.
All Garrett County Public Schools and Central Office locations will close on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. and will remain closed on November 26th and November 27th. Students, parents, and families should note that the Help Desk will not be open on these dates and times. We wish everyone a happy and healthy Thanksgiving Holiday.
The Allegany County Health Department reports 274 new cases of COVID-19 and 7 additional deaths. This brings Allegany County’s cumulative total number of cases to 2,183, with a total of 47 deaths from COVID-19.
Currently, Allegany County’s case rate is 145.46 per 100,000 population compared to the state average of 35.05 per 100,000. Allegany County’s current positivity rate is 14.89%, while the statewide average is slightly less than half that amount at 7.17%.
More than 2,000 people have taken advantage of the free drive-thru COVID-19 testing available at the Allegany County Fairgrounds. Testing continues to be offered on Mondays from 2 to 7 p.m. and on Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointment, insurance or doctor’s order is required.
Health officials are stressing the seriousness of this pandemic and the danger it poses to the community. Everyone should take COVID-19 precautions seriously to protect the most vulnerable among us. Making simple adjustments like choosing to stay home for the holidays instead of traveling, getting take-out at restaurants instead of dining in, calling friends and family instead of visiting in person, and adhering to public health directives for masking, social distancing, and avoiding social gatherings can help protect you and your family and reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community. For more information on recommendations for holiday celebrations, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html.
From ACPS: WEEKLY COVID-19 UPDATE: For the week of November 14 – 20, 2020, ACPS reports 15 individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 who were within an Allegany County Public School. These individuals will complete the required isolation period. Contact tracing in 10 of these cases indicated no close contacts and no need to quarantine staff or students. In the remaining 5 cases, close contacts were identified, and those individuals will complete a 14-day quarantine period. Notification was sent out via the ACPS Blackboard notification system if there was a positive case in a building.
From ACPS FOOD SERVICE UPDATE: Flintstone Elementary School will begin serving meals again starting on Monday, November 23, 2020.
From GCHD: The Garrett County Health Department received notification of 112 additional COVID-19 positive cases since the last report on Wednesday, November 18th, as well as two deaths attributed to COVID-19. Both of the deceased were living in Allegany County long-term care facilities, but their official residency was Garrett County. As a general rule, COVID-19 cases are counted in the jurisdiction where they lived when infected, but deaths are attributed to the county of official residence.
These additions bring the total cumulative case count in Garrett County to 511, and the total deaths to 3. The new positive COVID-19 cases for Garrett County include:
· 1 male and 2 females age 0-9
· 2 males and 3 females age 10-19
· 11 males and 6 females in their 20s
· 6 males and 15 females in their 30s
· 7 males and 6 females in their 40s
· 9 males and 13 females in their 50s
· 7 males and 8 females in their 60s
· 7 males and 8 females in their 70s
· 1 female in her 80s
“We understand people are concerned and want to get tested because the number of cases is growing so dramatically,” said Dr. Jennifer Corder, Deputy Health Officer for Garrett and Allegany Counties. “We are currently working on a plan to increase opportunities for local testing.”
Please visit garretthealth.org to access a list of current testing options and for the most up-to-date COVID-19 information.
COVID-19 case counts continue to go up across the region and throughout the country, making it harder and harder for contact tracers to keep up with the surge.
“Because of the large number of positive cases across the region, if you test positive for COVID-19 it is important to immediately isolate yourself and remain in isolation for 10 days,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens. “Contact tracers are having a hard time keeping up with the volume of cases. If you test positive, do your part to reduce the spread by calling your close contacts and asking them to quarantine for 14 days from their last contact with you. We all need to take personal responsibility to help keep others safe.”
If you know you are a close contact to a confirmed COVID-19 case immediately begin quarantining. You can get tested 3-5 days after you are exposed, whether or not you have symptoms. If you develop symptoms, get tested at that time. Symptoms can develop anywhere from 2-14 days after exposure.
Visit garretthealth.org for the most up-to-date COVID-19 information.
In Mineral County there are 885 total cases 353 are active 17 are probable and there have been eight total deaths
The Mineral County health department has received official notification of the 6th, 7th and 8th 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 17 employees and 26 residents that have tested positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). This brings the total to 63 residents and 31 employees 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 working to identify 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).
The Health Department is working closely with the West Virginia DHHR Bureau for Public Health’s Division of Infectious Disease Epidemiology to provide testing for all residents and staff at the facility.
For more information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), please visit our website at www.mineralcountyhealthdepartment.com.
Address: 541 Harley O Staggers Dr STE 1, Keyser, WV
The Mineral County Health Department has received confirmation of an individual testing positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) at Small World Daycare located in Fort Ashby, WV.
