February 19th, 2022 by WCBC Radio

The Allegany County Health Department reports that the county’s COVID-19 case rate continues to trend downward, although local case counts are still much higher than the average statewide.  Currently, the Maryland COVID-19 case rate per 100,000 people is 10.9, while Allegany’s case rate is 35.71 per 100,000 people. 

Health officials urge the public to get vaccinated against COVID, get a booster when they are eligible, and get tested if they are experiencing symptons.

Allegany County Health Department continues to offer free drive-thru COVID-19 testing at the Allegany County Fairgrounds (11400 Moss Ave., Cumberland) on Mondays from 2 to 7 p.m. and on Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The testing site will continue to operate on its normal schedule this Monday, February 21 although the health department’s main offices are closed for the President’s Day holiday.

For individuals ages 12 and older, free COVID-19 vaccinations are available on Wednesdays at the Allegany County Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  No appointment is needed for first and second doses of Moderna vaccine (age 18+) and first, second, and booster doses of Pfizer vaccine (age 12+).  Appointments are still required for the Moderna booster vaccine and individuals may schedule an appointment by visiting health.maryland.gov/allegany and clicking on the preferred clinic date.

The next youth Pfizer vaccine clinic (ages 5 to 11) is slated for Wednesday, March 9 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Willowbrook Office Complex at 12501 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland, MD.  Appointments are required for that clinic and can be scheduled at health.maryland.gov/allegany.

For assistance registering for an appointment, county residents can call the COVID-19 call center at 240-650-3999. COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are also widely available at local pharmacies, urgent care clinics, and some primary care providers. 

ALLEGANY COUNTY COVID-19 DATA AS OF FEBRUARY 17:

New COVID Cases: 50 (cumulative total 16,762)  

·        Additional Deaths: 2 (cumulative total 342)

·        Cases Per 100,000 People: 35.71 (Maryland: 10.9)

·        Positivity Rate: 14.16% (Maryland: 3.3%)

Percentage of Population Fully Vaccinated: 50.3% (Maryland: 73.6%)