WCBC

The CDC has announced that it is no longer recommending universal case investigation and contract tracing for COVID-19.  Instead, the nation’s leading public health agency is now recommending that local health departments prioritize investigations and contact tracing only for specific at-risk groups or settings such as congregate living facilities (i.e., long-term care, correctional facilities, homeless shelters, etc.), and that investigations focus on cases with symptom onset or positive test in the preceding five days. 

The CDC cites higher levels of immunity in the community (as a result of both recovery from infection and vaccination), the availability of safe and effective vaccines, and increased use of self-tests among the factors which led to the shift in recommendations regarding case investigation and contract tracing. 

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 1: