The Allegany County Health Department reported on Monday that over the past three days 625 Allegany County residents tested positive for COVID-19.  The county case rate per 100,000 people now stands at 216.74, surpassing the statewide average case rate of 210.39.

Health officials encourage county residents to get tested if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Symptoms include fever/chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, nasal congestion, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Free COVID-19 testing is available at the Allegany County Fairgrounds on Mondays from 2 to 7 p.m. and Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate at home for at least five full days. To end isolation after five days, the individual must show signs of symptom improvement and be fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever reducing medication. Even after ending isolation, individuals should continue to take precautions until day 10 including wearing a well-fitted mask when around others, avoiding travel, and avoiding being around people who are at high risk.  For more information on the CDC isolation and quarantine guidelines see:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html.

Allegany County continues to lag behind most of the state in COVID-19 vaccination rates.  Currently, only 49.3% of Allegany County residents are fully vaccinated against COVID, compared to 71.0% of Marylanders.

UPCOMING VACCINE CLINICS:

January 12:  Allegany County Fairgrounds, 11400 Moss Avenue, Cumberland, MD

• Moderna Booster Clinic (ages 18+) by appointment only.   Register online at https://www.marylandvax.org/appointment/en/reg/0921564101.
• First and second doses of Moderna (ages 18+), first and second doses of Pfizer (ages 12+), and booster doses of Pfizer (ages 12+) are available on a walk-in basis.  No appointment is necessary.

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 in the community at local pharmacies, urgent care clinics, and some primary care providers. 

Allegany County COVID-19 case rate and positivity as of January 9: