Health Department talking points on recent COVID spike

The Worcester County Health Department released the following talking points today (Sept. 3), regarding a recent COVID-19 spike in the region:


 

• The county's positivity rate is nearly triple the state positivity rate, and the highest it's been since May 31. What does that mean?
  • Several factors are involved with the positivity rate. Over the past weeks we’ve dramatically increased testing within the county. We also have new, private labs entering the State reporting system who are not always reporting negative results. This will make the positivity seem particularly high.
  • We also experience a massive population spike in the summer months and more people = more chances for transmission of COVID-19. However, we know that positivity rates tend to ebb and flow from week-to-week. One of our primary focuses is to make sure that our hospital infrastructure and ICU capacity isn’t overtaxed. And even with the increase in positivity rates right now, we’re in strong shape.

 

• Does the data include residents only, or does it also include people who've traveled to the county and contracted coronavirus, but returned to their county or state?
  • The data reflects test results for Worcester County residents though sometimes individuals with multiple places of residence, vacation homes, etc, are counted with our numbers initially.

 

• How is the data affected by beach towns like Ocean City?
  • Worcester County is a seasonal region and has been for decades. During the summer Ocean City swells in population to the second largest city in the State of Maryland. While it’s true that more people increase chances for transmission, our county businesses and residents have done a tremendous job proactively following best public health practices such as:
    • Wearing masks while around others
    • Physical distancing
    • Frequent handwashing
    • Following State limits on capacit
    • Getting themselves and their staff tested

 

• What are county health officials doing about the positivity rate?
  • We continue to monitor the change in rates and communicate with State and Local agencies on a daily basis.
    • Promote testing.
    • Promote awareness campaigns for best health and prevention practices.
    • Monitor the status of our hospitals and ICUs to make sure we are well-under capacity.
    • Our Contact Tracing and Isolation/Quarantine Teams work around the clock to track the spread of COVID-19 in our County and to support individuals who are either in quarantine or isolation to limit that spread.

 

• Are there health concerns ahead of Labor Day?
  • Vacation tends to put one into a "relaxed" state of mind. However, as a reminder we are still in the middle of recovery in Maryland and our expectation is that persons visiting our beach exert personal responsibility. To continue to follow basic prevention strategies while on vacation.
  • When large crowds gather there’s an increased chance for transmission of COVID-19. We want to again stress the importance of wearing masks, physical distancing, washing hands, being smart and healthy to protect yourself and your loved ones.
  • While our positivity rate did increase recently we are staying, cautiously, optimistic and don’t have specific health concerns ahead of Labor Day (except for the increased crowds). Our hospitals and ICUs remain below capacity, we are releasing residents from isolation and quarantine daily, in fact we have released 1,691 people from monitoring as of this morning, and we have a recovery rate of 97%.

 

• Will Worcester move forward with Phase 3 plans, given the spike in positivity rate?
  • We follow guidance and framework laid out by the Maryland Department of Health and, at this time, are still on track for everything mentioned in Phase 3. Our hospital system is operating efficiently and not near capacity even with the increase in positivity rate. We are in constant communication with MDH and State officials so if there are any drastic changes that need to be accounted for while moving into Phase 3 of recovery we will work closely with our partners to make sure the health of our residents and visitors remains a priority.