Humane Society Of Harford Closes Due To Virus

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — After a staff member tested positive for the coronavirus, the Humane Society of Harford County has closed until further notice.

"We apologize for any inconvenience; however, out of an abundance of caution after a staff member tested positive for COVID, we have asked staff that came in close contact with this person to quarantine until receiving a negative COVID test," Erin Long, marketing coordinator for the Humane Society of Harford County, said in a statement Monday.

As a result, there is a staffing shortage, according to officials, who said it may take days or up to a week for the humane society to return messages.

"A healthy skeleton staff is taking care of the animals," Long said.

Officials said 4,828 cases of the virus had been confirmed in Harford County as of Tuesday, Nov. 17.

The positivity rate in Harford County is 8.99 percent, and the new case rate is 34.62 per 100,000, according to the Maryland Department of Health.

A positivity rate above 5 percent means more testing may be needed, according to Johns Hopkins. A case rate greater than 25 per 100,000 indicates community spread is out of control and may require containment measures, according to the Harvard Global Health Institute.

New restrictions took effect Friday, Nov. 13, in Harford County to curb the spread of the virus, including the closure of county government buildings to the public and suspension of organized activities at county fields and parks.

While the Humane Society of Harford County is closed, anyone who has lost or found a pet or has an animal-related emergency is asked to call Harford County Animal Control at 410-638-3505.

After hours, people can call the Harford County Sheriff’s Office at 410-838-6600.

Related: 'COVID-19 Cases On The Rise In Harford': Exec On New Restrictions