The Allegany County Health Department reports 83 new COVID cases in Allegany County and three additional deaths. This brings the county’s cumulative case count to 5,705 with 162 deaths. The current case rate in Allegany County is 44.84 cases per 100,000 population, while Maryland’s state average is currently 45.4 cases per 100,000 population. Allegany’s positivity rate is now at 8.68%, while the statewide average is 9.16%.
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.
The following is an update on the distribution of COVID-19 vaccine from Allegany County Commission President Jake Shade:
Allegany County has so far received 3400 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. 1900 of these doses have been sent to UPMC-Western Maryland and 1500 to the Allegany County Health Department (the doses were received in batches of 100+700+700= 1500). All of these doses have been the Moderna vaccine, it’s expected to continue that way. It’s anticipated Allegany County will receive at least 700 vaccines a week barring supply chain issues.
The first 100 doses were for the employees and support staff administering the vaccine and testing. The next 1400 have been for healthcare workers, first responders, law enforcement, county correctional officers, and judiciary. Of these 1400- 1,175 have been administered or will be administered next week. If not used by the group listed above these vaccines will be added to the total available to the general public age 75+.
Early next week officials will release a joint statement with the Allegany County Health Department with instructions as to how the public age 75 and older can schedule a vaccine. The vaccination process will be held at a county building which has been identified. It will not be held at the Fairgrounds as testing will continue at that location. An appointment will be required and you must be 75 years of age or older and an Allegany County resident.
Separately, CVS/Walgreens has been to every nursing home in Allegany County with the exception of three, which will each get the vaccination by Monday. (Moran Manor is 1/8/2021, Sterling 1/9/2021, Devlin 1/11/2021). This program is being run federally and outside the purview of MDH. Some nursing homes received the Pfizer vaccines and some Moderna. At one nursing home roughly 90% of residents and 70% of staff elected to receive the vaccine. This should continue to drive down the hospitalization rate in Allegany County.
From ACPS: For the week of January 4 – 8, 2021, ACPS reports one (1) individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 who was within an Allegany County Public School building. This individual will complete the required isolation period. Close contacts were identified and will complete a 14-day quarantine period. Notification was provided to school employees that there was a case in the building.
Maryland has updated their COVID-19 vaccine priority groups and added a 1C group. Currently, Maryland is in stage 1A for vaccine distribution. The attached chart helps to clarify the various priority groups.
Today’s statistics for Garrett County include:
• A total of 1,584 COVID-19 cases
• A total of 52 deaths due to COVID-19 or its complications
• A 7-day case rate of 51.7 per 100,000 Garrett County residents, compared to Maryland’s case rate of 45.4.
• A 7-day positivity rate of 15.4%, compared to Maryland’s rate of 9.2%
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).
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.
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.
Additional COVID-19 resources:
• 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.
We are saddened to report the death of a 59-year-old Grant County lady, the family has our deepest sympathy.
We have administered over 200 doses COVID vaccine to Grant County residents over age 80. If there are any residents over age 80 that did not receive the vaccine and would like to be put on the OVER 80 list, please call Grant County Health Department at 304-257-4922.
We are not able to start a list for any other age groups as we have not been given guidance on when vaccine may be available 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 Three (3) new cases reported today.
980 Total COVID Cases
• 771 Confirmed Positive COVID cases
• 209 Probable COVID cases (Probable cases are those that have a positive result from a rapid antigen test).
• 803 Total Recovered
• 155 Active Cases. Multiple are hospitalized, however as many are transferred to other hospitals quickly it is difficult to obtain accurate information quickly.
• 18 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
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 28 confirmed cases this weekend. Case investigation and contact tracing are ongoing.
Hampshire County’s current case count is 1,211 confirmed (PCR and Rapid test combined), 112 active, 19 deaths and 5 hospitalizations.
**Free community testing**
Hampshire County Fairgrounds
Tuesday January 12th – 9a-1p
Thursday January 14th – 9a-3p
You can also find other testing options at https://dhhr.wv.gov/COVID-19/pages/testing.aspx
The Hampshire County Health Department has confirmed one employee at Anthony’s Junior in Capon Bridge tested positive for COVID- 19 The facility has been closed until January 17th
HARDY COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
January 9th, 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 32 additional confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Hardy County, making 196 active cases, with a total confirmed case count of 1021. We have had 11 confirmed COVID-19 deaths. We currently have 178 patients in quarantine at home, following proper protocol to protect their neighbors and community.
18 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 814 individuals recovered, included in the total confirmed case count of 1021.
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/.
The community member was a 77-year-old male who died at home. On behalf of the entire staff of the Hardy County Health Department, they extend condolences to his family and friends.
In Mineral County there are a total of 2138 cases since the pandemic began, 178 are active, 52 are probable, 1929 have recovered and there are a total of 69 deaths. No costs COVID-19 testing is being held at Keyser High School today from 10am until 6pm and tomorrow at Frankfort Middle School from 10am until 6pm for more details log on to curative.com
Bedford County
Total
Cases: 3,224
Confirmed:
2,444
Probable: 780
Negative: 7,950
Deaths:
100
Somerset County
Total Cases: 5,629
Confirmed: 4,322
Probable: 1,307
Negative: 17,776
Deaths: 109
Maryland elected and community leaders from the Maryland United for COVID Relief NOW Coalition held a virtual rally Sunday January 10 calling on Gov. Larry Hogan to release additional funds for financial relief for Maryland’s struggling families and small businesses. The virtual rally featured remarks from elected officials, faith leaders, community organizations and other speakers whose lives and livelihoods have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
MD Comptroller Peter Franchot discusses the recent Board of Public Works meeting, forbearance for business tax returns and payments along with an update on his efforts to provide financial relief to residents across the state. To hear the interview click here https://soundcloud.com/amanda-mangan/maryland-comptroller-peter-franchot-on-relief-for-small-businesses
Meanwhile MD Governor Larry Hogan will make a major announcement regarding COVID-19 economic relief during a press conference today at 11am in the Governor’s Reception Room
at the State House