Is it Allergies or is it COVID-19?

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

It may be allergy season, and other respiratory illnesses are making their rounds since masking is no longer mandatory, but there’s no way to know if it’s COVID-19 unless you get tested.

“COVID is here to stay,” said Dr. Jennifer Corder, Deputy Health Officer for Garrett and Allegany Counties. “Protect yourself with vaccines and boosters, mask up when it shows up again near you, and test if you have symptoms.”

Take a test, either at home or at a clinic or pharmacy:

If you begin having COVID-⁠19 symptoms like sore throat, congestion, runny nose, fever, or loss of taste or smell.
At least 5 days after you come into close contact with someone with COVID-⁠19, or
When you’re going to gather with a group of people, especially those who are at risk of severe disease or may not be up to date on their COVID-⁠19 vaccines

Take-home tests are currently available at no cost to the recipients at Ruth Enlow Library branches and at some Health Department Clinics.

Every home in the U.S. is currently eligible to order a third round of free at-home tests. If you have not ordered an earlier round, you can place three orders now. Go to covid.gov/tests to order, or call 1-800-232-0233 if you need help. These tests show results 15 minutes after testing.

At the Garrett County Health Department located at 1025 Memorial Drive in Oakland, testing is completed Mondays from 2 p.m. to 7pm, and Wednesdays, and Fridays between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. To make an appointment for testing please call 301-334-7697 or schedule online at https://portal.ciandx.com/portal.

Testing is also available at the Health Department’s Grantsville location on most Fridays from 8:30-11:30 am. Please call 301-616-0820 for an appointment. No testing in Grantsville on May 27^th.

Some local pharmacies and other providers also administer tests and vaccine.

Vaccine is available weekly at the following Health Department Clinics for first and second doses as well as boosters for anyone who is currently eligible, including youth age 5-11.

Garrett County Health Department, 1025 Memorial Drive, Oakland, Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Garrett County Health Department, 28 Hershberger Lane, Grantsville, Fridays from 12:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome. Schedule an appointment at garretthealth.org.

Data from May 25^th shows the following: