Bel Air Coronavirus Cases Exceed 100: Harford Health Department

BEL AIR, MD — Health officials say 437 people have tested positive for the new coronavirus and nine have died from it in Harford County as of Friday. An additional six people are believed to have died from the virus, but test results are pending.

The highest number of cases in the county is in Forest Hill — where there are 125 confirmed cases of the virus in the 21050 ZIP code — including those infected by an outbreak at Forest Hill Health & Rehabilitation Center, where 82 cases were reported. Four residents died, 58 other residents tested positive for the virus and so did 20 staff, according to state health officials.

There are 102 coronavirus cases in Bel Air as of Friday, according to the Harford County Health Department, which has reported the following:

• 65 cases in Bel Air North (ZIP code 21014)
• 37 cases in Bel Air South (ZIP code 21015)

Here's the breakdown of Harford County coronavirus cases by ZIP code from the Harford County Health Department:

Two health and rehabilitation centers in Harford County have seen 111 people test positive for the virus and are the only two congregate living facilities in Harford County that have reported coronavirus cases, according to data from nursing homes, assisted living facilities and group homes.

In addition to Forest Hill Health & Rehabilitation Center, Bel Air Health & Rehabilitation Center in the 21014 ZIP code reported two resident deaths, 18 other resident cases and nine staff cases as of Friday.

Cases of COVID-19 have been detected in residents and/or staff at more than 130 nursing homes in Maryland, Gov. Larry Hogan said Wednesday, April 29. He ordered nursing homes to test all staff and residents statewide, to protect the vulnerable populations housed in these facilities. In addition, each resident must be evaluated at least daily by a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner or registered nurse for symptoms suggesting possible COVID-19 infection.

The 21014 and 21050 ZIP codes, where the Bel Air Health & Rehabilitation Center and Forest Hill Health & Rehabilitation Center are located, have the most cases of the virus in Harford County, followed by Edgewood, where the 21040 ZIP code has 64 cases.

"Just as we have seen elsewhere in the state and nation, seniors in congregate living facilities are particularly vulnerable," County Executive Barry Glassman said in an April 24 statement, after the outbreaks in Bel Air and Forest Hill were reported. "Our state and local health departments continue to work closely with these facilities to provide guidance and resources. However, they expect the number of positive cases in nursing homes will rise exponentially with a coming ramp up in testing."

One week ago, Harford County had 289 cases, three deaths and six probable deaths from COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.

Testing In Harford County

One testing site has been set up by the Harford County Health Department in collaboration with Upper Chesapeake Health at the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) site in Forest Hill.

People cannot show up and get tested without an appointment, according to state health officials.
Instead, physicians have to schedule appointments through a hotline.

Those who do not have a primary care provider can be screened at a ChoiceOne Urgent Care Center in Aberdeen, Forest Hill or Fallston, according to Upper Chesapeake.

The Forest Hill VEIP Station testing center is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 1631 Robin Circle in Forest Hill.

COVID-19 Symptoms

Symptoms of the new coronavirus can appear two to 14 days after exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which lists the following as possible indicators of the illness: fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell.

Health officials say most people with the virus will experience mild symptoms and can recover at home.

People should call 911 and seek immediate medical attention if they have trouble breathing, bluish lips or face, new confusion or inability to arouse and/or persistent pain or pressure in the chest.

There is currently no treatment and no vaccine for COVID-19.

For more about the virus, see the Maryland Department of Health's coronavirus page and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention coronavirus page.

For local resources, visit the Harford County COVID-19 page.

See Also:

• MD Coronavirus Cases Pass 23,000; Deaths Total 1,098: Officials
• Coronavirus Reported At Bel Air Health And Rehabilitation Center
• Forest Hill Coronavirus Outbreak Is Fatal
• Harford Man, 27, Dies From New Coronavirus: County Executive
  
• Bel Air Coronavirus: 41 Cases In ZIP Codes 21014, 21015: Official
• Harford Crisis Center Allowed 13-Bed Expansion Due To Coronavirus