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COVID-19 Joint Information Center Update: April 22, 2020

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The Washington County, Maryland Joint Information Center (JIC) provides the following update regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
Given the shortage of N95 respirators during this COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to understand the difference between N95 respirators and surgical masks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains the differences and how each provides protection to healthcare workers. For details visit https://go.usa.gov/xvDZw
WASHINGTON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Recently, our Environmental Health Division has received complaints regarding entrepreneurs preparing and selling food products from their home kitchens. In order to protect public health, this process must stop. Food may only be sold as carry out, delivery, or drive-through from licensed food facilities. Licensed food facilities are routinely inspected by the Washington County Health Department in order to protect public health.
Preparing and selling food products from your home can cause others to develop gastrointestinal issues (or worse) that may result from food poisoning and cause an influx of patients going to the emergency room. It is extremely important that we refrain from behaviors that may directly or indirectly increase strain on our hospital and its resources during this COVID-19 crisis.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact our Environmental Health Division at [email protected]
MERITUS HEALTH
COVID-19 TESTING EXPANDS FOR COMMUNITY
Click on the map to right to access the closest COVID-19 testing site.
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. Mertius 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 4:00 p.m. and weekends from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Walk-thru Center: COVID-19 screening is available at 24 N. Walnut St, Hagerstown, MD. The walk-thru screening center is open Monday – Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Meritus Equipped for Life at 525 Dual Highway, has temporarily changed its store hours effective immediately to Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and the first Wednesday of each month from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the store will now be limited to three (3) customers inside at one time. If the store’s door is locked, customers should please wait for an employee to come to greet them and let them inside. The 24-hour on-call technicians continue to be available for emergencies by calling 301-714-0200.
Meritus Health continues to offer telehealth visits. These visits will allow patients to speak directly with a primary care provider to discuss health concerns.
Telehealth visits are available from 8:00am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday. To request a telehealth visit please complete the form below.
Thank you for all of the generous donations of rain gear and plastic sheeting. Read about the community effort taking place by clicking here.
WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
School Calendar
Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) submitted a request for the state superintendent of schools to waive five (5) student days from the required 180-day school year. That request has been approved.
Currently, the last day of school for students is Wednesday, June 10.
This date applies whether students are back in school or distance learning is ongoing.
Distance Learning
The need for students to actively engage in enriching, meaningful learning experiences is important to their future success in education. Researchers are already speculating that the learning loss from these school closures could be significant and long lasting. WCPS teachers will continue to guide instruction, and we hope parents can support daily learning at home.
We recognize families are in the midst of unexpected circumstances. We believe it is also important to support the social-emotional needs of students and be flexible with how and when they learn.
If you have any questions about distance learning, please contact the school principal. Remember to visit the Distance Learning @ WCPS website to find helpful resources that will assist parents and students in making the most of the online learning experience.
While principals continue to work in schools, all WCPS schools and facilities remain closed to the public until further notice. Families may go to schools with meal sites or to pick-up and return learning packets. If visitors need to come to the school for any other reason, they should contact the school principal.
School Counselor Support
The transition from learning in a school setting with teachers and peers to an online learning environment is not easy for all students. School counselors are available to connect with students online or on the phone. Click here to be directed to a list of school counselors by school location with their email address.
Student Grading
As we continue with the implementation of the Distance Learning Plan, teachers will be grading student work. You will soon be able to see your child’s grades on ParentVUE and StudentVUE if you have not already. Please know those grades will be used to calculate fourth marking period grades.
WCPS staff are pleased that your child is participating in distance learning either through online class(es), downloading and uploading assignments, or completing the assignments provided in paper packets. We are focused on being fair to students and encouraging their participation and learning. Due to the ever-changing circumstances around the COVID-19 pandemic, if there are any changes with the grading process, families will be notified.
WCPS wants to give students every opportunity to make up and complete work before assigning a final grade. More information about this topic will be provided at a later date.
