March 24th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

Garrett County is now reporting five positive cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Garrett County, according to the Garrett County Health Department.

Confirmations of the two new cases were just received and are not yet showing up on the state map totals. These new cases have both been self-isolating since they were tested. None of the five confirmed cases in Garrett County were infected through community transmission. In other words, all local cases were infected elsewhere. Only one of the cases is hospitalized, and is currently at WVU Medicine.

“The Health Department continues to coordinate our response efforts and is working to protect the health of all people in Garrett County,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens. 

The Garrett County Health Department is following protocol and gathering information from all the confirmed positiveindividuals. 

“Health Department staff is reaching out to all individuals who had contact with those who have tested positive,” said Stephens. “If you do not receive a phone call from the Health Department you should not be concerned that you have been exposed to these individuals.”

Because of privacy laws, no additional information about the positive cases will be released.

Health leaders are asking people to take the illness seriously and to limit unnecessary social exposure by staying home, washing your hands, remaining home if you are mildly sick, and following the CDC’s guidance.

Patients with COVID-19 have experienced mild to severe respiratory illness. Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath.  Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.  Call your provider if you develop symptoms and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or if you live in or have recently been in high exposure areas.

Information and updates about COVID-19 in Garrett County and around the world are available at garretthealth.org. Residents can also call the Health Department COVID-19 Hotline at 301-334-7698.

Please call 911 only for medical emergencies, not for coronavirus information or questions.