Once again, COVID rates are creeping upward in Allegany County and across the State of Maryland.  Allegany, along with ten other Maryland jurisdictions, is now classified by the CDC as having a “medium” COVID community level.  Only two Maryland jurisdictions are currently classified as having “high” COVID community levels:  Garrett and Howard Counties.  Eleven Maryland jurisdictions remain in the “low” classification.

Public health recommendations for areas with medium community transmission levels include the following:

• If you are at high risk for severe illness, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions
• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines
• Get tested if you have symptoms
• If you are sick, stay home

The Allegany County Health Department continues to offer COVID-19 vaccinations on Wednesdays on the first floor of its offices at 12501 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland.  Vaccinations for ages 12 and older are available from 9 a.m. to noon.  Vaccinations for children ages 5 to 11 are offered from 3 to 4:30 p.m.  Parents of children under five should contact their child’s pediatric office to schedule a COVID vaccination.

Free drive-thru testing continues at the Allegany County Fairgrounds, 11400 Moss Avenue, Cumberland on Mondays from 2 to 7 p.m. and on Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Pre-registration is preferred for both testing and vaccinations.  Information and registration links for health department COVID testing and vaccination clinics can be found at health.maryland.gov/allegany.  Testing, vaccinations, and treatment for COVID-19 are also widely available through primary care providers, pharmacies, and other healthcare facilities. More information on additional COVID resources can be found at covidlink.maryland.gov.

ALLEGANY COUNTY COVID-19 DATA AS OF JULY 21: