COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover with oral treatment or without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. Older adults (especially those 50 years of age and older) and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months of age and older get a COVID-19 vaccination, especially those at high risk of complications.
Note: On May 11, 2023 SMCHD stopped analyzing local COVID-19 data. Archived data is available here. Community members can see statewide data on the Maryland Department of Health COVID-19 data webpage. This data will be updated weekly in alignment with the CDC and other public health reporting. Nationwide data is available from the CDC.
How COVID-19 Spreads
- Coughing, sneezing, speaking – respiratory droplets and aerosolized particles that others can inhale; highest likelihood in close personal contact (within six feet) or indoor settings without adequate ventilation/filtration
- Close personal contact – such as touching or shaking hands
- Learn More
Prevention
- Get vaccinated and stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick (or others if you are sick)
- The CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels provide information about the amount of illness in a community affecting healthcare system resources. Community Levels can help you decide when to take action to protect yourself and others. A preventive action that may be done at any level, but is especially advised during medium or high COVID-19 Community Levels is:
- Wearing Masks or Respirators, especially in indoor settings
- While a variety of masks options are available, certain masks when fitting well and worn consistently provide a more effective level of protection. KN95 or N95 masks are examples of more effective masks.
- Free KN95 masks are available for pick-up at the St. Mary’s County Libraries during business hours (as supply allows).
- Wearing Masks or Respirators, especially in indoor settings
- Learn more
Symptoms
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Chills and shaking
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- New loss of taste or smell
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Conjunctivitis
Testing
If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, wear a more effective mask and get tested within 24 hours.
OR
If you are not showing symptoms (asymptomatic) but may have been exposed to COVID-19, testing is recommended 4-6 days after exposure even if you are fully vaccinated.
In-Person Rapid PCR Testing
- Rapid PCR tests are point-of-care tests (not take-home antigen tests)
- Locations, by appointment only:
- Health Hub at 21625 Great Mills Rd in Lexington Park
- Drive-thru, bike-thru, or walk-up – Enter from Saratoga Drive and follow directional signage
- Call (301) 997-8232 for an appointment
- Hours: Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m.
- School-Based Health Centers (SBHC) at Margaret Brent Middle School and Spring Ridge Middle School
- Margaret Brent Middle School SBHC: 29675 Point Lookout Rd, Mechanicsville
- Call (240) 434-6060 for an appointment
- Spring Ridge Middle School SBHC: 19856 Three Notch Rd, Lexington Park
- Call (240) 434-6059 for an appointment
- Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m – 4:30 p.m, by appointment only
- Margaret Brent Middle School SBHC: 29675 Point Lookout Rd, Mechanicsville
- Results: Available online via the SMCHD CureMD patient portal
At-Home Rapid Antigen Test Kits
- At-home test kits are available for pick-up at the St. Mary’s County Libraries during business hours (as supply allows)
- Free at-home rapid antigen test kits are available for St. Mary’s County residents:
- No appointment required – Pick up at:
- Health Hub at 21625 Great Mills Rd in Lexington Park (Drive-thru)
- Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- St. Mary’s County Health Department at 21580 Peabody Street in Leonardtown (Front Desk)
- Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Health Hub at 21625 Great Mills Rd in Lexington Park (Drive-thru)
- Limitations: Two tests per person present in the vehicle, as supply allows
- No appointment required – Pick up at:
COVID-19 Vaccine
Staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccination is effective in decreasing risk of both COVID infection and serious illness. Everyone aged 6 months and older is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Get answers to frequently asked questions and bust myths about COVID-19 vaccines.
Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Fall 2023
The Fall 2023 updated COVID-19 vaccine combats the newest strains of the virus circulating in the United States. Most adults and children age 6 months and older are advised to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine this fall/winter season. The updated COVID-19 vaccine can be administered at the same time as this season’s updated flu vaccine. Persons who have recently had COVID-19 infection or another COVID-19 vaccine dose should consult with their medical provider about the timing of their updated COVID-19 vaccine.
