by Geoff Fox
Two plus years into the COVID pandemic, and Hancock residents have had 883 confirmed cases of the respiratory virus. As of Monday, Washington County residents have reported 37,653 cases of the virus since reporting began in 2020.
In Maryland, Montgomery County has had the most cases, sitting at 212,267 total cases, almost 14,000 more than the next highest county. Washington County’s total is ninth highest in the state of Maryland.
While Hancock is closing in on 1,000 cases, Silver Spring has had 66,135 within its seven zip codes. Frederick (30,328), Hagerstown (24,343), and Cumberland (11,501) have the highest in Western Maryland within their zip codes.
All numbers were through the state of Maryland’ s COVID information.
According to Washington County’s COVID-19 dashboard, the county sits at a 10.98% positivity rate.
The county has reported 593 confirmed deaths from COVID.
There have been 91,619 people fully vaccinated in Washington County with another 102,041 having received at least one vaccine dose.
At Meritus Medical Center, visitors still have access to patients. However, there are some security measures the hospital has in place for visitors.
The website says face-masks are required, a photo I.D. is required at entry for patients and visitors aged 16 and over, a visitor badge will be provided at entry, and a metal detection screening at entry.
For those who want to get vaccinated, the Washington County Health Department has announced they are providing the Novavax vaccine. This is the first protein-based COVID-19 vaccine product recommended by the CDC and FDA.
Adults 18 and over interested in receiving the two-dose, primary series of vaccination can find the list of available clinics and schedules on the Washington County Health Department’s website at https://washcohealth.org/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/wchd-covid-19-vaccine-clinics/.
There are five more clinics scheduled for August, with all but one being in Hagerstown. The August 30 clinic is in Boonsboro.
Patients may walk in or register for a specific appointment time through that site or by calling 240-313-3456.
