Westminster, MD (August 17, 2021) – Carroll County is now in the substantial transmission category for COVID-19, according to the CDC. The Carroll County Health Department is recommending that all people over the age of 2, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask indoors in public and crowded outdoor settings to reduce the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19. The most recent data show that the county is now seeing 51.1 cases per 100,000 in a week. It is possible we will see a see-saw back and forth between moderate and substantial transmission and we will continue to evaluate as the situation evolves.

“Choosing to wear a mask will protect children under 12 who cannot yet be vaccinated, as well as people who are immunocompromised such as cancer patients,” said Health Officer Ed Singer. “Though COVID-19 vaccines work extremely well to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death due to COVID-19, and most cases are still in people who are not vaccinated, the Delta variant may sometimes be spread by people who are vaccinated, and masks will provide an extra layer of protection for our community.”

“Although at this time, Carroll County Government is not changing our policy, once again, the citizens of Carroll are being asked to take action to protect themselves, their families, friends and neighbors, and the entire community,” said Commissioner Ed Rothstein. “I know our county cares about each other and will continue to do what we need to do to move Carroll Forward.”

The Health Department strongly encourages anyone who is not yet fully vaccinated to get their first or second vaccine at one of the Health Department’s clinics, on Tuesdays from 10 am – 12 noon and Fridays from 1 – 3 pm. People can pre-register at https://cchd.maryland.gov/registration-links/ or simply walk into the Health Department, at 290 South Center Street in Westminster. People coming for second doses should bring their vaccine cards.

Over 100, 000 or 65.4% of eligible Carroll County residents (age 12 and older) have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination as of August 16th.

For more information, visit the Health Department’s website at cchd.maryland.gov and find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.