January 22nd, 2021 by WCBC Radio

The Allegany County Health Department reported 33 new COVID cases in Allegany County and five additional deaths, bringing the county’s cumulative case count to 6,015 with 174 deaths.  The current case rate in Allegany County is 35.71 cases per 100,000 population, while Maryland’s state average is currently 38.2 cases per 100,000 population.  Allegany’s positivity rate is on par with the state, showing a county rate of 7.55%, while the statewide average is 7.5%. 

 

The health department continues to vaccinate residents age 75 and older and will begin vaccinating K-12 educational workers next week.  Clinics for licensed childcare providers will commence following the K-12 group.

 

“Allegany County is proceeding with the vaccination rollout as directed by the Governor,” said ACHD Public Information Coordinator Brenda Caldwell.  “Because we have a limited amount of vaccines on hand we have to make sure that we are getting those vaccines out to the public in the order prescribed by the state.”

 

Vaccine supplies are limited nationwide right now, but manufacturers are producing vaccines as quickly as they can.

 

“Understandably, there has been some anxiety and uncertainty in the community with regards to the vaccine rollout, but the health department is doing everything in our power to get shots in arms as rapidly as possible,” said Caldwell.  “Not a single dose of vaccine in Allegany County has gone to waste.  Every single dose we get is used to protect another Allegany County resident.” 

 

“Right now, the age priority for vaccines is 75 and older, and we are pushing out vaccines to that population as fast as we receive it.  We cannot skip ahead to a later priority group until we have made every effort to reach those in the current group, but that can only happen as fast as vaccines are received by the county.”

 

Due to the current forecast of inclement winter weather on Monday, there will be no drive-thru COVID-19 testing at the at the Allegany County Fairgrounds on January 25.  Testing is expected to resume on Wednesday, January 27 and Friday, January 29 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

 

Monday’s vaccination appointments are expected to proceed as scheduled.  However, if the clinic is canceled or if individuals choose to cancel appointments due to the weather, those appointments will be rescheduled.