Most people can get the updated COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to them. The vaccine will be covered by several health insurance plans, including most private, Medicare, and Medicaid plans. Uninsured children and uninsured adults also have access to the updated vaccine through the Vaccine for Children and Bridge Access Programs.
SMCHD has the updated COVID-19 vaccine for youth age 18 and under. This vaccine is available for free to all those age 18 and under through special vaccine events hosted by SMCHD. Those age 18 and under who are eligible for the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program may also receive free vaccine through the SMCHD Clinic by making an appointment at (301) 475-4330. SMCHD also has a limited amount of vaccine to provide for free to uninsured adults. The updated COVID-19 vaccine is also available through local health care providers and pharmacies.
SMCHD COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments
- Children Aged 6 Months Through 18 Years of Age
- Friday, October 20, 2023 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the St. Mary’s County Health Hub (drive-thru)
- Friday, October 27, 2023 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m at the St. Mary’s County Health Hub (drive-thru)
- Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Charlotte Hall Library
- Wednesday, November 8, 2023 from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Spring Ridge Middle School School-Based Health Center
- Saturday, November 18, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Margaret Brent Middle School School-Based Health Center
- Uninsured Adults
- Tuesdays and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Appointments are required:
- Please call (301) 475-4330 to schedule
- Location: St. Mary’s County Health Department at 21580 Peabody Street in Leonardtown
- Tuesdays and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Appointments are required:
Please review the CDC’s allergy guidance and FAQs for COVID-19 vaccination prior to registering for an appointment.
Treatment
If you test positive for COVID-19 and are more likely to get significant illness from infection, treatments are available that can reduce your chances of being hospitalized, dying from the illness, and developing post-COVID conditions. If you are sick with COVID-19, call your doctor to ask about treatment options, even if your symptoms are mild right now. Don’t delay – treatment must be started within days of when you first develop symptoms to be effective. Learn more about COVID-19 treatments and medications.
Post-COVID Conditions
Although most people with COVID-19 get better within weeks of illness, some people experience post-COVID conditions. Post-COVID conditions are a wide range of new, returning, or ongoing health problems people can experience four or more weeks after first being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Even people who did not have COVID-19 symptoms during their infection may develop post-COVID conditions. These conditions can present as different types of health problems for different lengths of time. Post-COVID conditions may also be known as long COVID, long-haul COVID, post-acute COVID-19, long-term effects of COVID, or chronic COVID. Experts around the world are working to learn more about the short- and long-term health effects associated with COVID-19, who gets them, and why. If you are concerned that you may have a post-COVID condition, talk to your personal doctor for evaluation and treatment options.
Did you ever have COVID-19? Click here to complete a brief, anonymous survey!
Resources for People with Post-COVID Conditions
- Residents previously diagnosed with COVID-19 are asked to complete this brief, anonymous survey. Results will help inform development of local healthcare services and other community resources to address post-COVID conditions.
- As of July 2021, “long COVID,” also known as post-COVID conditions, can be considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), learn more: Guidance on “Long COVID” as a Disability Under the ADA, Section | HHS.gov
- Visit the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS)’s for more information on Resources to Support Children, Students, Educators, Schools, Service Providers, and Families
- For information on supporting people with a post-COVID condition, see the Caring for People with Post-COVID Conditions webpage
Additional Resources
- SMCHD | Health Clinic
- SMCHD | School-Based Health Centers
- SMCHD | Health Hub
- MDH | COVID-19 Information
- MDH | Data
- CDC | Data
- CDC | COVID-19 Testing Information
- CDC | Testing Guidance for Healthcare Workers
- CDC| If You Are Sick
- CDC | Resources for Laboratories
- CDC | Testing for COVID-19 in Schools
- CDC | COVID-19 Treatments and Medications
- CDC | Travel Guidance