Contact Tracing Difficult as Cases Surge

By Garrett County Joint Information Center Team

COVID-19 case counts continue to go up across the region and throughout the country, making it harder and harder for contact tracers to keep up with the surge.

“Because of the large number of positive cases across the region, if you test positive for COVID-19 it is important to immediately isolate yourself and remain in isolation for 10 days,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens. “Contact tracers are having a hard time keeping up with the volume of cases. If you test positive, do your part to reduce the spread by calling your close contacts and asking them to quarantine for 14 days from their last contact with you. We all need to take personal responsibility to help keep others safe.”

If you know you are a close contact to a confirmed COVID-19 case immediately begin quarantining. You can get tested 3-5 days after you are exposed, whether or not you have symptoms. If you develop symptoms, get tested at that time. Symptoms can develop anywhere from 2-14 days after exposure.

The next community drive-through testing event in Garrett County will be held at the Health Department office in Oakland on this Friday, November 20, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Please follow the signs and watch for traffic personnel for direction. Be prepared for a possible wait depending on how many persons take advantage of this event. Test could be either a nasal or a throat swab, depending on age of the patient and the availability of kits. There is no out-of-pocket cost to get a test at the site, and appointments and doctors’ orders are not required.

Visit garretthealth.org for the most up-to-date COVID-19 information.