September 8th, 2021 by WCBC Radio

Allegany County has the second highest COVID-19 case rate in the state, according to the latest data from the Maryland Department of Health.  The county also has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the state, ranking 21^st out of 24 jurisdictions.  Health officials say this is no coincidence.

“It is not surprising that counties with higher rates of vaccination also have lower rates of new COVID cases.  The vaccines are doing what they were designed to do: limiting the spread of COVID and reducing illness severity,” said Brenda Caldwell, spokesperson for the Allegany County Health Department.  “Vaccines are in abundant supply and are readily available at pharmacies, urgent care clinics, the health department, pediatric offices, and some primary care providers, so there is no reason to wait.  Get your vaccine now and help us end this public health crisis.”

Free COVID-19 vaccination clinics continue every Wednesday on the ground floor of the Allegany County Health Department main building, 12501 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland.   From 9 a.m. to noon both the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccines are offered for those age 18 and older.  Then, from 1 to 4 p.m. the Pfizer COVID vaccine is offered for those age 12 and older.  No appointment needed.  Anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

As of September 7, 42.7% of Allegany County residents were fully vaccinated against COVID-19, compared to 62.4% of all Marylanders. 

Drive-thru testing continues to be offered three days per week at the Allegany County Fairgrounds, 11400 Moss Avenue, Cumberland, MD.    Testing clinics are held Mondays from 2 to 7 p.m., and Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  No appointment is needed, but pre-registration is strongly encouraged to minimize wait times at the clinic.  Pre-registration can be done online any time prior to coming to the clinic by going to health.maryland.gov/allegany and clicking on the pre-registration link under “COVID-19 Information” on the right side of the page.

Allegany County COVID-19 Case Statistics as of September 7:

• New COVID Cases:  181 since September 2 (cumulative total 7,964)
• Additional Deaths:  0 (cumulative total 218)
• Cases Per 100,000 Population:  49.7 (Maryland: 16.97)
• Positivity Rate:  11.1% (Maryland: 4.68%)