Help stop coronavirus
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THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
POLICE CHECKING LOCAL BUSINESSES DURING CLOSURE
The Cumberland Police Department would like to let you know that we are still on the job and patrolling the city. We realize that several businesses are closed; therefore, we are spending extra time checking on them day and night. We are asking the City’s business owners and managers to take the time to contact…
Garrett County Reports No New Confirmed COVID-19 Cases
Fortunately, Garrett County has not received notification of any additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 since it announced its third case on Monday, March 23rd. However, Garrett County Health Department’s COVID-19 Hotline, staffed by nurses and established to answer questions about medical information associated with the pandemic, has been very busy the last few days. …
ALLEGANY COUNTY UPDATE ON COVID-19 TESTING
The Allegany County Health Department and Allegany County Government report the following update on local COVID-19 testing to date: Allegany County residents tested positive for COVID-19 0 Allegany County residents tested negative for COVID-19 202 Allegany County residents with COVID-19 results pending 80 Total Allegany County residents tested for COVID-19 282 Laboratories are…
COUNTY OFFERS SMALL BUSINESS HELP
The Allegany County Commissioners have established the COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Fund, providing a one-time grant award of $2500.00; there is no repayment required. Certain criteria are required, including a physical address in the county; no more than 15 full time employees; and, the ability to demonstrate a 50 per cent or more loss in…
Garrett County Reports No New Confirmed COVID-19 Cases
Garrett County has reported no additional confirmed cases of COVID-19, even as the numbers of confirmed cases in Maryland continues to rise, reaching 580 today. Garrett County Health Department is leading the coordination of the county COVID-19 response with participation from other essential agencies through the local Emergency Operation Center. Using technology to connect agency…
EMS PANDEMIC PROTOCOL INSTITUTED FOR ALLEGANY COUNTY IN PREPARATION FOR CALLS RELATED TO COVID-19
County fire and EMS agencies have been educated by local and state medical direction on a new protocol used to self-quarantine patients at home with symptoms consistent with the COVID-19 virus, according to emergency services officials. “The Viral Syndrome Pandemic Triage protocol will be used in situations where the patient wants to be evaluated by…
UPMC Western Maryland announces singular entrance and screening guidelines
In order to ensure the safest environment possible for care during the COVID-19 pandemic, as of noon on Thursday, March 26, all access to UPMC Western Maryland will be restricted to the Medical Arts Center (MAC) entrance. This entrance is located at the rear of the hospital adjacent to the parking garage. Additionally, all visitors…
Health Officer Orders Transient Rentals Closed in Garrett County
As one of the responses to the COVID-19 situation, the Garrett County Health Officer, with the support of the Board of Garrett County Commissioners, has ordered all transient rentals in Garrett County to be closed effective March 27, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. This closing does not include hotels or motels. Garrett County is unique because…
UPMC Western Maryland announces singular entrance and screening guidelines
In order to ensure the safest environment possible for care during the COVID-19 pandemic, as of noon on Thursday, March 26, all access to UPMC Western Maryland will be restricted to the Medical Arts Center (MAC) entrance. This entrance is located at the rear of the hospital adjacent to the parking garage. Additionally, all employees,…
Attorney General Morrisey Sends Warning Letters to Landlords Threatening Eviction Amid Pandemic
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey announced Thursday his office has sent warning letters to landlords regarding alleged threats to evict tenants during the global coronavirus pandemic. West Virginia law prohibits unfair or deceptive conduct and has strict laws to protect tenants from unjust eviction. The letters were sent Tuesday and Wednesday. Specifics were not…
ACPS ISSUES REMINDER ON USE OF FACILITIES
IMPORTANT REMINDER TO PARENTS/STUDENTS/COMMUNITY MEMBERS: With the closure of schools due to COVID-19, all areas managed by Allegany County Public Schools are off limits to individuals. This includes school tracks, tennis courts, playgrounds, Greenway Avenue Stadium, football, soccer, baseball and softball fields, gymnasiums, weight rooms, and all other indoor and outdoor areas managed by the…
People In Maryland Warned To Be On Their Guard As Telephone Scammers Set to Cash In On Coronavirus
People in Maryland are being warned to be extra vigilant as scam callers are likely to ramp up their activity over the next few weeks to take advantage of increasing amounts of people being at home due to the current Coronavirus outbreak. CPR Call Blocker, makers of the US’s best-selling call blocking device, is predicting…
Allegany County Releases COVID-19 Emergency Response and Community Resource website
Allegany County Government released resources.inallegany.org an online community resource guide for the COVID-19 state of emergency. The online tool offers a variety of features to better connect the community with resources being organized by the government, local businesses, and charities. “This is an incredible testament to the strength of the community here in Allegany…
ACPS EARLY COLLEGE STUDENTS
AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR ACPS EARLY COLLEGE STUDENTS: On Monday, March 30, 2020, ACPS early college students will begin or resume completion of their Allegany College of Maryland (ACM) spring semester college course(s) via an online platform. ACM is requiring this action as a result of the recent closure of ACM and ACPS due to…
Garrett County Reports No New Confirmed COVID-19 Cases
No additional cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed for Garrett County residents according to the Health Department and the Maryland Department of Health. The confirmed case count remains at three. “The Health Department is coordinating our response efforts and will continue to work to reduce the spread of infection and protect the health of all people in Garrett County,”…
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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