free covid-19 testing:
We are currently offer free COVID-19 testing every Tuesday from 9:30am – 11:30am at the health department in Westover. This is a drive-through outdoor event, open to all ages. Face masks are required. For more details about COVID-19 testing, visit our calendar page
Vaccine clinic information:
We are currently offering COVID-19 vaccinations to eligible persons 5 years and older. To schedule an appointment call 443.523.1920.
We offer 1st, 2nd, additional and booster doses of Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J at every COVID-19 vaccination clinic.
Upcoming COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics: (Updated 4/4/22)
- Wednesday, May 11: 1:30pm – 3:30pm. 8928 Sign Post Road, Westover, MD 21871. Appointment preferred but not required. Walk-ins accepted. Offering 1st, 2nd, 3rd (additional) and booster doses of Pfizer and Moderna to eligible persons. Questions? Call 443-523-1920.
- Friday, May 13: 9:30am – 11:30am. 8928 Sign Post Road, Westover, MD 21871. Appointment preferred.
- Wednesday, May 18:1:30pm – 3:30pm. 8928 Sign Post Road, Westover, MD 21871. Appointment preferred but not required. Walk-ins accepted. Offering 1st, 2nd, 3rd (additional) and booster doses of Pfizer and Moderna to eligible persons. Questions? Call 443-523-1920.
- Friday, May 20: 9:30am – 11:30am. 8928 Sign Post Road, Westover, MD 21871. Appointment preferred.
- Wednesday, May 25: 1:30pm – 3:30pm. 8928 Sign Post Road, Westover, MD 21871. Appointment preferred but not required. Walk-ins accepted. Offering 1st, 2nd, 3rd (additional) and booster doses of Pfizer and Moderna to eligible persons. Questions? Call 443-523-1920.
- Friday, May 27: 9:30am – 11:30am. 8928 Sign Post Road, Westover, MD 21871. Appointment preferred.
Updated cdc booster guidance
Data continue to show the importance of vaccination and booster doses to protect individuals both from infection and severe outcomes of COVID-19. For adults and adolescents eligible for a first booster dose, these shots are safe and provide substantial benefit. During the recent Omicron surge, those who were boosted were 21-times less likely to die from COVID-19 compared to those who were unvaccinated, and 7-times less likely to be hospitalized. CDC continues to recommend that all eligible adults, adolescents, and children 5 and older be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines, which includes getting an initial booster when eligible.
The CDC has updated its recommendations to allow certain immunocompromised individuals and people over the age of 50 who received an initial booster dose at least 4 months ago to be eligible for another mRNA booster to increase their protection against severe disease from COVID-19. Separately and in addition, based on newly published data, adults who received a primary vaccine and booster dose of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months ago may now receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
These updated recommendations acknowledge the increased risk of severe disease in certain populations including those who are elderly or over the age of 50 with multiple underlying conditions, along with the currently available data on vaccine and booster effectiveness.
kn95 face masks:
at-home test kits:
We are currently out of at-home test kits. We will be posting on our social media pages as soon as more become available. If you are in need of an at-home test kit, the Federal Government is now distributing them. Each household in the U.S. is eligible to receive 4 free at-home test kits. For more information, click here.
what is the difference between an additional dose and a booster dose?
A COVID-19 booster shot is another dose of a vaccine given after the protection provided by the original shot(s) has begun to decrease over time. The booster is designed to help people maintain their immunity for longer. A COVID-19 additional dose is given to people with moderately or severely compromised immune systems to improve their immune response.
covid-19 vaccine faq’s:
vaccine additional resources:
public health comm. collaborative
FOR THE LATEST NEWS go to our news and events page
what is covid-19?
The novel-coronavirus is a respiratory disease. The outbreak began in China is caused by a virus known as the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Symptoms include mild to severe respiratory illness with a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Information and numbers of confirmed cases changes rapidly.
To learn national and general information visit the Center for Disease Control here.
maryland department of health’s coronavirus cases dashboard, go here
Governor Hogan’s Covid-19 RelatedExecutive Orders Here
what are the symptoms of covid-19?
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. If you are feeling sick, get tested. Scroll to the top for available COVID-19 testing dates.
what is the difference between quarantine and isolation?
you should quarantine if you were exposed:
- Quarantine and stay away from others when you have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
you should isolate if you test positive or are sick:
- Isolate when you are sick or when you have COVID-19, even if you don’t have symptoms.
what are covid-19 variants?
Viruses constantly change through mutation and sometimes these mutations result in a new variant of the virus. Some variants emerge and disappear while others persist. New variants will continue to emerge. CDC and other public health organizations monitor all variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 in the United States and globally. For more information on COVID-19 variants, click here.
the omicron variant:
the delta variant:
covid-19 information for individuals with disabilities:
If you would like more information or assistance regarding COVID-19 for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities please contact Kyleigh Beaver, Public Affairs Specialist at kyleigh.beaver@maryland.gov or call 443.523.1700 or 443.783.0621.
a guide for caregivers
COVID-19 is challenging to explain, live through, and communicate about. As a caregiver, you work hard to help the person you care for stay healthy and safe during this difficult time.
tips for talking about covid-19
Model and explain what you’re doing to stay safe. When you take steps like wearing a mask or washing your hands, try pointing out and talking about what you’re doing. For example, as you’re putting your mask on, say “I’m putting my mask on now before I go outside.”
