Press Release: COVID-19 Information Summary for Garrett County – by Garrett County Health Department

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department
 
The latest COVID-19 statistics for Garrett County continue to show the county with the worst positivity percentage and 7-day moving average case rate per 100,000 in the state. Like other jurisdictions where COVID-19 vaccination rates are low, Garrett County has seen a sharp increase in the rate of COVID-19 infections over the past few months. In addition, deaths attributed to complications from COVID-19 have also increased.
 
“Our condolences go out to everyone who lost loved ones to COVID-19 and its complications since the beginning of the pandemic,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens. “Our total deaths in Garrett County are now at 76. The losses reflected in the recent increase have occurred over the past several weeks. Although we were aware of the deaths earlier, we could not officially report on them until the information was confirmed by state reports.”
 
Current Garrett County COVID-19 information:
• 2,940 Total Cumulative Cases
• 76 Total Deaths
• 15.15% Positivity
• 62.53 7-Day Moving Average Case rate per 100,000
 
“The only way to improve the COVID-19 situation is to continue to be diligent about increasing the number of residents who are fully vaccinated,” Stephens said. “We have developed a graphic which helps show the current situation of those in the county who are not fully vaccinated.”
 
Reports show that for the time period of April through September, county residents who are not fully vaccinated accounted for:
• 82.1% of total COVID-19 cases
• 86.7% of COVID-19 hospitalizations
• 57.3% of the total county population
 
The accompanying graphic gives a visual depiction of the above numbers.
 
“If you are watching the COVID-19 information on our website, you will notice that we have changed the way we are reporting the number of residents who are vaccinated,” said Stephens. “Because being fully vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself from infection from the COVID-19 virus, or at least severe illness, we have transitioned to reporting the percentage of 12+ residents who meet these criteria. To be considered fully vaccinated, individuals must have received two doses of Pfizer or Moderna, or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine. Since only residents who are 12 years old or older are eligible to receive the vaccine, that is the age group we are currently reporting on our dashboard.”
 
The Garrett County Health Department has weekly clinics scheduled at their Oakland and Grantsville Offices, 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.
 
For more information and to make an appointment visit GarrettHealth.org or call 301-334-7697 or 301-895-3111.