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THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
FIVE NEW COVID-19 CASES IN ALLEGANY COUNTY
The Allegany County Health Department is reporting five new COVID-19 cases, including a woman in her 30’s, two women in their 40’s, a man in his 50’s, and another man in his 60’s. None of the new cases has required hospitalization. This brings the cumulative case count for Allegany County to 435.
ADDITIONAL CASES OF COVID-19 REPORTED IN GARRETT COUNTY
Garrett County is reporting four more positive COVID-19 cases, bringing the total positive cases to 70. The new cases include a woman in her 50’s, with symptoms, who is isolating at home; a man in his 30’s, with symptoms, who is isolating at home. The other cases include a woman in her 30’s, who had…
RESTAURANTEURS ASK GOVERNOR TO EASE INDOOR DINING RESTRICTIONS
Marshall Weston, president of the Maryland Restaurant Association, is asking Governor Larry Hogan to increase indoor dining capacity from 50 to 75 per cent. As the weather turns cooler, it will be difficult for restaurants to survive through the end of the year. Weston adds that Hogan’s team would make the ultimate decision, but he…
WOLF RESPONDS TO COURT RULING
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolfe is hitting back, after a federal judge ruled that many of his pandemic shutdown orders were unconstitutional. The governor vowed to NOT heed what he called the “irresponsible demands” of President Trump and Republicans in the state legislature concerning the state’s response to the coronavirus. The Wolf Administration said it will…
NBCI INMATE, STERLING RESIDENT AMONG NEW COVID-19 CASES
There are 13 new cases of COVID-19, among them, a North Branch Correctional Institution inmate and a resident of Sterling Care Frostburg Village. The new cases also include a female teenager, three females in their 20’s, a man and woman in their 30’s, two women in their 40’s, a man and a woman in their…
THREE COVID CASES IN NEARBY WEST VIRGINIA COUNTIES
Cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Mineral, Grant, and Hardy counties. In Mineral, a student at Burlington Primary School has tested positive; Hardy County has reported that “an individual associated with Moorefield High School” has tested positive; and, Grant County cases were reported at the Union Educational Complex and Petersburg High School. Also, in…
FROSTBURG CONSIDERING COVID-19 TESTING SITE
The city of Frostburg is considering establishing a COVID-19 testing site at 14 South Water Street, otherwise known as City Place. A one-year lease agreement would be executed with Principle Labs, LLC. Under the agreement, the lab may not charge residents any fees for the testing, other than those which are paid by test subjects’…
WOLF’S PANDEMIC RESTRICTIONS RULED UNCONSTITUTIONAL
A federal judge has ruled Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s pandemic restrictions unconstitutional. The restrictions included placing size limits on gatherings, required people to stay home, and ordered “non-life-sustaining” businesses to shut down. The judge sided with plaintiffs including hair salons, drive-in movie theaters, a farmer’s market vendor and several Republican office holders in their lawsuit…
SIX NEW CASES OF COVID-19 REPORTED ON FRIDAY
The Allegany County Health Department is reporting six new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, including a male in his teens, a woman in her 20’s, a woman in her 40’s, a man and a woman in their 50’s, and a man in his 70’s. None of the cases has required hospitalization. The number of cumulative…
FSU TO CONDUCT ANOTHER ROUND OF TESTING
Frostburg State University will conduct a second round of universal COVID-19 testing on faculty, staff, and students September 21st through the 23rd. This is in keeping with guidance from the University System of Maryland. Those who have already been tested will be tested again. Student athletes are subject to separate weekly surveillance testing, but they…
GARRETT COUNTY RECORDS FIRST COVID-19 RELATED DEATH
The Garrett County Health Department has received notification of the county’s first COVID-19 related death. Additionally, they also received positive COVID-19 results for one additional person, bringing the current county total positives to 66. COVID-19 was not the primary cause of death but was a factor. That person was living in a nursing home in…
TWO DEATHS, SEVEN NEW COVID-19 CASES
The Allegany County Health Department is reporting one community member in their 70’s and a second person, who was in a nursing home, have died from COVID-19. Since Friday, there have been seven new cases of COVID-19 identified in the county, including a male and female in their teens, four women in their 20’s, and…
GARRETT COUNTY REPORTS ONE ADDITIONAL COVID-19 CASE
The Garrett County Health Department is reporting one additional positive COVID-19 case, bringing the current total to 65. The new positive case is a woman in her 20’s, who has symptoms and is isolating at home. There are currently two persons isolating in Garrett County, due to COVID-19 positive tests. Any future testing days will…
FREE DRIVE-THRU TESTING TODAY
The Allegany County Health Department is offering free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing at the Allegany County Fairgrounds today, from 1 to 6 p.m. You’re being asked to bring a driver’s license or other identification that shows your name, address and date of birth. You don’t need an appointment, a doctor’s order, or an insurance card. The…
MARYLAND ADDED TO QUARANTINE LIST
Four states, including Maryland and West Virginia, were added to the 14-day quarantine list for New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. New York and two neighboring states implemented a joint travel advisory in late June, as the coronavirus began to peak in other parts of the country, after hammering the Northeast in March and April.…
Daily Prevention and Preparedness
At this time, there is no vaccine for COVID-19. Prevention of COVID-19 centers on frequent hand-washing, covering coughs and sneezes and separating people who have respiratory symptoms.
