Harford's Coronavirus Positivity Rate Up, Mass Vax Site 'Soon'

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Coronavirus is on the rise in Harford County, prompting a robocall from County Executive Barry Glassman Wednesday night.

Since the pandemic began, there have been more than 14,000 cases and over 250 deaths attributed to the coronavirus in Harford County as of Wednesday, March 31.

“You may have heard that current case rates are high in Harford County,” Glassman said in a voice recording directed to Harford County residents.

Harford County has averaged 32.49 cases per 100,000 residents over the last week, the Maryland Department of Health reported Wednesday. The state's average case rate is 20.66 per 100,000.

When an area exceeds 10 new cases per 100,000, community spread has accelerated and is at dangerous levels, according to the Harvard Global Health Institute.

If the case rate is greater than 25 per 100,000, officials say community spread is out of control and may require measures to curb the infection.

"Our local health officer does not pinpoint one cause or location," Harford County officials said, "other than noting that cases in Harford have not declined as rapidly following holiday peaks vs. other areas of the state."

Case rates are not the only thing on the rise.

More than 9 percent of coronavirus tests in Harford County are coming back positive for the virus, state health data released Wednesday showed.

Positivity rates should be at or below 5 percent for two weeks for an area to relax restrictions, according to the World Health Organization.

Glassman, who has followed state guidance in removing capacity limits on retail establishments and other venues in mid-March, urged residents to take safety into their hands.

“Remember, you can stop the spread by avoiding crowds and following these simple steps: Wear your mask. Keep your distance. Wash your hands. And get a vaccine when you can," Glassman said.

Vaccination Continues, Mass Vaccination Site Ahead

So far more than 16 percent of Harford’s population has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to state health data released Wednesday.

Over 112,000 vaccines have been administered in Harford County, including two-dose and single-dose vaccines for COVID-19, the Maryland Department of Health reported.

A mass vaccination site in Harford County will open by the end of April, according to Gov. Larry Hogan, who did not disclose a location.

"We are eager to get one and the County Executive has been advocating for a site at Ripken Stadium," according to a statement from Harford County government Wednesday night. "The governor announced Harford will have a mass vax site open by the end of April. We're looking forward to an announcement soon."

In the meantime, those eligible for a vaccine are encouraged to register with the Harford County Health Department. If you need help filling out the form, call the Harford County Health Department at 410-838-1500, then press 4.

People can also do the following:

• Register at the mass vaccination sites around Maryland.
• Call the state's COVID-19 Vaccination Support Center at 1-855-634-6829.
• Visit covidvax.maryland.gov to find a COVID-19 vaccination provider by area.

See Also:

• County Executive Wants Mass Vaccination Site At Ripken Stadium
• Harford County To Open Mass Vaccination Site In April: Governor