COVID-19 Update for March 21st

Update from Garrett County Health Department: There are no confirmed COVID-19 cases in Garrett or Allegany County as of Saturday, March 21 at 10 AM. 

There are 190 confirmed cases and two deaths in Maryland, with the nearest case in Frederick County. In neighboring states, the nearest confirmed cases are in Washington County, Pennsylvania, and in Tucker and Monongalia Counties in West Virginia. 

In an attempt to preserve resources for the sickest and for health care workers, current local testing is being prioritized for those populations.  Although some testing has been done in Garrett County, return results from the labs have been slow due to the large number of tests being submitted nationally. Everyone who receives testing orders from a provider is being tested. All results returned for Garrett County so far have been negative. 

It is important for the public to understand that the sicker you are the more likely you will qualify for testing and that over testing slows down all the results, including those of seriously ill patients.

This is an ever-changing situation and we will continue to do daily updates, and more often if local information changes. For up-to-date COVID-19 information, please visit garretthealth.org where you will find links to both Statewide and National resources or call the local COVID-19 Hotline number at 301-334-7698. 

It is important to notify your doctor if you develop fever, shortness of breath or upper respiratory symptoms AND have traveled to a location where there are confirmed cases, or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Health leaders are asking people to take the illness seriously and to limit unnecessary social exposure by staying home, wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face and practicing social distancing.  You should remain home if you are mildly sick, and to follow the CDC’s guidance.  Those who are tested must self-isolate unless the lab returns a negative test result.

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