Graduation Requirements
The State develops and implements standards and policy for local school systems across Maryland, including graduation requirements. At their most recent public meeting, the State Board of Education approved several waivers pertaining to graduation requirements:
  • 2020 graduates are not required to participate in or pass the state-required testing (high school assessments) for Algebra I, English 10, and American Government. Seniors do not need to complete Bridge projects to meet requirements.
  • 2020 graduates do not need to participate in the Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA).
  • 2020 graduates who have not met the required Student Service Learning (SSL) hours will be allowed to graduate.
  • 2020 graduates participating in Career and Technology Education completers are not required to complete supervised work-based learning experiences and industry-mentored projects in order to graduate.
If you have any questions about these waivers or any graduation requirements, contact the school principal.
Graduation Ceremonies
WCPS is incredibly proud of the Class of 2020, not only for the achievements they have made over the years, but for the resiliency they have shown through this school closure. Although we would prefer to have live graduations, it appears unlikely such large gatherings will be possible. For now, we are still preparing for both live and virtual graduation ceremonies.
Our seniors deserve the best to celebrate their success, and we are prepared to do so under the circumstances.
Currently, the last day of school for seniors is Thursday, May 28.
If graduations occur as an online celebration, they will be held the week of June 1.
Prom
WCPS regrets to announce that all high school proms, including those scheduled after May 15, are cancelled.
This was a difficult decision to make, as we recognize the significance this high school tradition holds for our students, their families, and even our staff.
Students who have already purchased prom tickets will receive a refund. More information about refunds will be sent by individual high schools.
Pre-k and Kindergarten Registration
Pre-k:
For students who will be four years old by September 1, 2020, parents can print the pre-k application and fax or mail the completed form to the fax number or address listed on the application. Families can also make arrangements to pick up a hard copy of the application by calling any elementary school. If this is not possible, WCPS will work closely with families to ensure schools have the necessary information for students to enroll for the start of the 2020-2021 school year. When the application is received and processed, families will receive an enrollment packet in the mail. When complete, please call the school as school staff are prepared to work with parents through a virtual enrollment process.
Kindergarten:
For students who will be five years old by September 1, 2020, parents can begin the process to have their child enrolled in kindergarten. Parents should contact the school where their child will attend and request the enrollment forms. When the forms are completed, parents should contact the school and be prepared to provide other necessary forms. To follow updates on the enrollment process, please visit the Kindergarten Enrollment page.
If you’re unsure which school your child will attend, contact any school principal or enter your address in the WCPS School Locator.
Questions?
If you have questions while schools are closed, please contact the school principal or your child’s teacher. It is recommended to reach principals by email during this time.
General questions about WCPS’ response to the COVID-19 closure can be directed to [email protected]
WASHINGTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Please stay tuned to www.hagerstown.org for the latest information on COVID-19 relief resources, local restaurants that remain open for business, and more!
Upcoming Webinars
Thursday, April 23, 2:00-6:00 p.m.
Real-Time, One-on-one, Virtual Mentoring By SCORE
Mentors are standing by during these open “office hours” to help you navigate your business through the COVID-19 crisis. SCORE understands you have questions and need expert business advice now. We invite you to join our mentors this week for a virtual event to get your questions answered.
Get free, expert advice on a variety of topics, including:
  • Funding and finance
  • Moving your business online
  • Temporarily suspending business
  • Restarting after social distancing measures lift, and more
A mentor will be available to meet one-on-one to help you address your critical questions. You can also participate in the peer networking lounge and get resources and information for your business in the exhibit hall.
Registration will grant you access all day. You are welcome to join when convenient for you.
Friday, April 24, 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
“Fundraising In a Time Of Crisis” for local non-profit organizations hosted by United Way of Washington County
The second session will build on the first and provide more long-term solutions and ideas moving forward and content will be determined by the group to ensure we get your needs addressed.
Please register by Thursday, April 23rd at noon. “Seating” is limited to 20. If more seats are needed, the United Way will open up additional sessions. We will send out the ZOOM link on Thursday, by close of business to all registered attendees.
Thursday, April 30, 11:00 a.m.