Treatment for COVID-19, as with any coronavirus infection like the common cold, includes the use of over-the-counter fever-relievers,
drinking plenty of fluids and resting at home to help relieve symptoms. Those with more severe symptoms may be hospitalized to provide additional support.
While much remains unknown about COVID-19, the CDC reports that people who are elderly and who have chronic health conditions appear to be at higher risk for infection. These chronic conditions may include cancer, diabetes, heart disease or any issue that lowers the body’s immunity to germs.
Information and updates about COVID-19 in Maryland—including up-to-date testing and confirmed case count information—are available at health.maryland.gov/coronavirus. The page is updated every morning.
Additional information about COVID-19, including the latest CDC travel advisories, can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html.
Prevention Tips
Wash your hands frequently
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.Maintain social distancing
Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick. Practice respiratory hygiene
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider
Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.
Maryland’s Coronavirus Information
UPMC – WESTERN MARYLAND VISITATION POLICY
MARYLAND BUSINESS RESOURCE PAGE
ALLEGANY COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION OFFICIAL SITE
On January 29, Governor Hogan directed all state agencies to take every precaution to prepare and mobilize whatever resources are necessary to address COVID-19. This week, the governor will submit a $10 million emergency funding request to the General Assembly as part of a supplemental budget.
- Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) and MDH, in coordination with theMaryland Hospital Association, are coordinating on surge planning, including ambulance re-routing plans, suspension of voluntary admissions, enhanced methods of medical monitoring for home-bound patients with mild to moderate symptoms.
- The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) is coordinating with University System of Maryland institutions that are bringing home students who are studying abroad in Italy and Japan.
- MDH is coordinating with nursing homes and assisted living facilities to review and reiterate guidance on infection control and medical management.
- MDH is coordinating with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to provide guidance to local school systems on protocols for school closures.
- MDH is coordinating with the Maryland Hospital Association to work with all the local hospitals on surge plans and preparedness.
- The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is actively engaged with travelers to ensure they have information they need and are following the CDC guidelines. The Port of Baltimore is also engaged in similar screening protocols.
- MDH continues to participate in daily briefing calls with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and federal partners. MDH also continues to coordinate with local health departments as well as other state agencies on preparedness and response to the virus.
- MDH has released public service announcements regarding statewide preparedness efforts.
- All state agencies have reviewed their Continuity of Operations (COOP) plans and submitted them to the Maryland Emergency Management Agency.
- Information Hotline Established to Address COVID-19 Concerns (3-9-20)
- West Virginia State Lab Now Able to Conduct Tests for COVID-19 (3-7-20)
- Governor Jim Justice Press Release (3-4-20): “The health and safety of all West Virginians is the highest priority and we are monitoring coronavirus around the clock”
- DHHR Prepares for Potential Spread of COVID-19 (2-26-20)
- For additional information, please visit CDC’s Situation Summary, view States Reporting Cases of COVID-19 to CDC, or call DHHR’s COVID-19 information hotline 24/7, toll-free at 1-800-887-4304.
Community spread means the spread of illness for which the source of infection is unknown. On February 26, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed a COVID-19 case in California in a person who reportedly did not have relevant travel history or exposure to another known patient with COVID-19. It is possible that this could be the first instance of community spread of COVID-19 in the U.S. However, it is also possible that the patient may have been exposed to a returned traveler who was infected. This is an rapidly evolving situation, so information and recommendations may change. We will continue to learn more in the coming days and share new information as it is available.
Daily COVID-19 report (updated every evening)
485 – 03/11/20 – UPD – Updated: COVID-19 Specimen Collection and Shipping Guidance
Businesses fact sheet update
Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of COVID-19 in nursing homesOpens In A New Window
Guidance for use of Certain Industrial Respirators by Health Care PersonnelOpens In A New Window
PA Department of Health – www.health.pa.gov
PA Emergency Management Agency – www.pema.pa.gov and daily televised briefings
PA Department of Community and Economic Development- www.dced.gov
PA Department of Labor and Industry- www.dli.pa.gov
Implementation of Mitigation Strategies for Communitieswith Local COVID-19 Transmission
Information from Maryland Emergency Management Agency, MDH, West Virginia Health and Human Resources, PA Dept of Health, the DPH, Allegany Co Board of Ed, and CDC
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