Worcester County Health Department is dedicated to the health and safety of our residents and visitors. We have certified inspectors and field staff working with the community to help protect the public in a number of areas.Worcester County, MD Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
This website provides up-to-date information about the Worcester County Health Department's response to COVID-19.
*As of May 11, 2023 the Department of Health and Human Services declared the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), over.
To view Maryland's COVID-19 Case Count visit health.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/
Free at-home testing kits will still be available to all residents for pick-up at these locations:
- Snow Hill Health Department: 6040 Public Landing Rd. Snow Hill, MD, 21863 | Phone: (410) 632-1100
- Pocomoke Health Center: 400-A Walnut St. Pocomoke, MD 21851 | Phone: 410-957-2005
- Berlin Health Center: 9730 Healthway Dr. Berlin, MD 21811 | Phone: (410) 629-0164
- Ocean Pines Public Library: 11107 Cathell Road, Ocean Pines, MD 21811 | Phone: (410)208-4014
- Snow Hill Public Library: 307 North Washington Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863 | Phone: (410) 632-3495
- Berlin Public Library: 13 Harrison Avenue, Berlin, MD 21811 | Phone: (410) 641-0650
- Ocean City Public Library: 10003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 2184 | Phone: (410) 524-1818
- Pocomoke Public Library: 301 Market Street, Pocomoke City, MD 21851 | Phone: (410) 957-0878
Free, at-home COVID-19 test kits will be available while supplies last
COVID-19 Vaccines
Worcester Health will still be providing COVID-19 vaccines by appointment. Call 410-632-1100, select option 4 to schedule a vaccine appointment. To view clinic dates and self-schedule an appointment, visit COVID-19 Vaccine
To find other vaccine locations, health.maryland.gov/covid
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?
CDC COVID-19 Page: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/about-covid-19.html
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: www.hhs.gov/coronavirus
Maryland Department of Health: health.maryland.gov/COVID
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.
Recovery and Wellness Support Resources for the COVID-19 Outbreak
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 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..jpg)
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.
