A third local case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Garrett County, according to the Garrett County Health Department and Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC).

The patient is a man over 60 from Garrett County who had no history of international travel, and no known contact with a COVID-19 case. He did, however, travel within the U.S. to an area known to have COVID-19 cases. All three of the confirmed positive cases in Garrett County traveled together. The patient has underlying health issues that made him more susceptible to the effects of the virus.

“This patient was admitted to GRMC, and given his symptoms, as well as his health and travel history, we identified him as a potential case upon admission,” said Mark Boucot, the hospital’s President & CEO. “Our staff treated him using precautions and approaches outlined by the CDC as we awaited test results. He was then transferred to WVU Medicine where his treatment is continuing.”

The two original positive cases reported on Sunday, March 22, continue to self-isolate at home and have not needed hospitalization.

“The Health Department is coordinating our response efforts and will continue to work to reduce the spread of infection and protect the health of all people in Garrett County,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens.

“In response to the positive test outcomes, the Garrett County Health Department is following protocol and gathering information from the tested individuals,” Stephens said. “The Health Department staff is reaching out to all individuals who had contact with those who have tested positive. 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.

Following the announcement of positive cases in Garrett County, the Board of Garrett County Commissioners issued a Declaration of Emergency effective Sunday, March 22, 2020, at 5:00 PM local time. This declaration on the local level provides additional powers and resources to our County Departments to deal with the COVID-19 situation. The Garrett County Health Department is the lead agency in this emergency and is supported by all county departments under the coordination of the Department of Emergency Services.

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.