September 25th, 2021 by WCBC Radio
Allegany County’s COVID-19 case rate has remained the highest in Maryland for eight consecutive days, with Garrett and Washington Counties also among the jurisdictions with the highest COVID case rates in the state. Health officials cite vaccination refusal as a key factor driving the high rate of infection in western Maryland.
“If anyone doubts that vaccination rates directly impact and improve infection rates for COVID-19, just look at the numbers. Jurisdictions that are experiencing lower case rates are those with a larger portion of their population fully vaccinated,” states Allegany County Health Department Public Information Coordinator Brenda Caldwell.
Maryland county-level data for vaccinations and COVID cases is updated by the Maryland Department of Health daily by 11 a.m. and can be found at coronavirus.maryland.gov.
Free COVID-19 vaccines are readily available at local pharmacies, urgent care clinics, pediatric offices, and some primary care providers.
The Allegany County Health Department will hold its next COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Wednesday, September 29 at 12501 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland. Vaccinations are free and no appointment is needed. From 9 a.m. to 12 noon, both Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccines are offered. From 1 to 5:30 p.m., the Pfizer vaccine is offered for those age 12 and older. Anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
As of September 23, 44.3% of Allegany County residents were fully vaccinated against COVID-19, compared to 63.9% of all Marylanders.
.jpg)
