Daily COVID-19 Update

The Allegany County Health Department reports that Allegany County’s cumulative total number of COVID-19 cases is now at 2,804, with a total of 73 deaths attributed to coronavirus.

Currently, Allegany County’s case rate is 136.33 per 100,000 population, while the state average is 33.81 per 100,000.  Allegany County’s current positivity rate is 13.66%, while the statewide average is 6.86%. 

The health department continues to offer free drive-thru COVID-19 testing at the Allegany County Fairgrounds on Mondays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. No insurance, appointment, or doctor’s order is needed to obtain a test.

The Garrett County Health Department received 76 additional positive COVID-19 results as well as notice of one additional death due to COVID-19 complications since the last report on Friday, November 27th, bringing the current county total positives to 778 and the total deaths to 5.

“The staff of the Garrett County Health Department extends our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of those who have lost their lives during the pandemic,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens.

The current comparison of Garrett County to state numbers is as follows:

• 7-day positivity rate among Garrett County residents is 14.4% (Maryland rate is 6.9%)

• 7-day case rate per 100,000 among Garrett County residents is 114.2 (Maryland rate is 33.8)

The breakdown of new cases by age ranges:

• 15.8% (12 case) ages 0-20

• 23.7% (18 cases) ages 21-40

• 23.7% (18 cases) ages 41-60

• 18.4% (14 cases) ages 61-80

• 18.4% (14 cases) ages 81-100+

Garrett County Health Department will hold Free COVID-19 testing on Tuesdays (9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) and Thursdays (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) beginning on Tuesday, December 1st, at the MEDCO Building in the McHenry Business Park, located off Bumble Bee Road between Hart for Animals and the Garrett County Airport. There is no out-of-pocket cost to get a test at this site, and appointments and doctors’ orders are not required.

Please note the following specifics:

• It is critical that all persons waiting to be tested wear a face covering that fully covers their mouth and nose.

• When entering the site, follow event signs and watch for traffic personnel for direction. Be prepared for a possible wait depending on how many persons take advantage of this event.

• For persons who do not have symptoms of COVID-19, testing will be done indoors. Persons being tested are required to wait in their cars until they are directed to enter the building for testing.

• For persons who do have symptoms of COVID-19 (including fever, aches and pains, loss of taste and smell, and headaches) testing will be done outdoors in a drive-through lane.

To receive results as quickly as possible, be prepared to supply an email address when being tested. Persons with positive COVID-19 tests will be called as soon as possible. It is important to answer the phone if someone from the Garrett County Health Department or the State of Maryland calls. Persons who do not answer their phone, or who do not give a valid email address will receive test results through the mail (USPS).

Persons interested in volunteering to help with testing are encouraged to complete the COVID-19 Testing Clinic Volunteer Interest Form located at https://garretthealth.org/volunteer. There are many ways to volunteer at upcoming community clinics, and your contributions can make a tremendous difference in helping our community have access to as many testing opportunities as possible.

Partners assisting the Garrett County Health Department with testing include Garrett County Government and Emergency Management, Garrett County Public Schools, and volunteers.

Additional COVID-19 resources:

• Visit garretthealth.org for the most up-to-date COVID-19 information.

• To schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 test or an Influenza vaccination at the Health Department call 301-334-7697. Note: No appointment is needed for the community testing events at the MEDCO Building announced above.

• For all other COVID-19 related questions, or to report a COVID-19 compliance issue, call the local COVID-19 Hotline number at 301-334-7698.

From GCHD: Garrett County Health Department and its partners will hold Free COVID-19 testing on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning on Tuesday, December 1st.

These testing events will be held at the MEDCO Building in the McHenry Business Park, located off Bumble Bee Road between Hart for Animals and the Garrett County Airport. There is no out-of-pocket cost to get a test at this site, and appointments and doctors’ orders are not required.

Testing times for each day are as follows:

• Tuesdays – 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• Thursdays – 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

It is critical that all persons waiting to be tested wear a face covering that fully covers their mouth and nose.

When entering the site, follow event signs and watch for traffic personnel for direction. Be prepared for a possible wait depending on how many persons take advantage of this event.

For all persons who do not have symptoms of COVID-19, testing will be indoors. Persons being tested are required to wait in their cars until they are directed to enter the building for testing.

