WCBC

The Allegany County Health Department reports that the county’s COVID-19 case rate has dropped below the state average for the first time in more than two months and is the currently the lowest it has been in eight months.  As of March 17, the COVID case rate for Allegany County was 4.46 per 100,000 people, compared to the state average of 5 per 100,000.  This is the lowest the county’s case rate has been since July 2021 when the reported case rate was 4.06 per 100,000.

As a result of improving COVID markers, CDC moved both Allegany and Garrett Counties to the low COVID-19 community level, in line with the rest of the state.  At this time, no Maryland jurisdictions are classified at the medium or high COVID community levels. CDC COVID-19 community levels measure the impact of COVID-19 illness on health and healthcare systems.  Rankings are determined by a combination of metrics – new COVID cases, new COVID-19 hospital admissions, and the percent of hospital beds occupied by COVID patients.

The Allegany County Health Department continues to offers free COVID-19 vaccinations for individuals ages 12 and older on Wednesdays at the Allegany County Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  No appointment is needed for first and second doses of Moderna vaccine (age 18+) and first, second, and booster doses of Pfizer vaccine (age 12+).  Appointments are recommended for the Moderna booster vaccine and individuals may schedule an appointment by visiting health.maryland.gov/allegany and clicking on the preferred clinic date.

For assistance registering for an appointment, county residents can call the COVID-19 call center at 240-650-3999. COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are also widely available at local pharmacies, urgent care clinics, and some primary care providers. 

Free drive-thru COVID-19 testing is still being offered at the Allegany County Fairgrounds (11400 Moss Ave., Cumberland) on Mondays from 2 to 7 p.m. and on Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

ALLEGANY COUNTY COVID-19 DATA AS OF MARCH 17: