Frederick County Making Progress Curbing COVID-19 Cases

But County Executive warns the virus is still out there.

 

 

 

Frederick, Md (KM) The statistics look good when it comes to coronavirus infections in Frederick County.

During her public information briefing on Thursday, County Executive Jan Gardner said the intensive care unit at Frederick Health Hospital have seen no COVID-19 patients over the past seven days. “Overall, hospitalizations are holding steady with only six people being treated at Frederick Health Hospital for COVID yesterday {Wednesday}. Over the last week, we’ve had five to seven patients per day, maybe some of the same people in the hospital,” she said. “At our peak in the spring, the hospital actually had 37 people a night.”

Gardner also said the situation is improving in local nursing homes, which were once a hot spots  for the COVID-19 virus. “I’m pleased to announce that almost half of our nursing homes–four out of nine–are now eligible and how have done the assessation process to allow limited outdoor visitations and small gatherings within the facility,” she says. Those nursing homes are Homewood and Crumland Farms, Buckingham’s Choice, Vindobona Nursing Home and St. Joseph’s Place in Emmitsburg.

The County Executive also said Frederick County has tested 9.9% of its population for the COVID-19 virus. The Governor has issued a challenge to all counties to test at least 10% of their populations, and Frederick County is getting close to that mark, says Gardner.

She also announced that the local positivity rate is 3.1% That’s the percentage of patients who tested positive for the coronavirus out all of the people tested over a seven-day period.

This good news is due to most Frederick County residents who are taking the necessary precautions to guard against contracting COVID-19, such as wearing face coverings, keeping at least a six-foot distance between themselves and others and washing their hands frequently.

But she says residents still need to continue taking these measures to protect themselves. “If we do not do these things, if we let down our guard, we may unfortunately  go backward just like other parts of the country are doing,” says Gardner. “We know it’s possible so please do your part.”

She says that’s especially important during the July 4th Holiday weekend. “If you chose to go a park, if you chose to go to the beach–I’m not recommending people go to the beach–but if you choose to  go to  these places, make sure you stay at least six-feet from people who don’t live with you, and make sure you wear a face covering at all times. Keep your distance; wash your hands.”

The county recommends anyone who wants to watch fireworks to do so from their car.

 

By Kevin McManus