With the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in the National Capitol Region, Montgomery County officials are offering precautionary recommendations to prevent further community spread of the virus. The County’s COVID-19 case rate has risen steadily over the last month and is now more than double the recent rate low on Nov. 28.
The increase in transmission has occurred both in the County and in other jurisdictions around the region. Combined with influenza cases and other significant respiratory disease, emergency department visits and hospitalization rates have increased as well.
“Our current surge in cases is coming right before the holidays and with increased travel and gatherings, there is concern that transmission may increase and strain the health care system,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “I encourage all residents to take extra precautions and to make sure they are up to date on vaccinations, including getting a flu vaccine. We want people to enjoy being with family and friends, but we want to do it safely.”
Although the County is currently an area of low-level community transmission as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the case rate is quickly approaching medium-level community transmission.
Based on the advice of Montgomery County Health Officer Kisha Davis, it is strongly recommended that people voluntarily engage in the following precautionary measures to slow transmission, protect most vulnerable populations and keep hospitalizations down:
- Use a well-fitting face covering during visits to congregate places and indoor spaces with limited social distancing.
- Use testing and test-to-treat antiviral medication after returning from travel or gatherings.
- Stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including booster-shots.
Visit the County’s COVID-19 data dashboard to review the latest metrics and key indicators. Find additional information on masks and transmission levels on the COVID-19 website.
Information on free vaccination clinics is available at www.GoVAXMoCo.com.
Anyone who feels sick or thinks they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should get tested. Information on free testing clinics can be found at www.MoCoCOVIDtesting.org.
For the latest COVID-19 updates, visit the County’s COVID-19 website.
