February 13th, 2021 by WCBC Radio
The Allegany County Health Department reports that vaccination efforts in the county continue to exceed the statewide average for first-dose vaccinations. To date, 8,275 county residents have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. This is equal to 11.8% of the county population – slightly higher than the statewide average of 10.0%. Additionally, ACHD reported that, of those who have been vaccinated, over one quarter have received their second dose.
“We continue to push vaccine out to the public as quickly as we receive it, although the supply coming into the county is still extremely limited,” said ACHD spokesperson, Brenda Caldwell. “Allegany County’s vaccination efforts remain on par with other jurisdictions in the state.” She added that the online vaccine interest form which was introduced February 3 has generated more than 8,300 responses. The form, which can be completed by going to health.maryland.gov/allegany, allows those interested in receiving a vaccine to submit their name and contact information to be added to a contact list managed jointly by the health department and UPMC Western Maryland. Following the order of priority established by the state, the health department or the hospital will contact individuals on the list when vaccine becomes available for them.
Since Wednesday, Allegany County has seen 15 new COVID cases, bringing the county’s cumulative case count to 6,348. No additional deaths were recorded. The current case rate in Allegany County is 20.08 cases per 100,000 population, while Maryland’s state average is currently 19.83 cases per 100,000 population. Allegany’s positivity rate is at 4.52%, while the statewide average is 4.87%.
The drive-thru COVID testing clinic at the Allegany County Fairgrounds will be closed on Monday, February 15. Testing will resume on Wednesday, February 17 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
