Officials Monitoring Local COVID-19 Situation

During the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, Garrett County officials are keeping a close watch on the local situation. The Garrett County Commissioners are in daily contact with the county’s health officer to plan for an expected increase in cases.

In the last week, the County’s total positive numbers have increased from 15 to 24 residents. Many of these cases are reflective of the elder-care community but the county is also seeing an increase in asymptomatic young adults.

Note the positive tests reflected for the county are attributed to the citizen’s primary residence. Also note that at the free testing event on July 3, over 250 tests were administered with 36% for visitors from outside the area. Not one positive result was received for a visitor or a county resident.

All local health and government agencies are in daily contact with the local Emergency Operations Center (EOC). This EOC has been activated since March 22, 2020, offering updates, strategies, and coordination for the public safety and health agencies across Garrett County.

At this time there are no COVID-19 hospitalizations and the Garrett County Health Department and Garrett Regional Medical Center have coordinated plans in place to handle a potential surge, should one occur.

“Garrett County is open and following all of the Maryland directives but if we begin to see greater community transmission, we may have to work with the health department to make some difficult decisions,” said Paul Edwards, Chair of the Board of Garrett County Commissioners. “Please take this seriously and follow all recommended safety precautions.”

All citizens must follow the safety measures that Maryland Governor Hogan has enacted, including wearing face coverings inside all retail establishments and in restaurants until seated at a table. Maintaining social distance, washing hands frequently, and using hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available is also recommended.

COVID-19 information for Garrett County is available at garretthealth.org. Anyone with medical questions about the virus may call the Health Department COVID-19 Hotline at 301-334-7698.