The Garrett County COVID-19 positivity rate is currently around 6%, and has consistently exceeded the state rate since October 18th. Today, there are currently 48 residents isolating due to a positive COVID-19 test.
Due to the significant increase in cases throughout Garrett County, the Garrett County Board of Education voted last evening, November 10, 2020, to move students to a red, fully virtual learning model beginning Thursday, November 12, 2020, and continuing until at least Thursday, December 10, 2020.
Garrett County Public Schools is also cancelling all in-person extra-curricular activities and athletic events and practices effective immediately.
Also, with the state of Maryland’s positivity rate exceeding 5% for the first time since June and adverse health metrics spiking, Governor Larry Hogan held a press conference to announce a series of actions to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The Board of Commissioners for Garrett County will follow the Executive Orders as issued by Governor Hogan and urges citizens to wear face coverings, social distance, and follow all public health guidelines.
Thus, effective on November 11, 2020 at 5 p.m., operations at restaurants and bars will be reduced to 50% indoor capacity.
Also, effective immediately, The Maryland Department of Health has issued the following:
- A public health advisory to limit social gatherings to 25 or less. This does not impact churches and houses of worship since there is an existing order that, among other things, requires face coverings while indoor and social distancing.
- An expanded out-of-state travel advisory, strongly advising against travel to any state with a positivity rate about 10% or any state with average case rates above 20 per 100,000.
In addition, the Governor announced new teleworking guidance, a hospital surge capacity order, and new guidance for nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
To read Governor Hogan’s full press release, visit https://governor.maryland.gov/2020/11/10/governor-hogan-announces-series-of-actions-to-slow-the-spread-of-covid-19/. Also, the Governor's orders can be found
Document
here
(757.88 KB)
and the Maryland Department of Health advisories can be found
Document
here
(277.98 KB)
.
As the Governor’s office makes announcements for continued phased openings or, as he increases restrictions related to the COVID -19 State of Emergency, those actions will apply in Garrett County unless the Garrett County Health Officer directs otherwise.
