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DO THE FIVE
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
COUNTY RANKS IN BOTTOM FIVE FOR RATES AMONG NURSING FACILITY STAFF
The Maryland Department of Health has ranked Allegany County in the bottom five jurisdictions for COVID vaccination rates among nursing facility staff. According to the Skilled Nursing Facilities Vaccination dashboard, only 59.4 per cent of staff at Allegany County’s skilled nursing facilities were fully vaccinated against COVID-19. According to Monday’s statistics, there are six new…
MARYLAND LEADERS ENCOURAGE MASKS FOR STUDENTS
Face masks are recommended for students who are not vaccinated across the state. Health and education leaders stopped short of making it a requirement. Public-and-private schools as well as child care programs are allowed to make their own policies. All of this comes as Maryland has seen a slight uptick in coronavirus infections as of…
MARYLAND ADDS 256 COVID CASES
Another 256 coronavirus cases are being reported in Maryland. Health officials announced the new cases today saying the major concerns involve the Delta variant. Maryland’s positivity rate is two-and-a-half-percent up from under half-a-percent from June. The state notes around 58-percent of state residents are fully vaccinated against COVID.
COVID-19 CASES CONTINUE TO RISE THROUGHOUT PENNSYLVANIA
COVID-19 cases are continuing to rise throughout the state of Pennsylvania. Yesterday, the state added 561 new cases to the state total, pushing it over one-million-218-thousand. Six new deaths related to the virus were added to the death toll, which is at 27-thousand-819.
FOUR NEW COVID CASES, ZERO ADDITIONAL DEATHS
Allegany County is reporting four new COVID-19 cases and zero additional deaths; the local positivity rate is well below the state average, at 1.13 per cent. Maryland is reporting 1.81 per cent. There will be a walk-in COVID-19 clinic on the ground floor of the Allegany County Health Department on Wednesday. From 9 a.m. to…
MARYLAND REPORTS 288 NEW COVID CASES
Maryland is adding 288 new COVID-19 cases and three additional virus-related deaths. It marks the 11th day the state has reported more than 100 cases. Hospitalizations jumped by 11, to 163, with 46 patients in intensive care. The state’s seven-day positivity rate also rose by point-oh-eight-percent, to one-point-eight-one-percent. More than three-and-half-million Maryland adults are fully…
MARYLAND COULD IMPOSE COVID-19 VAXX PASSPORT
A COVID-19 vaccination passport could be in the cards for Marylanders. There are reports that the state’s Deputy Health Secretary said a proof of vaccination may become a requirement in certain situations but no other details were provided. However, the report says that yesterday another spokesperson for the State Health Department issued a statement saying…
COVID-19 CASES CONTINUE TO RISE THROUGHOUT PENNSYLVANIA
COVID-19 cases are continuing to rise throughout the state. The state has added 561 new cases to its total, pushing it over one-million-218-thousand. Six new deaths related to the virus were added to the death toll, which is at 27-thousand-819.
SENATOR VAN HOLLEN ADDRESSES COVID VACCINE MISINFORMATION
Maryland U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen joined health officials for a virtual press conference to address COVID vaccine misinformation. Senator Van Hollen says false information about the virus and vaccines is dangerous, and now more than ever it’s important for the American public to hear the truth. The Democratic lawmaker says public health officials and…
MARYLAND REPORTS OVER 300 NEW COVID CASES
Maryland is reporting over 300 new cases and six new deaths to its coronavirus totals. This is now the tenth straight day the state has reported over 100 new cases. Hospitalizations increased by six which brings the number up to 152. The state positivity rate continues to climb as it sits at one-point-65-percent.
ZERO COVID CASES, ZERO DEATHS; ANOTHER CLINIC SCHEDULED
There have been no new COVID-19 cases and no additional deaths in Allegany County, as of Tuesday. The local positivity rate is .66 per cent, while Maryland is more than twice that, at 1.65 per cent. The Allegany County Health Department has scheduled another COVID-19 vaccination clinic for next Wednesday, July 28th, from 9 a.m.…
DELTA VARIANT FOUND IN MINERAL COUNTY
Mineral County has confirmed a case of the delta variant of COVID-19; it came from a routine screening of COVID-19 specimens. Although the delta variant is believed to be more easily transmissible, the three major vaccines are all thought to be effective against it. West Virginia has at least 22 cases of the delta variant;…
MARYLAND HEALTH PUSHING COVID TESTING FOR SCHOOLS
Maryland Health would like to see COVID-19 testing available in all schools. That’s why health leaders are encouraging all K-through-12 public and non-public schools to apply for funding to create testing programs at their facilities. The funding is made available through the C-D-C. Schools may apply through the e-Maryland Marketplace now through August 9th.
STATE HEALTH OFFICIALS STRESS IMPORTANCE OF GETTING VACCINATED
Maryland health officials are stressing the importance of getting a coronavirus vaccine as the number of COVID cases continues to increase. The state is reporting more than 100 new cases of coronavirus for an 8th day in a row with 155 new infections. The delta variant accounts for most of the new cases.
PENNSYLVANIA COVID CASES UP 82 PER CENT
Pennsylvania’s COVID cases are up 82-percent over the past week. There have been almost three-thousand new cases of the coronavirus added in the past seven days. There were 16-hundred new infections reported last week. However, there has not been a rise in hospitalizations and deaths.
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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