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THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
COUNTY RE-OPENS MINI-GRANT PROGRAM
Allegany County government has reopened its mini-grant program for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Among the requirements, businesses must have a physical address in Allegany County; must be in good standing with the State of Maryland; demonstrate a loss of business revenue of 50 per cent or more related to COVID-19; and, have no pre-existing…
TWO NEW COVID-19 CASES IN ALLEGANY COUNTY
Two new community cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Allegany County. Both cases are males-one in his 30’s and one in his 40’s, who have not required hospitalization. The total number of COVID-19 cases in the county is now at 181. To date, 3,145 county residents have been tested for COVID-19. Of that number,…
FOUR HAMPSHIRE COUNTY 911 EMPLOYEES TEST POSITIVE
Four employees of the Hampshire County 911 Center have tested positive for COVID-19. The tests were administered in the latter part of May; one employee tested negative for the same time period. The West Virginia National Guard will perform a “deep sanitization” of the 911 Center today. To date, there were 31 coronavirus cases in…
MINERAL TESTING YIELDS TWO POSITIVE RESULTS
Two rounds of testing in Mineral County last week returned just two positive results, out of more than 500 administered. Overall, Mineral County reports 46 total confirmed cases of the disease, 11 of which are currently active. There will be additional free testing next Wednesday from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Frankfort High School…
MARYLAND READY FOR SECOND PHASE OF REOPENING Maryland is ready to move into the second phase of reopening. Effective at 5 p.m. tomorrow, Governor Larry Hogan is lifting the order that closed non-essential businesses. There is a long list of businesses that can reopen, but they include banks, insurance agencies, manufacturing, and construction. Governor Hogan…
ONE NEW COVID-19 CASE REPORTED
The Allegany County Health Department is reporting one new case of COVID-19, a male community member in his 40’s, who has not been hospitalized. The total number of COVID-19 cases in the county is now at 179. To date, 3,073 Allegany County residents have been tested; of that number, 2,714 tests were negative,…
GOODWILL NURSING HOME TESTS NEGATIVE FOR COVID-19
The Garrett County Health Department was notified today that all of the COVID-19 testing results at the Goodwill Nursing Homed and assisted Living in Grantsville, tested last week in Garrett County, are negative. Staff and residents were tested on Wednesday and Thursday of last week in conjunction with the state initiative to test all long-term…
NO NEW COVID-19 CASES, NO ADDITIONAL DEATHS
The Allegany County Health Department reports no new cases of COVID-19, as of yesterday. The total number of COVID-19 cases in the county remains at 178. Additionally, no new deaths were reported from the virus.
BEDFORD, SOMERSET MOVING TO “GREEN” PHASE
Bedford and Somerset are among the Pennsylvania counties moving to the “green” phase on Friday, which means those counties will have the fewest restrictions in Governor Tom Wolfe’s stoplight-colored three phase reopening plan. Specifically, the green phase eases most restrictions by lifting the stay at home and business closure orders to allow the economy to…
NO NEW COVID-19 CASES, NO ADDITIONAL DEATHS REPORTED
The Allegany County Health Department is reporting no new cases and no new deaths from the coronavirus. The total number of COVID-19 cases in the county remains at 177.
COVID-19 BREAKOUT REPORTED AT HAMPSHIRE COUNTY CHURCH
At least 11 members of the same Hampshire County church have reportedly contracted the coronavirus. All members of the church, which was not named, have been notified of the outbreak. Nine individuals had tested positive yesterday afternoon; later five more positive results were received, two of whom were tied to the church. The church has…
MINERAL COUNTY FAIR CANCELLED
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, officials have decided to cancel the Mineral County Fair, which was to have been held June 16th through the 20th. Officials say they waited as long as possible to make the decision. The fair was one of the biggest fundraisers for the Fort Ashby Volunteer Fire Company. Another fundraiser,…
CHC RESIDENT DIES FROM COVID-19
The Allegany County Health Department reports that a Cumberland Healthcare Center resident has died as a result of COVID-19, bringing the death toll in the county to 18. The total number of cases in Allegany County also increased with the identification of a new case of COVID-19 in an employee of Sterling Care Frostburg Village.…
HOGAN ANNOUNCES WINDING DOWN OF PHASE ONE CORONAVIRUS RECOVERY PLAN
Seeing a decline in metrics, Governor Larry Hogan has announced that Phase One of his Roadmap to Recovery will begin to wind down Friday at 5 p.m. Beginning then, restaurants can begin outdoor dining, while following CDC guidelines, with no more than 6 people at a table. Also included will be other outdoor activities, including…
W.VA. DHHR ANNOUNCES COVID-19 TESTING IN MINERAL COUNTY
In an effort to increase testing opportunities for minorities and other vulnerable residents, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources has announced free testing in Mineral County. Testing in Mineral County is scheduled for Friday and Saturday. On Friday, testing will take place at the Piedmont American Legion and at the Keyser Primary/Middle…
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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