Garrett County agencies continue to work together to prepare for a time when there is an increased number of positive COVID-19 cases in the county. With a limited number of labs capable of processing tests, and the great number of specimens being submitted, test results are often taking a week or longer to show up in the reporting database.
As of Friday, April 3rd the COVID-19 testing numbers for Garrett County residents are as follows:
- 139 – specimens processed
- 3 – total positive results for Garrett County residents
- 66 – negative results for Garrett County residents
- 70 – pending tests results
- 2 – of the positive cases have recovered and have been released from isolation
- 1 – of the positive cases remains hospitalized
Please note that under current procedures, local health departments are only notified of results on the individuals who reside in their county.
Following the federally-developed National Incident Management System, Garrett County is working together to coordinate and cooperate between public and private entities in a variety of incident planning activities. This may sound intimidating but this framework provides a common standard for the overall management of this public health crisis.
State and local agencies such as the Health Department, the County Government, Garrett Regional Medical Center, Department of Social Services, Emergency Management, and others are meeting virtually to plan for short-term and long-term local needs. The daily conferencing helps to coordinate personal protective equipment, plans of care for vulnerable populations, potential medical surge needs as well as ensuring the safety of all Garrett County citizens.
The main components happen behind the scenes, including preparedness, communications, resource management, overall crisis management, and ongoing management and maintenance.
Specifically, as part of this response plan, a virtual Joint Information Center (JIC) has been assembled. This JIC serves as the single point for local news and information related to the COVID-19 situation in Garrett County.
“The Health Department and County Government have been working together on our response to COVID-19 from the beginning,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens. “We are fortunate in Garrett County because we are used to collaborating with our partners, so we already know all the players and getting information out through a Joint Information Center only makes sense.”
Maryland remains under a Stay at Home Directive from Governor Larry Hogan, with travel only allowed for essential reasons.
“At this time, it is clear that we must all act as though we are carriers of the virus and stay home whenever possible,” said Dr. Jennifer Corder, Deputy Health Officer for Garrett and Allegany counties. “We each need to do our part to slow the spread and allow these collaborative efforts to best prepare the county.”
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 Garrett County Joint Information Center Team
Contact: [email protected]
