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Washington County COVID-19 Status

To view all COVID-19 related stats please visit: https://www.washco-md.net/coronavirus-info/dashboard/

For case information by zip codes visit: https://coronavirus.maryland.gov

Resources for Health Care Facilities can be found by visiting: https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/pages/hcf-resources

Note: This is a rapidly evolving situation and this page will provide updates as they become available

COVID-19 Recovery Plan

Washington County Health Officer Update

HAGERSTOWN, MD (7/1/2020)

Help Washington County Flatten the Curve

Stay Home – Cover Coughs & Sneezes – Wash Your Hands

Washington County Government, health, school, first responder and law enforcement agency partners, along with the City of Hagerstown, are working together to plan, respond and communicate on COVID-19. Questions from the public may be directed to COVID-19@MeritusHealth.com or by calling 2-1-1 or 301-790-9170. Up-to-date information is available online at washcohealth.org/coronavirus-disease-2109-covid-19

Washington County Coronavirus (COVID-19) Press Releases

COVID-19 Joint Information Center Update: July 10, 2020

July 10, 2020 No Comments

The Washington County, Maryland Joint Information Center (JIC) provides the following update regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Please visit www.washco-md.net/coronavirus-info for the latest numbers on Washington County’s COVID-19 dashboard. Click here to receive Washington County briefings delivered

COVID-19 Joint Information Center Update: July 7, 2020

July 7, 2020 No Comments

Washington County Transit Returns to Regular Service

July 1, 2020 No Comments

HAGERSTOWN, MD (July 1, 2020) – Washington County Transit announces it will be returning to regular service beginning Monday, July 6, 2020. During COVID-19, transit was operating on a modified scheduled of

Rise Up Business Stabilization Grant – Due by June 30th

June 26, 2020 No Comments

HAGERSTOWN, MD (June 26, 2020) – The Washington County Department of Business Development reminds businesses the deadline to submit an application for the Rise Up Business Stabilization Grant is Tuesday, June 30, 2020. This grant

COVID-19 Joint Information Center Update: June 26, 2020

June 26, 2020 No Comments

Do your part to help flatten the curve

The Health Department strongly encourages the community to continue preventive measures: such as cover your coughs and sneezes, wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your face, clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily, and stay at home if you are sick.

Individuals can call 240-313-3210 or email wash.health@maryland.gov to report concerns regarding compliance with this Executive Order.

If an organization or individual would like to provide a donation to the healthcare field, please contact Oem.covid19@washco-md.net.

Wear a Face Mask to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19

Per Governor Hogan’s most recent executive order, as of 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2020, all Maryland residents are required to wear a face covering while in retail locations.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shared new guidance on face coverings saying homemade masks are a sound step to further slow community spread of COVID-19.

The face coverings do not have to be hospital-grade but need to cover the nose and mouth. For example, bandanas, fabric masks, and neck gaiters are acceptable. Fabric covers and bandanas can be washed and used again. For examples of how to make your own, click here.

Covering the nose and mouth with cloth also may be beneficial as a reminder to keep physical distancing. Health officials continue to stress that staying home, frequent hand washing, and physical distancing are the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

Face coverings should be washed frequently with detergent and hot water and dried on a hot cycle. Ideally, wash your face covering after each use, and have a dedicated laundry bag or bin.

Make sure the covering is comfortable – you don’t want to have to keep adjusting the mask, which means touching your face. Always wash your hands, or use hand sanitizer, before AND after touching your face or face coverings.

How to Make Your Own Face Covering

Cloth face coverings should—

fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
be secured with ties or ear loops
include multiple layers of fabric
allow for breathing without restriction
be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

Washington County Health Officer Updates

Video Playlist

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Washington County Health Officer Update - July 1, 2020

COVID-19 Update for Washington County, MD - April 11, 2020

Washington County Health Officer COVID-19 Update #4

Washington County Health Officer COVID-19 Update #3

Washington County Health Officer COVID-19 Update #2

Washington County Health Officer COVID-19 Update #1

Testing Sites in Washington County

COVID-19 testing is now available to anyone showing symptoms as designated by the CDC - Fever greater than 100.5 degrees and/or a dry cough, shortness of breath or sore throat. No appointments or referrals are needed to be tested. Testing is now available for all ages.Testing is available for all ages. Meritus Health's screening centers include:

Drive-thru Center: COVID-19 screening is available behind Meritus Medical Plaza, at 13620 Crayton Blvd. Hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and weekends from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The Washington County Health Department in conjunction with the Maryland Department of Health and other partners will be coordinating the Hagerstown VEIP COVID-19 drive thru testing site. Patients must have a health care provider order and an appointment to take a test at this VEIP site. If you currently do not have a doctor or health insurance the Community Free Clinic and Family Healthcare of Hagerstown are accepting new patients and a sliding fee-scale for payment. The Maryland Health Connection is also holding a special enrollment period for people to sign up for health insurance.

VEIP Drive-thru Center: The VEIP testing site is located at 12100 Insurance Way in Hagerstown. Tests will be offered on an appointment-only basis to Maryland residents who are symptomatic and at high risk for complications from COVID-19.

CVS is now offering tests for any Maryland resident, 18 years or older, by appointment only, after filling out a short questionnaire. You can schedule your appointment online: https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing

CVS Drive-thru: 1503 Potomac Ave, Hagerstown, MD 21742

Hand Washing

Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals.

Steps to Proper Handwashing:

Start with warm water
Use soap to make a lather
Scrub for 20 seconds
Rinse well
Dry hands completely
Use towel to shut off faucet

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are a good alternative when soap and water are not available to wash your hands.

When to Wash

You should always wash your hands BEFORE:

Touching eyes, nose and mouth
Inserting or removing contact lenses
Preparing food
Eating

You should always wash your hands AFTER:

Using the toilet
Coughing, sneezing or using a tissue
Eating, drinking or smoking
Touching cuts, burns or infected areas on the skin
Handling raw meat and poultry
Changing diapers
Touching animals
Touching public surfaces like door handles, gas pumps, shopping carts, etc.

Social Distancing

The CDC defines social distancing as it applies to COVID-19 as “remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible.” That’s all well and good, but let’s break down what that means in real life.

Social Distancing Tips

Do not hug, shake hands, or high five. These actions can transmit a virus from person-to-person.
Maintain a distance of approximately six feet from others when possible.
Avoid mass gatherings and congregate settings. The CDC defines congregate settings as crowded public places where close contact with others may occur, such as shopping centers, movie theaters and stadiums.
Those who are at risk for more severe COVID-19 illness, such as older adults and persons with compromised immunity, should limit contact with others and be rigorous about social distancing and other protective measures
Use good protective behaviors: wash your hands frequently using soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds; cover coughs and sneezes; stay away from others if you’re ill, and disinfect high-touch surfaces

Should I Go to Work?

If possible, businesses should establish policies and practices that facilitate social distancing between employees and with the public. These include flexible worksites (telework) and hours (e.g., staggered shifts).

If your work requires you to be on site, consider whether the worksite can be rearranged to support social distancing.

And remember to follow good hygiene practices like frequent handwashing and cleaning of common surfaces.

If you are eligible to telework, plan your work and take-home materials and equipment that you will need.

COVID-19 Resources

Below are links to information and materials available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov) website. All of the resources are free to print and share.

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