Representatives from agencies across Garrett County used a quarterly emergency preparedness meeting Friday, March 13, 2020, to continue their planning for coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention and testing efforts. Staff at the Health Department and their partner agencies are closely monitoring the situation across the U.S. and putting plans in place in preparation for any local cases.
The group discussed each agency’s preparations, and how they will continue to work together to help keep the public and healthcare workers as safe as possible.
“We have set up a COVID-19 hotline (301-334-7698) which will give basic information to callers and direct them to call their doctors if they are showing symptoms of COVID-19. It’s important to call ahead,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens. “The hotline will also provide the garretthealth.org website address for additional information. We have our website set up so that is has the most up-to-date information concerning the virus. Since it’s linked to all the most reliable sites, it’s a great place to go when you have questions and need the latest answers.”
At the meeting, local long-term care facilities (nursing homes) reported that they are not allowing visitors at this time to help keep their residents safe, because many of them fall into the most vulnerable populations for COVID-19. The hospital has reduced visitors to only one adult per patient in some parts of the hospital, and no visitors in other parts.
The Health Department staff has been working diligently to help keep local agencies updated on appropriate guidance, including: primary care providers, long term care facilities, Garrett College, and local churches. They have also been in contact with the Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corp for possible volunteers if needed.
To comply with Governor Hogan’s orders, gatherings across the county have been postponed or canceled in an attempt to help slow the spread of the virus through the community. Some agencies are relaxing leave and telework policies to try to reduce person to person contact.
“Since this virus is known to spread by respiratory droplets, much like seasonal influenza, frequent hand-washing with soap and water or alcohol-based gel, coughing or sneezing into a tissue, and avoidance of touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands are proven strategies,” said Dr. Jennifer Corder, Garrett County Deputy Health Officer.
In addition to social distancing and staying home if you are sick, other ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19 are to keep ill persons away from the rest of the household and frequently clean high touch areas such as counters, door knobs, phones, keyboards, and bathrooms.
This situation is constantly changing. Please consult garretthealth.org for up-to-date information.
By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department
Contact: [email protected]
- Garrett County Health Department, Garrett County Local Behavioral Health Authority/Local Management Board, and Maryland Physicians Care Team Up to Host Oakland Donation Collection Site for Individuals Impacted by Flooding - May 19, 2025
- Featured Today on Go!+ – Announcing a New Tool! – Step Stats! - May 19, 2025
- National Foster Care Month - May 19, 2025
