People Under 40 Make Up Growing Number of New Cases
FREDERICK, Md. – Frederick County has not recorded any deaths from the COVID-19 coronavirus over the past three weeks. Health metrics continue to show only a slight rise in the number of people contracting the highly contagious virus. Of concern is the growing number of positive cases in people between the ages of 20 and 39.
Frederick County residents are urged to avoid large crowds or gatherings, work at home if possible, and practice good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently, wearing a face covering and staying at least 6 feet from others when in public. Avoid vacations and travel to high-risk areas.
“We need to stay vigilant to protect our parents, grandparents and friends,” said Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner. “We want to avoid the increases other states are seeing, and that will require every one of us to do our part.”
To date, 12.6% of Frederick County’s population has been tested for COVID, and 2,655 cases have been confirmed. The Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services has transported six confirmed COVID-positive patients over the past week. The seven-day average rate of county residents testing positive is 2.41%, one of the lowest rates in Maryland. The national positivity rate is 8.5%. The Frederick County Health Department will hold testing clinics at the following locations in the coming week:
- Thursday, July 16 – Brunswick Railroad Square, 5-7 p.m.
- Friday, July 17 – Thurmont Municipal Building, 615 E. Main Street, 5-7 p.m.
- Saturday, July 18 – Black Lives Matter/Asbury United Methodist Church, Baker Park Band Shell, Frederick, 2-4 p.m.
- Monday, July 20 – Rescue Mission, 419 W. South St., Frederick, noon-2 p.m.
- Thursday, July 23 – Rescue Mission, 419 W. South St., Frederick, noon-2 p.m.
- Thursday, July 23 – Brunswick Railroad Square, 5-7 p.m.
Test results are taking up to 10 days, and in some cases even longer, because of significant increases in testing across the nation. To see daily statistics concerning COVID-19 in Frederick County, visit FrederickCountyMD.gov/COVIDstats. The site also includes weekly reports on nursing home infections, updated each Wednesday.
On Wednesday, Governor Larry Hogan stressed the importance of local jurisdictions enforcing public health requirements, particularly in bars and restaurants. He also advised anyone who has been at a large gathering or crowded area, or anyone who has traveled out of state, to be tested immediately.
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