Protecting the Public

This website provides up-to-date information about the Worcester County Health Department's response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. 

To view Maryland's COVID-19 Case Count visit https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/ 

No-Cost COVID-19 Testing

As of 12/15/22 each household is eligible to order up to 4 at-home rapid COVID-19 tests that will be mailed directly to their home. To order tests, please visit http://www.covidtests.gov/

Mask Guidance (Updated 2/28/22)

There is no longer a mandatory statewide masking order in effect, this is in line with the latest guidance coming from the CDC. 

COVID-19 Community Levels are a new tool to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data. Levels can be low, medium, or high and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area. Take precautions to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 based on the COVID-19 Community Level in your area. 

CDC Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People Updated 1/16/2022

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a respiratory virus. This is a virus that hasn’t caused illness in humans before. COVID-19 is spread just like colds or flu through coughing and sneezing, which creates respiratory droplets, close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands, or touching an object or surface with the virus on it. 

Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• In more severe cases, pneumonia (infection in the lungs)

Individual risk is dependent on exposure. Current risk assessment:

• People in communities where ongoing community spread with the virus that causes COVID-19 has been reported are at elevated risk of exposure.
• Healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19 are at elevated risk of exposure.
• Close contacts of persons with COVID-19 also are at elevated risk of exposure.
• Travelers returning from affected international locations where community spread is occurring also are at elevated risk of exposure.
• If you are sick, call your provider to discuss your symptoms before you walk-in to a doctor's office.

 What You Can Do to Protect from Infectious Disease?

It’s currently flu and respiratory disease season and CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine, taking everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs, and taking flu antivirals if prescribed. Preventing viral respiratory infections. Protect yourself from getting sick.

How can I protect myself from COVID-19? 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home while you are sick.
• Avoid close contact with others.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.

 High-Risk Conditions

COVID-19 is a new disease and there is limited information regarding risk factors for severe disease. Based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Based upon available information to date, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 include:

• People aged 65 years and older.
• People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility.
• People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma.
• People who have heart disease with complications.
• People who are immunocompromised including cancer treatment.
• People of any age with severe obesity (body mass index [(BM]I)≥40) or certain underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as those with diabetes, renal failure, or liver disease might also be at risk.
• People who are pregnant should be monitored since they are known to be at risk with severe viral illness, however, to date data on COVID-19 has not shown increased risk.

Where can I go for more information?

The Worcester County Health Department (WCHD) has a call center operating Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm with staff available to answer questions. To reach the center call 410-632-1100 option #8. WCHD also operates an automated public information line 24/7 with messaging about COVID-19 (410-632-4321). Visit WorcesterHealth.org for up-to-date facts and information on COVID-19 locally. Follow @WorcesterHealth on Facebook and other social media for emerging updates.

COVID Quarantine & Isolation Calculator

Determine how long you need to isolate, quarantine, or take other prevention steps.

COVID Vaccination Cards

Have you lost Your COVID vaccination card? Maryland MyIR is a free website service that allows consumers to view and print copies of their official vaccination records directly from ImmuNet, Maryland's immunization information system. Visit Maryland MyIR. 

Ways to cope with stress

Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.

Recovery and Wellness Support Resources for the COVID-19 Outbreak

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) continues to develop coordinated prevention and response plans for COVID-19. BHA will provide COVID19 updates as they become available and accurate information for behavioral health providers, partners, and the greater community. 

Test to Treat (T2T)

Maryland pharmacies and health partners are participating in
the federal Test to Treat (T2T) initiative to expand access to
potentially life-saving COVID-19 treatments for all residents.

COVID-19 Public Health Activities

What Businesses and Governments Can do to Prepare

For the latest COVID-19 information and resources, visit the BHA website or coronavirus.maryland.gov. For additional questions or concerns, contact
your Local Behavioral Health Authority.

The Environmental Health Program licenses and inspects all permanent and temporary food facilities in Worcester County.  For forms or questions related to operating or opening a food service facility, please contact our Office.

The Environmental Health Program permits and inspects public and semi-public swimming pools and spas in Worcester County.  For forms or questions related to operating or constructing a pool, please contact our Office.

People in Maryland should now have clean, smoke-free air while working, dining, shopping, or relaxing throughout the state. Please call Environmental Health to file a complaint.

Implementation of regulations and education regarding the risks associated with tanning bed overuse and safety, aimed at our youth population.  Tanning Bed Safety questions and concerns can be addressed by our Prevention Program at 410-632-1100 ext. 4.

Training for Intervention Procedures (TIPS) is an alcohol management program approved by the State of Maryland. The state of Maryland requires that an alcohol licensee have someone associated with the license (i.e. owner, manager, bartender) have training in an approved alcohol management program. The purpose of the TIPS program is to teach servers of alcohol acceptable and helpful standards for responsible alcohol service. TIPS has a fee of $45 per person (group discounts are available).

This service is provided by the Prevention Program.