COVID-19 Information



How do I get a COVID-19 test?

Testing for COVID-19 is not appropriate for everyone.  Generally, only patients who exhibit symptoms, have had contact with someone with COVID-19, or are at high risk (older, underlying conditions) require a test.  As more tests are available, there may be testing for everyone who wants a test, but currently that is not the situation in Montgomery County and in many parts of the United States.

Info for Residents Looking for a Test:

Step One:  Right now, there is not enough available testing to offer testing to everyone and residents cannot order a test for themselves.  

First, you will need to call your health care provider. If you are insured but don’t have a primary care doctor, you can go to urgent care (but note they will charge your insurance). If you do not have health insurance, you can enroll in coverage during a special enrollment period through the Maryland Health Connection.  For more information about applying for Medicaid or a qualified health plan through the Maryland Health Connection, visit the County's Department of Health and Human Services website.  If you are not eligible for Medicaid or a plan through the Maryland Health Connection,  you may be eligible for the Montgomery Cares program.  Montgomery Cares is:
  • Community-based health care providers that provide primary medical care services to uninsured adults in Montgomery County. 
  • Ten different clinics provide services in more than 25 locations in Montgomery County. 
  • If you are not eligible for Medicaid, Medicare or a qualified health plan through the Maryland Health Connection, you may be eligible for Montgomery Cares.
  • Visit the Montgomery Cares   website for information on clinics and locations.
  • There are no walk ins; call ahead.
  • Clinic hours may be subject to change as the situation evolves and clinics are increasingly utilizing telemedicine.
Step Two:  If your health care provider thinks you need a test, they will order one for you and help you schedule an appointment at a site convenient for you.   The sites include testing on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) site in White Oak (2121 Industrial Parkway).  We run that site in partnership with the Maryland Department of Health.   Montgomery County Health and Human Services is also providing testing by appointment only at the Wheaton Community Recreation Center (11701 Georgia Avenue) on Wednesdays and in the parking garage behind the Regal Theaters in Germantown (20010 Century Boulevard) on Mondays.  For information on other tests sites in Montgomery County and throughout Maryland, visit the  Maryland Department of Health website

A testing helpline is available for residents who believe they need testing but do not have a primary care provider.  Residents can call 240-777-1755 (8 a.m. - 8 p.m. seven days a week) and they will be evaluated to see if they need testing.  If they do not have  a doctor, they will be contacted within 24 hours by a volunteer medical professional who will evaluate them and set up an appointment for testing, if needed, at one of the three testing sites currently available.   There is no charge for the evaluation.  

If you have general questions about COVID-19 symptoms and guidance on symptoms and testing, call  the COVID-19 call center at 240-777-1755.  The call center is staffed by nurses and is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.



Montgomery County COVID-19 Cases by the Numbers


The information on the case count chart below is based on the Maryland Department of Health released on 5/12/20.   The count may be different from those reported by MD due to sources of reporting.  Cases with unknown sex/age are excluded.  We will be updating the case count chart on Tuesdays and Fridays.  For a daily updates on cases and deaths, scroll up to see Maryland's dashboard which is updated daily.  



Confirmed Cases
Male Female Total
Age Group Count Rate* Count Rate* Count Rate
0-17    132   106.1        131  109.9     263   108.0
18-49 1,512   710.5     1,509   681.7  3,021   695.8
50-64    784   786.3         696   627.9  1,480   702.9
65+    707 1080.1        876 1014.4  1,583 1042.8
Total 3,135   624.0     3,212   597.3  6,347    610.2

* Rates are per 100,000 population. ** The counts may be different than those reported by MDH due to sources of reporting. Cases with unknown sex/age are excluded.

Deaths 
Male Female Total
Age Group Count Rate* Count Rate* Count Rate
0-17     0    0.0     0     0.0      0     0.0
18-49   12    5.6     6     2.7    18     4.1
50-64   33   33.1     8     7.2    41   19.5
65+ 155 236.8 159 184.1  314 206.8
Total 200   39.8 173   32.2  373   35.9
Race/Ethnicity Count Rate*
NH-White 183 40.5
NH-Black    95 49.4
NH-Asian    31 19.2
Hispanic     53 25.6
Other    11
Total 373 35.9


* Rates are per 100,000 population. ** Deaths with unknown sex/age are excluded.

The information on the case count chart above is based on the Maryland Department of Health released on 5/12/20.
The count may be different from those reported by MD due to sources of reporting.  Cases with unknown sex/age are excluded.
We will be updating the case count chart on Tuesdays and Fridays.



Frequently Asked Questions



Updates and Resources from CDC