FREDERICK, MD – The Frederick County Board of Health convened on Thursday, December 30 to hear an update on COVID-19 in Frederick County and discuss additional health regulations. Regulation 02-2021 was approved by the Board of Health 5 to 3 and goes into effect in Frederick County at 5pm on Friday, December 31, 2021.
BOH Regulation 02-2021 states that all persons aged 5 years and older are required to wear a face covering in all indoor public spaces accessible to the public where the person is unable to consistently maintain at least six (6) feet of distance from individuals who are not members of their household. The regulation will remain in effect until positive Covid-19 cases in Frederick County fall below 20 per 100,000 population or this regulation is superseded, amended, or revised by additional Board of Health Regulation.
COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations remain high in Frederick County. The majority of hospitalizations continue to be unvaccinated individuals. Residents are encouraged to get vaccinated and boosted when they are eligible, to make efforts to improve overall health through diet and exercise, and to seek early treatment as directed by a healthcare provider. See Maryland Department of Health press release for details on FDA-authorized oral COVID-19 antiviral medications available statewide.
The Board of Health also discussed the need for increased testing capacity. County Executive Jan Gardner and the County Council will be drafting a letter to Governor Hogan requesting a state-run testing site. The Health Department is working to expand testing operations at the Hillcrest testing site within the next week.
Next Board of Health meeting will be scheduled to occur in January 2022 and a date will be released Jan. 4, 2022. The Board of Health comprises the County Executive and the County Council. The County Health Officer serves as the Executive Officer and Secretary of the Board. The approved regulations and meeting minutes will be available at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/BoardofHealth.
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