August 17, 2020
Media Contacts:
Deidre McCabe, Director, Office of Communications, 410-767-3536
Charles Gischlar, Deputy Director, Office of Communications, 410-767-6491
Maryland Department of Health, Worcester County Health Department to distribute free masks at West Ocean City Park and Ride
Baltimore, MD – The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) today announced a free mask distribution event at the West Ocean City Park and Ride to be held on Wed., Aug. 19 beginning at 10 a.m. The event is part of MDH’s #MasksOnMaryland campaign to encourage all Marylanders to wear face coverings in public places to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Masks will be distributed as long as supplies last.
“When we all wear masks, we’re doing our part to help keep ourselves and each other safe and healthy,” said MDH Secretary Robert R. Neall. “Whether we’re working in the city or vacationing at the beach, taking this simple step — wherever we go — can help keep Maryland’s COVID-19 numbers trending in the right direction.”
Presented in partnership with the Worcester County Health Department, the event will complement regularly scheduled COVID-19 testing at the Park and Ride, located at 12940 Inlet Isle Lane. Testing occurs at the site every Monday and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to noon and is provided at no charge.
Those seeking a test do not need to exhibit symptoms or suspect exposure to COVID-19. Though a doctor’s order is not required to get tested at the site, appointments are required. Patients may schedule an appointment by calling 410-632-1100 and selecting option 8.
With the support of the Town of Ocean City and Atlantic General Hospital, Worcester County has provided over 13,000 COVID-19 tests at its West Ocean City Park and Ride and Pocomoke Health Department testing sites. To date, Worcester County has tested more than 21 percent of its population and has been successful in reducing its positivity rate, which is now below three percent.
Throughout the summer, MDH will host mask distribution events for Marylanders who visit select COVID-19 test sites at specified dates and times. For more testing information and a comprehensive list of testing sites across the state, visit covidtest.maryland.gov.
Additional COVID-19 information and resources for Marylanders are available at www.coronavirus.maryland.gov.
Officials from the Worcester County Health Department, Worcester County Government, the Town of Ocean City and Atlantic General Hospital will be in attendance to discuss the county’s COVID-19 testing efforts. Members of the media are welcome to record B-roll footage, view testing operations and participate in brief interviews specific to the testing site and #MasksOnMaryland campaign.
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The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management and community engagement.
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