Delta Variant of COVID-19 Identified in Garrett County

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

The Garrett County Health Department was notified today that the highly contagious COVID-19 Delta variant has been confirmed in Garrett County. The Maryland Public Health Laboratory conducts RNA sequencing on COVID-19 case specimens from across the state, and the Delta variant was found in a Garrett County specimen. The variant was identified in Allegany County last week.

The World Health Organization and the CDC have labeled the Delta variant of COVID-19 as a variant of concern because it is spreading much more quickly and easily than other variants of the disease. The CDC reports that the Delta variant has been found to be particularly dangerous to those who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated against COVID-19, and preliminary data indicates that it may increase the risk of hospitalization.

Fortunately, studies show that all three available vaccines – Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson – do provide protection against the Delta variant and help to prevent hospitalizations and deaths.

“It is now more important than ever that everyone who is eligible for the vaccine gets it,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens.

Vaccination rates for Garrett County residents are 46.1% for those 12+ and 74.3% for those who are age 65+.

The Garrett County Health Department has weekly clinics scheduled at their Oakland and Grantsville Offices throughout the summer, with Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and Pfizer vaccine available at each clinic.

Oakland Clinics
• Tuesdays at 1025 Memorial Drive
• 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Grantsville Clinics
• Fridays at 28 Hershberger Lane
• 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Scheduling links through July are available at garretthealth.org. August links will soon be available. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are also welcome.