The Health Department is working with the daycare to identify any potential persons who may have had close contact with the individual, including family members, friends and clientele.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, everyone is urged to follow best health practices as issued by the Governor’s Executive Orders and outlined by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) and the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) guidance. This includes wearing face coverings, and practicing social distancing, hand washing and cleaning protocols regularly.
Those who feel they need to be tested, please contact your primary care provider, your local hospital or your local healthcare clinic. For more information about COVID-19 visit the DHHR at www.coronavirus.wv.gov or the CDC at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
For details about WVDE and DHHR guidance documents, visit https://wvde.us/COVID19.
The Mineral County Health Department has received confirmation of nine employees testing positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) at Mineral Fabrication located in Keyser, WV. This has been classified as an official outbreak (#991) by the West Virginia DHHR Bureau for Public Health’s Division of Infectious Disease Epidemiology.
The Health Department is working to identify any potential persons who may have had close contact with the individuals, including family members, friends, and additional staff. Additionally, the facility has been closed for environmental cleaning and will reopen following a reinspection by the Health Department.
As a reminder, wearing masks, social distancing and frequent hand washing/sanitizing of hands are the best ways to keep numbers low. Wearing a mask protects those around you. Social distancing limits the chances of COVID-19 droplets from spreading from one individual to another. Hand washing and sanitizing as well as not touching the mouth, eyes, or nose help eliminate or reduce self-contamination.
For more information on COVID-19 you may visit www.mineralcountyhealthdepartment.com , visit our Facebook page or go to the CDC website at www.cdc.gov (COVID-19 tab).
Grant County is in the Orange on the County Alert System map due to a 5.12 percent positivity rate, and in the Red for the Infection rate of 45.08. Based on Governor Justice orders, the National Guard will respond to the uptick in cases by conducting the following:
Free Drive Through COVID Testing in Grant County
Monday November 23 at Petersburg Elementary School
10:00 am until 3:30 pm
Tuesday November 24 at Union Educational Complex
10:00 am until 3:30 pm
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.
30 total new cases over the weekend Four that received their positive test results were in Grant County Schools early this week while contagious but prior to symptoms. These people did not report contact with each other, so all appear to be from community contact. School and Local Health personnel are contact tracing those that have been within 6 ft for 15 minutes or more to the person diagnosed up to 2 days prior to symptoms or diagnosis of COVID.
There were Three (3) new positive cases today. Unfortunately, these cases were staff from Grant County Rehabilitation and Care Center (GCRCC). Protocol is being followed for an Outbreak in a Long-Term Care Facility (LTCF).
There were no other test results available today.
315 Total COVID Cases
• 236 Confirmed Positive COVID cases
• 79 Probable COVID cases (Probable cases are those that have a positive test from a rapid antigen test).
• 219 Total Recovered
• 83 Active Cases. Four are hospitalized.
• 13 Deaths, of these: 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 18 confirmed cases over the weekend. Case investigation and contact tracing are ongoing.
Hampshire County’s current case count is 260 confirmed, 23 probable, 80 active, 2 deaths and 2 hospitalizations.
Free testing available at Hampshire Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, November 24th from 9a-1p.
Care for your community and wear your mask!
The Hampshire County Health Department confirmed one employee of SOME Inc of High View has tested positive, due to the residential setting of the organization this is an official outbreak. One employee at the Farmer’s Daughter in Capon Bridge tested positive anyone who may have worked there between Nov12th and 13 or who may have visited may have come into contact with a positive case
The Hardy County Health Department and Hardy County Office of Emergency Management has 27 additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Hardy County, making 55 active cases, with a total confirmed case count of 202. We have had one confirmed COVID-19 death. We currently have 53 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 146 individuals recovered, included in the total confirmed case count of 202.
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 304-530-0221 or [email protected].
For a printable version, see
Bedford County
Total Cases: 1,194
Confirmed: 928
Probable: 266
Negative: 6,379
Cases per 100,000: 2,478.4
Deaths: 14
Deaths per 100,000: 29.1
Somerset County
Total Cases: 1,445
Confirmed: 1,150
Probable: 295
Negative: 14,598
Cases per 100,000: 1,954.0
Deaths: 9
Deaths per 100,000: 12.2
Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the State of Maryland reported a new daily high of 51,510 COVID-19 tests, smashing all previous records. State health officials continue to expand Maryland’s testing capacity during the fall surge, and strongly encourage all Marylanders to get tested for COVID-19.
According to official data from the Maryland Department of Health, the state reported 2,885 new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 177,887 confirmed cases, and 16 new deaths, for a total of 4,261 confirmed deaths.
