WCBC

On Thursday, the CDC released updated data which show Allegany County at the medium COVID-19 community level.  This is an improvement from last week when the county was at a high COVID-19 community level.  CDC COVID-19 community levels measure the impact of COVID-19 illness on health and healthcare systems.

To determine each county’s COVID-19 community level, the CDC looks at a combination of three metrics – new COVID-19 cases, new COVID-19 hospital admissions, and the percent of hospital beds occupied by COVID patients.

The CDC recommends different prevention strategies at different COVID-19 community levels. At the medium level, where Allegany County is currently, recommendations include: staying up-to-date on vaccines and boosters, maintaining improved ventilation in indoor spaces, following CDC recommendations for isolation and quarantine, getting tested for COVID-19 if you are exposed or are experiencing symptoms, and taking additional precautions if you are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe disease. The CDC recommends wearing a mask in public, indoor spaces at the high COVID-19 community level but not at the medium level. For more information on CDC COVID-19 community levels, see: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/community-levels.html.

The Allegany County Health Department 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 still required for the Moderna booster vaccine and individuals may schedule an appointment by visiting health.maryland.gov/allegany and clicking on the preferred clinic date.

The next youth Pfizer vaccine clinic (ages 5 to 11) is slated for Wednesday, March 9 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Willowbrook Office Complex at 12501 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland, MD.  Appointments are required for that clinic and can be scheduled at health.maryland.gov/allegany.

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 3: