Harford County, like the rest of the state, sees slight rise in COVID numbers as holidays approach

Jason Fontelieu, The Aegis, Bel Air, Md.
·1 min read

Dec. 13—As the holiday season approaches, Harford County, like the rest of the state, has seen a slight uptick in COVID-19 cases.

As of Tuesday, Harford County has an 11.4% positivity rate, slightly higher than the state's 11.3%.

Harford's case rate of 12.19 per 100,000 residents, however, is lower than the state's rate of 15.3, as of Monday.

Ronya Nassar, the Harford County Health Department's public information officer, said cases have remained steady since Thanksgiving and into December. She said that as more people continue to gather in tight spaces, COVID cases are expected to rise along with all respiratory illnesses, such as the flu and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.

The COVID case rate reported in the county is significantly lower than last year.

Nassar said if another COVID spike occurred, the department would work with the state and community partners to "set up necessary measures, such as increased testing and vaccination efforts."

Nassar said the health department is promoting this year's flu vaccine and bivalent COVID booster shots, as well as advice such as washing your hands for at least 20 seconds, staying home when sick and considering wearing a mask.