August 25th, 2021 by WCBC Radio

As the COVID-19 case rate continues to rise and more employers begin to require regular COVID testing for employees, the Allegany County Health Department has seen a dramatic increase in the number of people seeking testing at the Allegany County Fairgrounds drive-thru testing clinics.  In order to streamline the process and reduce wait times at the testing clinics, the health department is asking that anyone coming for testing pre-register online if possible.

“The most time-consuming part of the process at the testing clinics is registration,” stated ACHD spokesperson Brenda Caldwell.  “Clinic staff must collect specific information from each person being tested, including the patient’s name, date of birth, address, phone number, and e-mail, which must then be entered into an online registration form.  This can take some time, especially if there are several people in a vehicle who are getting tested.  By having patients access the same form online prior to coming to the clinic, that process is considerably shortened, saving time for patients and staff at the drive-thru.” 

Patients can pre-register for testing any time prior to coming to the fairgrounds by going to health.maryland.gov/allegany and clicking on the testing link. Once the registration form is submitted, the patient will receive a QR code which can be scanned at the testing clinic to access their registration information.  Patients are also then able to access their results online in an average of three to four days.

The Allegany County Fairgrounds drive-thru testing site (11400 Moss Avenue, Cumberland, MD) is open Mondays from 2 to 7 p.m. and Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  No appointment or insurance card required.

The Allegany County Health Department continues to offer free COVID-19 vaccinations every Wednesday on the ground floor of the Willowbrook Office Complex, 12501 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland.   From 9 a.m. to noon both the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccines are offered for those age 18 and older.  Then, from 1 to 4 p.m. the Pfizer COVID vaccine is offered for those age 12 and older.  No appointment needed.  Anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

As of August 24, 41.9% of Allegany County residents were fully vaccinated against COVID-19, compared to 61.0% of all Marylanders. 

Allegany County COVID-19 Case Statistics as of August 24:

• New COVID Cases:  46 (cumulative total 7,511)
• Additional Deaths:  0 (cumulative total 215)
• Cases Per 100,000 Population:  41.39 (Maryland: 17.37)
• Positivity Rate:  9.33% (Maryland: 4.93%)