By Garrett County Joint Information Center Team
Nothing about this year has been normal, and Thanksgiving celebrations need to look very different to help keep everyone as safe as possible. With numbers on the rise across the nation, and especially in our region, everyone needs to do their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The Garrett County Health Department received 125 additional positive COVID-19 results since the last report on Monday, November 23rd, bringing the current county total positives to 684.
The current statistics for Garrett County are as follows:
• 7-day positivity rate among Garrett County residents is 13.89% (Maryland rate is 6.52%)
• 7-day case rate per 100,000 among Garrett County residents is 106.84 (Maryland rate is 37)
• The breakdown of new cases by age ranges:
• 12.0% (15 cases) ages 0-20
• 28.0% (35 cases) ages 21-40
• 32.8% (41 cases) ages 41-60
• 23.2% (29 cases) ages 61-80
• 4.0% (5 cases) ages 81-100+
If you are traveling for the holidays this year despite the CDCs recommendation that postponing travel and celebrating at home is the best way to protect yourself and others, remember that the standard precautions apply no matter where you are:
• Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer,
• wear a face covering, and
• stay at least 6 feet apart from anyone who doesn’t live with you.
Celebrating with members of your immediate household, or holding virtual gatherings with family and friends is the safest choice throughout this holiday season. However, if you choose to attend a gathering or host one of your own, follow all the standard precautions listed above, and consider some of the following to help keep everyone safer:
• when possible have the meal outside, or open windows and doors to keep fresh air flowing
• everyone brings their own food, drinks, plates, cups, and utensils
• limit the number of people in food preparation area
• if food is shared, have one person serve
• use single-use options, like single serving salad dressing and condiment packets and disposable items such as plates, cups, and utensils
• clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items between use
For those interested in free community testing for COVID-19, local testing events are being planned and will be announced as plans are finalized.
Additional COVID-19 resources:
• Visit garretthealth.org for the most up-to-date COVID-19 information.
• To schedule a COVID-19 test or an Influenza vaccination call 301-334-7697.
• For all other COVID-19 related questions, or to report a COVID-19 compliance issue, call the local COVID-19 Hotline number at 301-334-7698.
Contact: [email protected]
