Data about COVID-19 cases in Washington County show a steady increase in viral diseases in recent weeks. Between Sunday, November 28 and Monday, November 29, the county saw 41 more cases in county residents. The county’s COVID site reports that a total of 21, 456 county residents have had the respiratory virus and 417 residents’ deaths have been attributed to COVID.
Vaccination rates in the county have topped 50% — 76,503 county residents are considered fully vaccinated. More than 55% of residents have received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine, according to the Maryland Department of Health Prevention and Health Promotion Administration.
Health officials are urging county residents who are not vaccinated to take a vaccine to protect against severe cases of disease and prevent hospitalization from infection.
Washington County Health Department is holding weekly vaccination clinics on Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at their offices at 1302 Pennsylvania Avenue in Hagerstown. Health officials are offering Moderna vaccines for those 18 years and older, Pfizer vaccines for those 12 years and older and the Johnson and Johnson vaccine for those over the age of 18. Registration is by walk-in or calling ahead at 240-313-3456.
The Health Department is also partnering with the Boonsboro American Legion and Sharpsburg Bible Church to hold vaccine clinics on a regular basis.
A calendar of clinics can be found at https://www.washco-md.net/coronavirus-info/.
Some individual medical practices are also offering the vaccine, including a pediatric vaccination for those aged 5 to 12. Residents can call their physician, medical provider or pharmacies to locate a vaccine or make an appointment.
Masks are advised for residents when they are out in public spaces, regardless of vaccination status. Masks hinder the spread of the respiratory virus among people.
