Yesterday was sunny, but quite windy. As I get ready to publish these notes this morning, we are getting a light snow, with no accumulations so far. Today we will see snow showers with a high near 35 degrees. Breezy, with a west wind 16 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible. Tonight we will have scattered snow showers, mainly before 1:00 am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. Blustery, with a northwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
We will be in a transitional, somewhat unique weather pattern across the county this week. AccuWeather is calling it a “weather flip” and here’s the scoop.
This is quite concerning:The Garrett County Health Department has received 90 additional positive COVID-19 results since the last report on Friday, November 13th, bringing the current county total positives to 357. The three counties in Western Maryland have the highest 7-Day Case Rates Per 100,000 in the state. Compared to Maryland’s rate of 28.2, Allegany’s is 112.6, Garrett’s is 61.05, and Washington’s is 40.29. Visit garretthealth.org for the most up-to-date COVID-19 information.
Also relative to the pandemic, health officials continue to urge the public to avoid gatherings big or small, wear a mask in all public places, and maintain social distancing of at least six feet at all times. Frequently wash and disinfect hands and frequently touched surfaces, and stay home if you are not feeling well. “Our entire region is currently experiencing a huge spike in COVID-19 cases,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens. “It is critical that we all stop exposing ourselves to the virus. At this point, the virus is all around us and we need to keep our guard up. Do not have family and social gatherings or attend high risk events where you cannot have social distance. It is a fact that this virus spreads when there is a break in protective measures. Although removing a face covering for eating and drinking is allowed in public settings, it is nonetheless risky to yourself and others.”
And also related to the pandemic: Effective today GRMC will be going to RED visitation status. This means NO visitors with the exception of OB patients who may have one person with them throughout the birth process, pediatric patients may have a parent or guardian accompany them, and patients who are in life’s end stages may have very limited visitation with immediate family.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is reminding recreational anglers that they must have a valid license and any required permits or stamps to fish in Maryland. Due to the pandemic and the temporary closure of DNR’s licensing centers, a grace period was in place for existing license holders whose recreational fishing licenses expired during the state of emergency. That grace period will end on January 1, 2021. Licenses, permits, and stamps can be obtained at Maryland Department of Natural Resources Licensing Centers by appointment only, by visiting a retail sport license agent, or by using the department’s online COMPASS portal.
The MD DNR also wants to hear from you! The results of a new survey will be used to improve their ability to provide the opportunities and services that fit the needs of their customers. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete.
Alpine Lake Golf Course in nearby Terra Alta, WV (about 15 minutes south of Oakland) is holding a special Black Friday (and Saturday) golf membership sale in their pro shop. The prices look very attractive and this is a really nice course, so I wanted to share with our readers on a budget or seeking to get some good old West Virginia style social distancing next year. Here’s the information.
Finally today, don’t forget that the commissioners are holding their monthly open public meeting virtually starting at 4:00 pm. Here’s a link to the agenda.