Show empathy by acknowledging the hard things. Some ways to prevent COVID-19 like wearing a mask and getting a vaccine, can be hard — especially for people with sensory challenges. Show that you understand what they’re going through. Then remind them that everyone needs to take steps to stay safe from COVID-19. When possible, see if there are small changes that could make it easier – for example, trying out a different style of masks.
Give safe distance reminders. When you’re getting ready to leave home, remind the person you care for to keep a safe distance (until a few weeks after their last COVID-19 shot). Be sure to use the same words every time. For example, you could say, “When we go out, keep a safe distance between yourself and other people.”
Identify and acknowledge changes in routine. When COVID-19 interrupts your plans or routines, clearly acknowledge what’s changing and explain why. For example: “We can’t go out to dinner with Uncle Marcus right now. I know you miss hanging out with him, but it’s not safe because of COVID-19.” If possible, suggest a safer alternative like a video call.
Explain what to expect ahead of time. When you’re getting ready to go to a new place, explain what to expect and point out anything that might be different than usual because of COVID-19. For example, as you’re getting ready for a doctor’s appointment, you could mention that everyone will keep a safe distance in the waiting room, and the doctor will also wear a mask. Social stories can be a great way to prepare for new situations like these.
Ease their worries. It’s normal to feel scared or anxious about COVID-19 — especially when there’s so much that is out of our control. If the person you care for is feeling worried, remind them that there are things they can do to stay safe: get a COVID-19 shot, wear a mask, and keep a safe distance until 2 weeks after their last shot, and wash their hands.
for those who are deaf or hard of hearing:
Click here to see the full list of American Sign Language videos regarding COVID-19.
face coverings/masks:
Where can I find a face covering? Most stores are now selling pre-made face masks. You can also look for a bandanna or a scarf that will cover both nose and mouth.
How do I make a face covering? The Center for Disease Control has an excellent handout on making them for both those who do not sew and those who do sew. Follow link to download PDF Document Link.
Do I need more than one covering? It’s a good idea as they must be cleaned daily.
How frequently do I need to clean a face covering? Every day. Wash your covering in warm to hot water with soap.
Can I share my face covering? No. Everyone should have their own to limit the exchange of germs and stop the spread of infection.
need help finding food during covid-19? read the list of local sites in both english and spanish here
children and covid-19:
Talking to Young Children CoronaVirus PDF Document Link
Caring for children, Tips from the CDC
Managing teen anxiety
mental health and covid-19:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH FOR ALL AGES PDF Document Link
Managing Fears about the coronavirus PDF Document Link
Teleworking Anti-Anxiety Tips PDF Document Link
psychological first responder self-care health tips here Link to Word Document
substance abuse and covid-19:
resources for on-line access for families and individuals dealing with substance abuse disorders
- Narcotics Anonymous http://www.jftna.org or http://virtual-na.org or http://NAbyphone.com
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- Recovery dharma
- SMART Recovery
- Celebrate Recovery
SAMHSA has also added a COVID-19 website which has several guidance documents and resources pertinent to treatment and recovery. https://www.samhsa.
environmental health and covid-19:
COVID-19 Food Safety guidelines FOR HOME AND BUSINESS
COVID19 and Septic Systems – What to Know PDF Document Link
Disinfecting Work and Home PDF Document Link
pets and covid-19:
- The risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is low.
- The virus can spread from people to animals during close contact.
- More studies are needed to understand if and how different animals could be affected by COVID-19.
- People with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should avoid contact with animals, including pets, livestock, and wildlife.
For more information about animals and COVID-19, click here.
cdc fact sheets:
What can the public do?
stop the spread
handwashing 101
spanish covid-19 information:
Lo que necesita saber sobre la enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 PDF Document Link
¿Se siente enfermo? PDF Document Link
SÍNTOMAS DE LA ENFERMEDAD DEL CORONAVIRUS 2019 PDF Document Link
Los Microbios están por todos lados PDF Document Link.
MANTENGA LA CALMA Y LÁVESE LAS MANOS PDF Document Link
Qué hacer si contrae la enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 PDF Document Link
DETENGA LA PROPAGACIÓN DE LOS MICROBIOS PDF Document Link
get involved:
contact tracing survey:
The Contact Tracing Unit at the Maryland Department of Health is working to evaluate contact tracing by asking the public to fill out a brief survey. Please consider participating in the brief survey (10 minutes or less to complete). Please click the following link to participate: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ctmaryland
If you would like to complete the survey in Spanish or know anyone who would, please use the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ctspan
Your participation is voluntary, and you may stop at any time.