Garrett County Health Department Continues In-Person Testing at Various Sites, and Provides Libraries with at Home Testing Kits and Masks 

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

The Garrett County Health Department continues to conduct free testing at their Oakland Office and at the Garrett County Fairgrounds. In addition, a partnership with the Ruth Enlow Library System has provided a supply of take-home tests and KN95 masks to the branches for distribution to the public.

Take-home tests and KN95 masks are available at the library branches in limited quantities while supplies last. They are provided to Garrett County by the State of Maryland.

“As our numbers begin to come down it’s so important to continue to test and to isolate if you test positive for COVID-19,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens. “We are beginning to see a small light at the end of the tunnel, but we have been here before and then the numbers went back up. The only way to stay ahead of COVID-19 is to continue to be fully vaccinated and receive a booster if your series is not yet complete. It is also critical that you get a test for COVID if you have symptoms or have been exposed to a positive case. Please isolate if you test positive, and wear masks in crowded locations, or if you have not received your vaccinations.”

Vaccination clinics for all eligible age groups are held weekly on Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Garrett County Health Department at 1025 Memorial Drive in Oakland, and on Fridays from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at 28 Hershberger Lane, Grantsville. Appointments may be made at garretthealth.org.

Free COVID-19 drive-through testing will continue through the third week of February at the Garrett County Fairgrounds in McHenry.

Upcoming dates include:
● Saturday, February 12, from 1-5 p.m.
● Tuesday, February 15, from 4-7 p.m.
● Thursday, February 17, from 4-7 p.m.
● Saturday, February 19, from 1-5 p.m.

Testing will be done on a first-come, first-served, basis. No appointments are being scheduled. Tests are rapid antigen tests and results will be available the same day.

A decision about continuing to provide testing in McHenry will be made on a weekly basis.

Testing in McHenry is in addition to the normal Monday through Friday testing available at the Garrett County Health Department at 1025 Memorial Drive in Oakland. To schedule an appointment between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. for a test at the Oakland site, visit garretthealth.org or call 301-334-7698.