Tuesday December 29

Today we will have scattered snow showers before 10:00 am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 28 degrees. West wind 5 to 9 mph becoming calm in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Tonight we will see increasing clouds, with a low around 17.

Garrett County’s COVID-19 case report as of yesterday includes:

  • A total of 1,421 COVID-19 cases
  • A total of 43 deaths due to COVID-19 or its complications
  • A 7-day positivity rate of 11.8%, compared to Maryland’s rate of 7.4%
  • A 7-day case rate per 100,000 of 53.2, compared to Maryland’s rate of 38.7

The first doses of COVID-19 vaccine began reaching the county last week, with both Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) and the Garrett County Health Department receiving their initial shipments of vaccine. Additional shipments are expected this week. “Garrett County’s vaccination plan was put into action last week as GRMC began vaccinating their frontline workers,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens. “We are following the CDCs recommendations for phased distribution of the vaccine. We have been informed that Garrett County will initially be receiving 600 doses per week.

Sunday, President Trump signed into law the new COVID Relief bill which includes reforms to the PPP program and additional funding for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has prepared a new resource guide to help you understand these changes and how they can benefit your business. If you were unable to participate in the Garrett Chamber’s recent call with the U.S. Chamber explaining the changes to the PPP and EIDL programs, and providing other details of the new relief bill, you can listen to the recording here.

Herrington Manor State Park yesterday reported trails with 2-3 inches of packed snow and ice, with some bare spots in places.  Ski rentals are still suspended due to the pandemic. Please call them at 301 334-9180 for more information.

This could be YOU! Maryland Environmental Trust (MET), a unit of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, is looking for volunteers who are passionate about land conservation to work in the field as Volunteer Land Stewards. Two virtual training classes are being offered in January and February. Registration is available via online form. Interested volunteers should email met.info@maryland.gov for more information.

A few people were burned over the weekend in Frostburg when they attempted to add isopropyl alcohol to a candle that burns that fuel.  Since some candles and fireplaces are equipped with ethanol/isopropyl alcohol storage and readers may be using them, I thought I would repeat the following tips from the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Please be careful!

  • You should always store your ethanol or isopropyl alcohol in the container sealed and in a safe location that is away from kids.
  • Ethanol burns clean; therefore, it can be difficult to see if the flame is still lit. Be sure to double-check before you attempt to move or refuel your fireplace.
  • Only use approved fuel in your fireplace or candle. Using un-authorized types of ethanol or isopropyl alcohol can result in personal injury as well as fire damage to your personal property.
  • Always clean up spilled ethanol or isopropyl alcohol immediately. You don’t want to have flammable liquid spilled on your possessions.
  • Use a long match or lighter to get your fireplace lit. This is important as in some scenarios, your fireplace or candle can light on fire in a flash that can burn your hands.
  • Never move a lit ethanol fireplace or isopropyl candle. This is such an important tip to follow as any spilled fuel could ignite a much larger fire that could put your home and self at risk.
  • Never refuel your fireplace or candle while it is still lit.
  • Never leave your fireplace or candlelit and unattended.

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