April 20th, 2020 by WCBC Radio
The Allegany County Health Department reports that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Allegany County has risen to 57 – an increase of 25 cases since Friday. The majority of the new cases are residents and staff members at a nursing home with previously confirmed cases. That facility now has a total of 32 patients and six staff members who are fighting the virus. Two staff members are Mineral County residents and are not included in the Allegany County case count.
On Friday, the state sent an assessment team to review the nursing home’s practices and steps being taken to limit the spread of illness at the facility. The assessment team concluded that the facility has been very proactive and is following CDC guidance for protecting residents and staff and isolating the ill. The state team was onsite to assist and support the efforts of the nursing home and suggested an expansion of testing of staff and residents. A total of 21 residents and two staff members were tested Saturday.
“This virus is highly contagious,” stated Jenelle Mayer, Health Officer for Allegany County. “The virus spreads easily, especially in places like long-term care facilities where many individuals live together.”
"It is not easy to out-maneuver this virus, particularly in congregate living facilities. Healthcare workers at Cumberland Healthcare Center, like healthcare workers everywhere, give of themselves selflessly and deserve the support of the community. ACHD stands by to assist them in any way possible," added Dr. Jennifer Corder, Medical Deputy Health Officer for Allegany and Garrett Counties.
The Allegany County Health Department continues to work closely with allied agencies, including the Allegany County Department of Emergency Services and UPMC-Western Maryland.
“Our top priority is to ensure the health and safety of Allegany County communities,” stated James Pyles, Director of the Allegany County Department of Emergency Services.
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April 20, 2020 at 4:08 pm, Ken said:
Our thoughts and wishes for the best go out to these poor people and their families.
Mark, if your family member in among them, I am deeply sorry you are facing this.
April 21, 2020 at 6:24 am, Mark said:
> Thank you Ken, and your Mom (& all your family) are in our prayers!!(We have lost one relation & a good friend has lost two relations, none in this immediate area, so we take this very seriously & it’s a shame others don’t) p.p.s Sorry if/when I come across as such a jerk, I’ll work on that! Best wishes!
April 21, 2020 at 6:26 am, Mark said:
> We are in this TOGETHER!