COVID-19 statistics in Allegany County showed some improvement since Monday, with the number of cases per 100,000 people dropping from 60.86 to 44.63.  However, that figure is still significantly higher than the statewide average of 19.36 cases per 100,000 people.  The county’s positivity rate for COVID-19 was also down slightly, but remains almost double the statewide average.

A Pfizer COVID vaccine booster clinic is scheduled this Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Allegany County Fairgrounds.  In order to obtain a booster shot, individuals must have received their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine between January and April 2021 and fit one of the following classifications: age 65 or older; age 50–64 with underlying medical conditions; age 18–49 with underlying medical conditions at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19; or age 18-64 at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of their occupation or location in an institutional setting.

Only those who were initially vaccinated with the Pfizer COVID vaccine can get the Pfizer booster.  Those who were vaccinated with Moderna or Johnson & Johnson cannot get the Pfizer booster shot.

Qualifying individuals can schedule an appointment at the booster clinic by visiting health.maryland.gov/allegany and clicking on the “Pfizer Vaccine Booster Clinic” link.  Walk-ins will be accepted, but pre-registration is preferred if possible.  Pfizer vaccine boosters may also be available from your local pharmacy, urgent care clinic, or primary care provider.

First and second dose COVID vaccines (no booster vaccines) are available on Wednesdays at Allegany County Health Department at 12501 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland.  Vaccinations are free and no appointment is needed.  From 9 a.m. to 12 noon, first and second doses of Moderna and the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccines are offered.  From 1 to 4:00 p.m., first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine are offered for those age 12 and older.  Anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.  Free COVID-19 vaccines are also available at local pharmacies, urgent care clinics, pediatric offices, and some primary care providers.

As of October 5, 44.9% of Allegany County residents were fully vaccinated against COVID-19, compared to 64.8% of all Marylanders. 

Free Drive-thru COVID testing continues at the Allegany County Fairgrounds Ag Pavilion on Mondays from
2 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  You can pre-register for testing by going to health.maryland.gov/allegany and clicking on the testing pre-registration link under “COVID-19 Information” on the right side of the page.

Allegany County COVID-19 Case Statistics as of October 5:

• New COVID Cases:  35 (cumulative total 9,146*)
• Additional Deaths:  1 (cumulative total 237)
• Cases Per 100,000 Population:  44.63 (Maryland: 19.36)
• Positivity Rate:  7.61 % (Maryland: 3.91%)