Garrett County Updates COVID-19 Numbers; Launches Frequently Asked Questions Page

Fortunately, in Garrett County both the total number of tests for COVID-19, and the number of negative results continues to grow, while the number of positive tests is holding steady at three for Garrett County residents. Across Maryland numbers continue to rise, and today a new Executive Order goes into effect in a continued attempt to stem the spread of the virus.

As of this morning, testing sites located in Garrett County have processed specimens on a total of 113 individuals.  The database of test results for Garrett County residents shows 66 negatives and three positives. Of the remaining 44 specimens, most are still pending, but some of these undefined results represent individuals who reside outside of Garrett County. Under current procedures, local health departments only receive notification of positive and negative results on the individuals who reside in their county.

This morning Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced an Executive Order which institutes a Stay at Home Directive. “No Maryland resident should be leaving their home unless it is for an essential job, or for an essential reason such as obtaining food or medicine, seeking urgent medical attention, or for other necessary purposes.” The order goes into effect at 8 p.m. today.

In an attempt to help residents receive answers to their COVID-19 questions, on Sunday the Garrett County Health Department launched a frequently asked questions page addressing some of the most common questions they receive via messages, comments, and calls to the COVID-19 Hotline. To access the new page, go to bit.ly/covid-19-answers.

“We are making every attempt to respond to each question, but urge everyone to please utilize the digital resources first unless you are feeling ill or believe you may have been exposed,” said Tiffany Fratz, Director of Personal Health at the Garrett County Health Department. “This will help to direct resources to those who need them most.” The page will be updating regularly as new information is received. 

“We want to make sure we get as much accurate information published as soon as possible to help cut down on any rumors, dispel any myths, and illustrate our commitment to transparency as an agency,” said Fratz.

For more information about the numbers of cases in and around the area, interested persons can go to this link https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html where they can zoom in to Garrett County. Red dots indicate cases, and it is easy to see COVID-19 activity in neighboring counties.

At this time, there is no knowledge of community level spread of COVID-19. All three confirmed cases in county residents were related to travel within the United States. Two of the three have been managed at home, and one remains hospitalized.

The most important message for community members is to maintain consistently high levels of hand washing, social distancing and isolation upon first signs or symptoms of COVID-19. These symptoms most commonly include fever, cough and shortness of breath, but sometimes fever does not occur. 

Accurate COVID-19 information is critical to the community. For the most current and accurate information about the situation, please refer to the following:

● Health Department COVID-19 Dashboard: garretthealth.org/covid-19-information/. Local information as well as links to State and National resources.

● Health Department Frequently Ask Questions Page: bit.ly/covid-19-answers

● Garrett County COVID-19 Medical Hotline: 301-334-7698

● Garrett County Government’s COVID-19 Page: garrettcounty.org/covid-19

Please call 911 only for medical emergencies, not for coronavirus information or questions.

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department