She says there have been 69 new cases in the last 24 hours
Frederick, MD (KB) At a public information briefing on Thursday, Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner said the number of COVID-19 cases in the county are much higher than she would like to see.
“The trend is not positive. Total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Frederick County now stands at 18,252 — up from 17,893 last week,” she explained. “That’s an increase of 69 new cases in the last 24 hours, and we had 50 yesterday.”
She said the Maryland Department of Health is reporting 12 active outbreaks in Frederick County this week.
“These could be in businesses, schools, or living facilities,” she said. “Frederick County Public Schools reported 6 cases among staff, and 43 among students, with no more than 7 at any single school. School data is posted at fcps.org/update/dashboard.”
Gardner said she is concerned about future outbreaks resulting from the holidays this week.
“Particularly because I’ve heard so many people say that this week they’re, with schools being closed and with the holiday, that they are gathering with family or traveling,” she noted. “I’m concerned about what that will mean to us about three weeks down the road.”
Gardner said now is not the time to relax on COVID-19 preventative measures. She encouraged residents to continue to wear masks and practice social distancing.
Health Officer Dr. Barbara Brookmyer said this week, Frederick County started vaccinating residents in priority group 2B.
“As a reminder, 2B, Marylanders age 16 and older with underlying medical conditions that increase the risk for severe COVID illness,” she explained.
She said stage 2C will begin on April 13th, with more groups to follow later in the month.
“Stage 3, April 27th in Maryland, all Marylanders age 16 and older would be eligible,” she stated.
Dr. Brookmyer said the county received 2,500 doses of the vaccine this week.
The Health Officer said as of this week, 74,000 Frederick County residents have received their first dose of the vaccine.