“We are and will continue to be much better positioned than most states when it comes to testing because of Maryland’s acquisition of test kits from South Korea, our strategic stockpile of tests and supplies, and our successful long-term testing strategy,” said Governor Hogan. “As we battle this fall surge, one of the most important things you can do to protect your friends and family is to get tested for COVID-19. If you are a college student planning on returning home for the holidays—get a test. If you are planning to spend any time around your grandparents—get a test. If you are returning from any out-of-state travel—get a test.”
4.09 Million COVID-19 Tests Completed To Date. Today’s milestone comes one day after the governor announced that the state surpassed 4 million total COVID-19 tests. Prior to today, the state’s previous record high was 43,969 test results. The cornerstone of the state’s long-term testing strategy continues to be the COVID-19 tests secured in coordination with the South Korean government and Korean Embassy in Washington, D.C. These tests are being deployed at the state’s community-based sites, and to help address clusters and outbreaks in nursing homes and congregate living settings. To date, the state has utilized more than 375,000 LabGenomics tests.
Daily and Seven-Day Positivity Rates Drop Slightly. Maryland’s seven-day average positivity rate dropped slightly today to 7.13%, and the daily positivity rate also decreased to 6.41%. The statewide positivity rate has been over the CDC benchmark of 5% since November 9—12 days ago.
Total Hospitalizations Rise By 22. Total current hospitalizations rose by 22 to 1,229, their highest levels since May 30. 278 patients are currently in intensive care units, the highest level since June 17.
Statewide Average Case Rate Rises To 36.2. Maryland’s average case rate has risen to 36.2, with a 49.3% increase in the past week. Case rates have now risen above 10 in all 24 jurisdictions and above 20 in 20 jurisdictions.
More Than 230 Testing Sites Available Statewide. The state supports and manages dozens of community-based sites located in areas with the greatest needs, including the Baltimore Convention Center Field Hospital, Six Flags America theme park, and Annapolis Capitol Area testing sites. As the pandemic has continued, the state’s COVID-19 Testing Task Force has focused its efforts on expanding operating hours and adding staff at these existing community-based sites to deal with increased demand. Beginning on Monday, November 30, the Baltimore Convention Center Field Hospital testing site will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. as well as Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Marylanders can plan to be tested at one of more than 230 testing sites by visiting covidtest.maryland.gov
The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., November 21, that there were 6,778 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 302,564.
There are 3,162 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. We have reached levels seen in May when hospitalizations were at their highest. Of that number, 661 patients are in the intensive care unit with COVID-19. Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.
The trend in the 14-day moving average of number of hospitalized patients per day has increased by nearly 1,900 since the end of September.
Statewide percent positivity for the week of November 6 – November 12 stood at 9.6%.
The most accurate daily data is available on the website, with archived data also available.
The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between November 14 and November 20 is 400,253 with 41,399 positive cases. There were 58,950 PCR test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., November 20.
As of 11:59 p.m., November 20, there were 112 new deaths reported for a total of 9,801 deaths attributed to COVID-19. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.
Mask-wearing is required in all businesses and whenever leaving home. Consistent mask-wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.
There are 11,852 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 643 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.
There are 2,668,676 individuals who have had a negative PCR test to date. Of those who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:
- Approximately 1% are ages 0-4;
- Nearly 3% are ages 5-12;
- Nearly 6% are ages 13-18;
- Approximately 13% are ages 19-24;
- Nearly 37% are ages 25-49;
- Approximately 21% are ages 50-64; and
- Nearly 20% are ages 65 or older.
In nursing and personal care homes since the start of the pandemic, there have been 31,548 resident cases of COVID-19, and 6,357 cases among employees, for a total of 37,905 at 1,207 distinct facilities in63 counties. Out of our total deaths, 6,266 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.
Approximately 13,968 of our total cases are among health care workers.
The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
- Clean surfaces frequently.
- Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
- If you must go out, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.
- Download the COVID Alert PA app and make your phone part of the fight. The free app can be found in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store by searching for “covid alert pa”.
Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics
- Daily COVID-19 Report
- Press releases regarding coronavirus
- Latest information on the coronavirus
- Photos of the state’s lab in Exton (for download and use)
- Coronavirus and preparedness graphics (located at the bottom of the page)
- Community preparedness and procedures materials
All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts.
Allegany County Commissioner Dave Caporale talks about the ongoing surge of COVID-19 cases in the region along with the response from state and federal officials and the sale of the Country Club Mall. To hear the interview click here https://soundcloud.com/…/allegany-county-commissioner…