For anyone who does have symptoms of COVID-19 (including fever, aches and pains, loss of taste and smell, and headaches) testing will be done outdoors in a drive through lane.

To receive results as quickly as possible, be prepared to supply an email address when being tested. Persons with positive COVID-19 tests will be called as soon as possible. It is important to answer the phone if someone from the Garrett County Health Department or the State of Maryland calls. Persons who do not answer their phone, or who do not give a valid email address will receive test results through the mail (USPS).  

Persons interested in volunteering to help with testing are encouraged to complete the COVID-19 Testing Clinic Volunteer Interest Form located at https://garretthealth.org/volunteer. There are many ways to volunteer at upcoming community clinics, and your contributions can make a tremendous difference in helping our community have access to as many testing opportunities as possible.

Partners assisting the Garrett County Health Department with testing include Garrett County Government and Emergency Management, Garrett County Public Schools, and volunteers.

Additional COVID-19 resources:

• Visit garretthealth.org for the most up-to-date COVID-19 information.

• To schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 test or an Influenza vaccination at the Health Department call 301-334-7697. Note: No appointment is needed for the community testing events at the MEDCO Building announced above.

• For all other COVID-19 related questions, or to report a COVID-19 compliance issue, call the local COVID-19 Hotline number at 301-334-7698.

In Mineral County there are a total of 1232 positive cases, 609 are active, 33 are probable, 614 have recovered and there are 19 total deaths. Testing will be held today and Thursday from 9am until noon at the Mineral County VoTech and from 2-5pm at the Mineral County Fairgrounds

PLEASE, SOCIAL DISTANCE … remember, COVID can be contagious 2 days before you have symptoms. 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.

11-30-20 Grant County Infection Rate was 95.09 (RED), and Percent Positivity 8.43 (RED).

We continue to have contacts of previous positives become symptomatic and/or test positive throughout the 14-day quarantine time. Please, if you have been told to quarantine, stay away from others for the full 14 days.

Please… 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.

There were Twenty (20) new positive cases today.

443 Total COVID Cases

• 329 Confirmed Positive COVID cases

• 114 Probable COVID cases (Probable cases are those that have a positive test from a rapid antigen test).

• 273 Total Recovered

• 157 Active Cases. Eight are hospitalized.

• 9 Deaths listed as COVID related (6 from GRCC).

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

As part of Gov. Jim Justice’s initiative to increase testing opportunities for all West Virginians, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and the Grant County Health Department are providing FREE COVID-19 testing.

Grant County

December 1, 2 and 4 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Petersburg Elementary School 333 Rig Street

Petersburg, WV 26847

December 3 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Union Education Complex (School at Mt. Storm) 52 Tiger Drive

Mt. Storm, WV 26739

This testing is available to all individuals in Grant County, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is NOT required. Attendees should bring identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address, to help in returning test results. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. NOTE: Testing will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.

coronavirus.wv.gov | 1-800-887-4304

The Hampshire County Health Department has received 14 confirmed cases today. Case investigation and contact tracing are ongoing. Hampshire County’s current case count is 318 confirmed, 44 probable, 115 active, 3 deaths and 5 hospitalizations.

Free community testing dates To Be Announced

HARDY COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

November 30, 2020 COVID-19 UPDATE 

   COUNTY INFECTION RATE: RED

 COUNTY POSITIVITY RATE: ORANGE

 LESSER OF THE TWO: ORANGE

 The Hardy County Health Department and Hardy County Office of Emergency Management has eighteen additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Hardy County, making 108 active cases, with a total confirmed case count of 306. We have had one confirmed COVID-19 death. We currently have 106 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 197 individuals recovered, included in the total confirmed case count of 306.

 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].  

Printable copy: https://www.dropbox.com/s/uaaomznki0kmrqx/20201130-hardy-covid-update.pdf?dl=0

Allegany County TRANSIT ALERT: Due to the rise of COVID-19 cases in our county and its effect on transit staff all scheduled bus routes are discontinued until further notice. Alltrans will transport to medical appointments by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, please call at least one business day in advance, by 12 noon, to schedule your ride. JARC Transportation to the North Branch Industrial Park will continue as usual. If you have any questions, please call Alltrans at 301-724-1255 or the transit main number 301-722-6360.