Virginia expands categories for vaccine recipients

View news story:

 

Eastern Shore of Virginia Enters 1C COVID-19 Vaccination Phase - WBOC TV

A mass vaccination location for Eastern Shore of Maryland announced

View WBOC news story:

Governor Hogan Announces Mass Vaccination Site Plans in Salisbur - WBOC TV

 

USA

FEBRUARY 22, 2020

35 Covid-19 cases reported

0 Covid-19 deaths reported 

FEBRUARY 22, 2021

500,000+ Covid-19 deaths reported

Covid-19 numbers at year's end...

 (Worcester County Department Of Health)

            

New Covid-19 treatment to be offered locally

 

(WBOC)

SALISBURY, Md.- Starting Tuesday, TidalHealth will become a regional referral site for the administration of a new COVID-19 treatment that drew attention when it was used to treat President Donald Trump for the virus.

View full article:

TidalHealth to Offer New COVID-19 Treatment - WBOC-TV 16, Delmarvas News Leader, FOX 21 -

Governor Hogan announces rapid testing acquisition.

 (WBOC)

View article:

http://www.wboc.com/story/42614834/maryland-acquires-250k-rapid-covid19-antigen-tests

Covid-19 Testing To Be Available In Westover.

(WMDT)

View article:
https://www.wmdt.com/2020/06/drive-thru-covid-19-testing-event-to-be-held-in-westover-2/

COVID-19 testing will be available at Fruitland, Onley..

(Update) Virginia locations include the Walmart in Onley.



(WMDT)

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Governor Larry Hogan announced on Friday that several Walmart stores in Maryland will open as COVID-19 test sites. 

View article:
https://www.wmdt.com/2020/05/two-eastern-shore-walmart-stores-to-open-as-covid-19-testing-sites/   

Coronavirus And Our Pets

homeoanimal.com

CORONAVIRUS: SHOULD WE BE WORRIED ABOUT OUR DOGS AND CATS?

The coronavirus 2019 (or COVID-19) disease, caused by the 

SARS-CoV-2 virus, is now on the lips of all news readers 

around the world. The epidemic which started in Wuhan, 

China, is now raging across the planet and was therefore 

declared a pandemic on March 11 by the director of the World 

Health Organization.

Perhaps you have followed the news and know that a tiger from the New York zoo tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus on April 5? In fact, several zoo cats have shown symptoms of respiratory illness following the probable contact with an employee infected with COVID-19.

As this kind of test requires a general anesthesia on such exotic animals, and since these animals had a high anesthetic risk due to their symptoms, it was agreed to test only one tiger for COVID-19, for their safety. It is therefore assumed that these other zoo felines may also have been affected by this coronavirus.

  

• So, what does this mean for our dear pets?

Until now, we thought they were safe from this highly contagious virus. Is this still the case?

Do we need to take extra precautions to protect our dogs and cats from COVID-19?

Certainly, the large family of coronaviruses includes around 40 different viruses and some can actually infect cats and dogs. But what about the dreaded COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)?

The rest of this article will answer your questions.

CAN HUMANS TRANSMIT COVID-19 TO ANIMALS?

Now that coronavirus is much more common in society, it has been reported that there is a possibility of infection in animals who are in close contact with humans infected with COVID-19.

As there had been no study on the subject and no case had been reported until recently in animals, the scientific community assumed that the risk of transmission of COVID-19 from a human to an animal was minimal, or even non-existent. However, the recent case of the tiger in New York, the first animal that tested positive for the virus in the United States, has changed this theory.

In addition, a certain number of cases of COVID-19 in dogs and cats have also been reported worldwide.

That said, although it’s possible, the risk of pets being infected with this disease still seems very low. The cases that exist to date are very isolated.

Studies are underway to better understand the transmission of COVID-19 in animals, but for the moment, no scientific study officially confirms the risk of transmission of the virus to our pets.

As of March 25 2020, tests have been done on 17 dogs and 8 cats living in families affected by COVID-19, and only two dogs have tested positive for the virus. However, it is not prudent to draw conclusions from such an experiment, given the low number of subjects tested.

Latest Coronavirus updates from Johns Hopkins

https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html

COVID-19 Communithy Transmission Reported On Eastern Shore Of Virginia..

(WESR/Shore Daily News)

 "The COVID-19 virus is circulating in all our communities right now, and the number of infected people is increasing rapidly."

View full statement from The Eastern Shore Health District:
https://shoredailynews.com/headlines/eastern-shore-health-district-announces-community-transmission-of-covid-19/

Coronavirus..did you know?

 An Asst. Prof in infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins University states the following:

* The virus is not a living organism, but a protein molecule (DNA) covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or buccal mucosa, changes their genetic code. (mutation) and convert them into aggressor and multiplier cells.

