The Allegany County Health Department reports 98 new COVID cases in Allegany County and three additional deaths since Monday. This brings the county’s cumulative case count to 5,622 with 159 deaths. The current case rate in Allegany County is 47.07 cases per 100,000 population, while Maryland’s state average is currently 44.18 cases per 100,000 population. Allegany’s positivity rate is now at 9.39%, while the statewide average is 9.44%.
The state has begun its phased rollout of vaccines and recently launched an informational page to answer questions the public may have regarding vaccination priorities, efficacy, safety, etc. You can find that information at https://covidlink.maryland.gov/content/vaccine/. Fact sheets and safety information about the vaccines can also be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronav…/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html.
From GCHD: Although information about the distribution of COVID-19 vaccine has taken over most news feeds, testing for COVID-19 cases continues throughout the nation and in Garrett County.
Today’s statistics for Garrett County include:
• A total of 1,543 COVID-19 cases
• A total of 52 deaths due to COVID-19 or its complications
• A 7-day case rate of 49.7 per 100,000 Garrett County residents, compared to Maryland’s case rate of 44.2.
• A 7-day positivity rate of 15.6%, compared to Maryland’s rate of 9.5%
For the most up-to-date information about vaccine distribution and testing in Garrett County watch for announcements from the Health Department on media outlets, the Health Department’s Facebook page and website (garretthealth.org).
Additional COVID-19 resources:
• Vaccinations are being given by appointment only, which must be made by your attending medical provider. Do not come to a vaccination clinic without an appointment. Proof of age and proof of Garrett County residency will be required.
• If you have COVID-19 like symptoms, schedule a testing appointment at the Health Department by calling 301-334-7697.
• Free COVID-19 testing is available (with or without symptoms) on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the MEDCO Building in the McHenry Business Park. Pre-registration is recommended. Visit garretthealth.org for more information.
• 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.
As announced by Governor Hogan at a press conference Tuesday evening, Maryland is moving to a rolling vaccine allocation model. This allows Garrett County some additional flexibility in vaccinating the most high-risk populations. However, the supply of the vaccine is limited.
The Health Department reports that it has vaccinated nearly all health care providers and public safety personnel that are in the priority population. As additional vaccine becomes available the Health Department is working with local partners to identify the very highest risk populations, including those in assisted living facilities, group homes, and licensed Social Workers who have been added to the highest risk group. As indicated in Governor Hogan’s latest press conference, the State anticipates moving to Phase 1B, at which time all persons age 75 and older, as well as education staff will be able to register for vaccination.
Vaccinations are being given by appointment only, which must be made by your attending medical provider. Do not come to a vaccination clinic without an appointment. Proof of age and proof of Garrett County residency will be required.
The Health Department is NOT keeping a list of people who want to get the vaccine. When vaccine appointments become available for different segments of the population, the Health Department will announce qualification requirements and instructions on how to schedule an appointment. Please watch media outlets, the Health Department’s Facebook page or website (garretthealth.org) for updates.
“Overseeing the distribution of the vaccine is probably the most challenging responsibility the Health Department has been tasked with in decades,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens. “We have a very limited supply of vaccine and it is not possible to provide the vaccine to everyone who wants it at this time. We are relying on our partner agencies to help us make sure the vaccine we do have gets to the folks who need it most.”
Additional COVID-19 resources:
● Visit garretthealth.org for the most up-to-date COVID-19 information.
● If you have COVID-19 like symptoms, schedule a testing appointment at the Health Department by calling 301-334-7697.
● Free COVID-19 testing is available (with or without symptoms) on Tuesdays (9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) and Thursdays (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), at the MEDCO Building in the McHenry Business Park. Pre-registration is recommended. Visit garretthealth.org for more information.
● 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.
anuary 6, 2021 Grant County Public Information Sandria Glasscock, RN – Public Information Officer
We have not been given information on when COVID vaccine will be available for anyone under age 80, or for other conditions but will publicize that as soon as information is received from the Governor’s office.
