Allegany County is reporting a positivity rate for COVID-19 cases of 9.25 per cent; the Maryland rate is 11.09. Cases per 100,000 are 76.16 locally, while the state is reporting 112.23. Currently 48.9 per cent of Allegany County residents are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as compared to 70.3 per cent of all Maryland residents. The state has halted monoclonal antibody treatments on the advice of the Department of Health and Human Services, due to reduced effectiveness. Health officials continue to stress that vaccinations and boosters are the best defense against severe illness or death from COVID-19. Testing and vaccination clinics are posted on the Health Department website, or you can call to register for an appointment at (240)-650-3999.