* Since the virus is not a living organism but a protein molecule, it is not killed, but decays on its own. The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies.

* The virus is very fragile; the only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat. That is why any soap or detergent is the best remedy, because the foam CUTS the FAT (that is why you have to rub so much: for 20 seconds or more, to make a lot of foam).

By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and breaks down on its own.

* HEAT melts fat; this is why it is so good to use water above 77 degrees Fahrenheit for washing hands, clothes and everything. In addition, hot water makes more foam and that makes it even more useful.

* Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% DISSOLVES ANY FAT, especially the external lipid layer of the virus.

* Any mix with 1 part bleach and 5 parts water directly dissolves the protein, breaks it down from the inside.

* Oxygenated water helps long after soap, alcohol and chlorine, because peroxide dissolves the virus protein, but you have to use it pure and it hurts your skin.

* NO BACTERICIDE OR ANTIBIOTIC SERVES. The virus is not a living organism like bacteria; antibodies cannot kill what is not alive.

* NEVER shake used or unused clothing, sheets or cloth. While it is glued to a porous surface, it is very inert and disintegrates only
-between 3 hours (fabric and porous),
-4 hours (copper and wood)
-24 hours (cardboard),
- 42 hours (metal) and
-72 hours (plastic).

But if you shake it or use a feather duster, the virus molecules float in the air for up to 3 hours, and can lodge in your nose.

* The virus molecules remain very stable in external cold, or artificial as air conditioners in houses and cars.

They also need moisture to stay stable, and especially darkness. Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm and bright environments will degrade it faster.

* UV LIGHT on any object that may contain it breaks down the virus protein. For example, to disinfect and reuse a mask is perfect. Be careful, it also breaks down collagen (which is protein) in the skin.

* The virus CANNOT go through healthy skin.

* Vinegar is NOT useful because it does not break down the protective layer of fat.

* NO SPIRITS, NOR VODKA, serve. The strongest vodka is 40% alcohol, and you need 65%.

* LISTERINE IF IT SERVES! It is 65% alcohol.

* The more confined the space, the more concentration of the virus there can be. The more open or naturally ventilated, the less.

* You have to wash your hands before and after touching mucosa, food, locks, knobs, switches, remote control, cell phone, watches, computers, desks, TV, etc. And when using the bathroom.

* You have to Moisturize dry hands from so much washing them, because the molecules can hide in the micro cracks. The thicker the moisturizer, the better.

* Also keep your NAILS SHORT so that the virus does not hide there.

  

"This is a hefty virus"

(WESR/Shore Daily News)

By Ted Shockley

One of the two Eastern Shore (Virginia) men who tested positive for Covid-19 encouraged others to heed warnings in an interview Tuesday night, saying, “This is a hefty virus.”

“People do need to listen to what is being said,” said Russell Vreeland, who lives in Craddockville and allowed himself to be identified in this report.

“I’m not sure what I can tell people that will ease fears,” said Vreeland, who feels he came into contact with the coronavirus in the Charlotte, N.C., airport several weeks ago.

“A person sat down behind us and started hacking and coughing like crazy,” he said, adding, “Despite everything we did maintaining our ‘social distancing,’ one person kind of messed it up.”

He started a cough March 13 and a week later developed a fever that has persisted since. A person with whom Vreeland was traveling also tested postive but could not be reached by phone Tuesday night.

The 69-year-old Vreeland, who holds a Ph.D. in microbial physiology and biochemistry, credited the Eastern Shore Health Department and area medical professionals for their response.

“It’s obivious from my experience that they not only prepared for this, they practiced it,” said Vreeland. 

“These people are first rate. You can’t beat them. They did their job and they love their job.”

He said his doctor’s office and the health department have been in contact with him daily. His wife has not contracted the virus. 

He said he isolated himself after starting the cough and the health department “within a few hours identified all 22 people I was in contact with.” 

All have been quarantined. “They even identified a person I had been in contact with that I didn’t even remember, because it was only for five mintues.”

Virginia has reported more than 300 COVID-19 cases. There have been seven deaths linked to the illness.

His advice to the Eastern Shore: “This would not be a time of complacency. Depend on your health department.”  

SECOND CASE OF COVID-19 CONFIRMED IN WORCESTER COUNTY

(Snow Hill, MD)- The Worcester County Health Department (WCHD) confirmed the second positive test for a case of COVID-19 in Worcester County on March 21, 2020. The patient is a female in her 20s who lives in Worcester County and is recovering at home. This case is a close household contact of the first positive COVID-19 case in the county, reported earlier this week, and has been in quarantine since known exposure. Worcester County Health Department is conducting a contact investigation of this second case and appropriate close contacts will have arrangements made for testing if indicated.  