Please… Everyone must do their part to prevent the continued spread of this virus. PLEASE, SOCIAL DISTANCE … remember, COVID can be contagious 2 days before you have symptoms. If you have been told to quarantine, please be responsible and stay away from others.
There were Eighteen (18) new cases reported today.
931 Total COVID Cases
• 725 Confirmed Positive COVID cases
• 206 Probable COVID cases (Probable cases are those that have a positive result from a rapid antigen test).
• 750 Total Recovered
• 160 Active Cases. Multiple are hospitalized, however as many are transferred to other hospitals quickly it is difficult to obtain accurate information quickly.
• 17 Deaths listed as COVID related (6 from GRCC).
Possible symptoms of COVID are increased sinus or cold like symptoms, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, fever, muscle aches, cough, shortness of breath, headache, or diarrhea.
COVID TESTING
Free Curative testing (oral swab) at PES on Friday January 8 from 12 noon until 6 pm. Go to www.curative.com to schedule an appointment.
Grant Memorial Hospital:
COVID testing hours LIMITED TO TWO DAYS WEEKLY
Monday and Thursday 6:00 am- 9:00 am and 6:00 pm- 9:00 pm
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 27 confirmed cases today. Case investigation and contact tracing are ongoing.
Hampshire County’s current case count is 1,126 confirmed (PCR and Rapid test combined), 150 active, 19 deaths and 6 hospitalizations.
**Free community testing**
Hampshire County Fairgrounds
Thursday, January 7th – 9a-3p
Register for an appointment at www.curative.com
You can also find other testing options at https://dhhr.wv.gov/COVID-19/pages/testing.aspx
HARDY COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
January 6th, 2021 COVID-19 UPDATE
COUNTY INFECTION RATE: RED
COUNTY POSITIVITY RATE: RED
LESSER OF THE TWO: RED
The Hardy County Health Department and Hardy County Office of Emergency Management has 22 additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Hardy County, making 171 active cases, with a total confirmed case count of 929. We have had 10 confirmed COVID-19 deaths. We currently have 155 patients in quarantine at home, following proper protocol to protect their neighbors and community.
16 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 748 individuals recovered, included in the total confirmed case count of 929.
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 linger in the air, as well as land on objects and surfaces. Other people may contract COVID-19 by breathing in the droplets, touching these objects or surfaces, or by touching their eyes, nose or mouth. COVID-19 can be very easily spread by airborne transmission when near a contagious person or in the same room or enclosed space. 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, and a few recently released to prevent COVID-19. The first vaccines available will be used for healthcare workers, first responders, and the most vulnerable community members. 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 version at https://www.dropbox.com/…/20210106-hardy-covid-update…
Close to 100 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in Hardy County since January 1st. Hardy County Health Department Administrator Bill Ours says the increase in cases can be attributed to gatherings over the holidays. He talks about the upcoming vaccination clinics for those 80 and older in the community. Ours also discusses getting his first dose of vaccine. To hear the interview click here https://soundcloud.com/…/bill-ours-on-vaccine-and-rise…
In Mineral County the total number of positive cases is 2103, with 505 active cases , 52 probable cases, 1567 recovered and 69 deaths
Mineral County Public Schools Superintendent Troy Ravenscroft talks about the reopening plan looking ahead at January 19th. He says each Friday afternoon they will announce the plans for the following week’s learning plan. Ravenscroft says the options will include either traditional with all students, four days per week, with Wednesday closure for cleaning and meal delivery; a blended A/B schedule with half of students Monday/Tuesday and half Thursday/Friday also with a Wednesday closure for cleaning and meal delivery or remote: home/remote learning with Wednesday meal delivery. Ravenscroft says the decisions each week will be based on a variety of factors. Ravenscroft also talks about his family’s experience with COVID-19. To hear the interview click here https://soundcloud.com/…/mineral-county-public-schools…