If you are experiencing possible COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) contact your primary care doctor for further screening to determine if you should be tested. Unless you are suffering a medical emergency, please do not show up unannounced at an emergency room or other medical facility. You should speak with your healthcare provider, who can alert an emergency room so that its staff is ready with proper protective gear. To protect yourselves and others, wash your hands often, cover cough/sneezes, clean and disinfect surfaces, and stay home if sick. For more information on Coronavirus and prevention tips, visit WorcesterHealth.org or call 410-632-1100 option #8 to connect to our call center (Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm). For COVID-19 information in the State of Maryland, please dial 2-1-1.

SECOND COVID-19 CASE ON EASTERN SHORE OF VA.

(WESR/Shore Daily News)

The Eastern Shore Health District announced that another resident of the Eastern Shore (of Virginia) has tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This case, a male in his 60s, marks the second known case in the Eastern Shore Health District (Virginia). He was a travel companion of the first identified case. The Eastern Shore Health District is currently conducting a thorough investigation of the case and any potential exposures.

“We cannot emphasize enough the importance of social distancing.  As the number of cases continues to grow so will the number of close contacts who may have been exposed to the virus,” said Eastern Shore Health District Director Dr. Richard Williams. The health department continues to conduct surveillance and investigation of any future potential cases. In order to control COVID-19, it is very important for all to follow the health department recommendations.

SOMERSET COUNTY CONFIRMS 1ST POSITIVE COVID 19 CASE

(March 21, 2020, Westover, MD) The Somerset County Health Department has received notification that a Somerset County resident has tested positive for COVID-19. This is the first confirmed case in Somerset County.

The woman is in her 60s. She is in good condition and is isolating at home. The Somerset County Health Department with the help of the Maryland Department of Health is conducting a contact investigation and appropriate close contacts will have arrangements made for testing if indicated. If you are experiencing possible COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) contact your primary care doctor for further screening to determine if you should be tested. Unless you are suffering a medical emergency, please do not show up unannounced at an emergency room or other medical facility. You should speak with your healthcare provider, who can alert an emergency room so that its staff is ready with proper protective gear. 

If you have any questions you can call 443.614.6708.  During regular business hours call 443.523.1700.  We cannot share any additional details about confirmed cases, but staff can help answer residents’ questions.

The health department strongly urges the public to take all possible precautions to help prevent the spread of this virus. Take these everyday steps to help protect yourself and the community:

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, your sleeve or your elbow
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth

-(more)-

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using standard cleaning practices
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• If you are sick, stay home and self isolate, except when seeking medical care
• Avoid gatherings of more than 10 people. Stay home unless absolutely necessary.

For information on COVID-19, visit the Maryland Department of Health at www.coronavirus.maryland.gov or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus. Local updates will be shared through the Somerset County Health Department’s website at www.somersethealth.org or through social media on Facebook (@somersethealth), Instagram (Somersethealthmd) or Twitter (@somersethdmd).

Worcester County Health Department Statement

News

Worcester County Health Department confirms first case of COVID-19 in Worcester County

The Worcester County Health Department (WCHD) confirmed the first positive test for a case of COVID-19 in Worcester County on March 19, 2020. The patient is a male in his 30s who lives in Worcester County and is recovering at home.

Worcester County Health Department is conducting a contact investigation and appropriate close contacts will have arrangements made for testing if indicated.  

 Worcester County Health Department opened a call center Thursday, March 12, 2020, for questions regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19). Callers can reach the center during health department business hours (8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday) by dialing 410-632-1100 option #8. General information on COVID-19 is available 24/7 through Worcester Health’s Public Information Line (410-632-4321) and WorcesterHealth.org. 

 If you are experiencing possible COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) contact your primary care doctor for further screening to determine if you should be tested. Unless you are suffering a medical emergency, please do not show up unannounced at an emergency room or other medical facility. You should speak with your healthcare provider, who can alert an emergency room so that its staff is ready with proper protective gear. 

 “This is a time when we all need to work together. Please do your part in controlling the spread of this virus. Basic prevention strategies such as washing your hands often, covering your cough and sneeze, staying home when you are sick, and practicing social distancing can help us all keep one another safe and healthy during this time,” said Rebecca Jones, Health Officer. 

First COVID-19 case confirmed in Worcester County

View WMDT news article:
https://www.wmdt.com/2020/03/breaking-first-covid-19-case-confirmed-in-worcester-co/

Coronavirus Call Center

The Worcester County Health Department has opened a call center for questions regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19). Callers can reach the center during health department business hours (8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday) by dialing 410-632-1100 option #8. General information on COVID-19 is available 24/7 through Worcester Health’s Public Information Line (410-632-4321) and  https://www.worcesterhealth.org/

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource and Information Page

View WBOC's special page:

http://www.wboc.com/story/41871428/covid19-resource-and-information-page