FREE Webinar hosted by The Fort Detrick Alliance: “New Challenges & Hurdles for Contractors in the COVID-19 Era”
Learn how to best navigate government contracts during the COVID-19 pandemic era. Hear from Jeremy Scholtes, Attorney at Miles and Stockbridge; Jerome Maultsby, Assistant Director of the Office of Small Business Programs at Fort Detrick; and Sara Langdon, U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, HQ.
This webinar will be moderated and there will be time for participants to ask questions of the panelists.
This event is open to members and non-members of the Alliance. Please pass along to anyone who might be interested or benefit from this opportunity. The webinar link will be provided to registrants the day before the event. Attendees will be able to video conference or call in depending on preference.
Attention Employers:
The Maryland Department of Commerce COVID-19 Manufacturing Grant Program will not accept any more applications. Businesses that have an application in progress and saved on the system will have until 5:00 Wednesday, April 22, 2020 to complete that application.
The Senate has passed a $484 billion bill to inject additional funding into SBA disaster loan programs as a supplemental bill to the third phase of the CARES Act previously approved. This will add funds for both the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Emergency Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). The bill will now head to the House where it is expected to pass later this week. The bill comes after weeks of negotiations between Congress and the White House and after the initial funding for the programs was largely exhausted last week. The bill also contains critical funding for testing and hospitals.
The details:
  • Paycheck Protection Program
  • Additional $310 billion in funding (on top of $349 billion in CARES Act)
  • $30 billion carve-out for Insured Depository Institutions and Credit Unions with assets between $10 billion and $50 billion in assets
  • $30 billion carve-out for Community Financial Institutions, Small Insured Depository Institutions and Credit Unions with less than $10 billion in assets
  • Additional $50 billion for SBA Disaster Loan Program
  • Emergency Injury Disaster Loan Program
  • Additional $10 billion in funding (on top of $10 billion in CARES Act)
  • Expands eligibility to agricultural enterprises with less than 500 employees
  • Public Health Funding
  • $75 billion for hospitals and health care providers responding to the COVID-19 pandemic (on top of $100 billion in CARES Act)
  • $25 billion for testing, including $11 billion for states, localities, territories, tribes and employers
WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Accident reports taken after April 1, 2020, can now be obtained through the Washington County Sheriff’s Office website, www.washcosheriff.com.
The link to obtain an accident report is found under the Patrol tab of the Sheriff’s Office website. Using the drop down menu, from the Patrol tab, select “Accident Report”.
The link will take the user to the Carfax website, users will be asked to select a State and Agency.
Additional information which is needed to locate an accident report is the following:
  • Last name of driver or involved party
  • Date of accident
  • Report number
Accident reports may still be obtained in person at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Please contact our Records Department by telephone, at 240-313-2106, for accident report requests.
There is a $5.00 fee to obtain a copy of an accident report using either method.
The purpose of this page is to help the public distinguish between rumors and facts regarding the response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Rumors can easily circulate within communities during a crisis. Do your part to the stop the spread of disinformation by doing 3 easy things; don’t believe the rumors, don’t pass them along and go to trusted sources of information to get the facts about the state of Maryland’s (COVID-19) response.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES & INFORMATION
HORIZON GOODWILL – CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS TO ASSIST WITH FABRIC MASKS
Multiple local agencies and organizations that provide direct or essential services have requested in obtaining fabric masks for their employees. Horizon Goodwill is partnering with these agencies and volunteers to provide materials and instructions for creation of these masks. We have the supplies and instructions; we need volunteers with sewing machines to help get them made!
Organizations Needing Masks
City of Hagerstown- 125
Washington County EOC- 200
Salvation Army Soup Kitchen – 40
Turning Point Homeless Outreach Team- 50
Horizon Goodwill – 400
Arc of Washington County – TBA
Additional Ask
Emergency Command-7000-8000 masks that need elastic replaced. These will be at the Community Action Council for repair, need volunteers 10:00 a.m.-Noon or Noon-2:00 p.m. Monday-Friday to complete this project. We want to keep these in one place so that we can be sure all masks are returned to Sheriff. This initiative began on April 10th and will continue until completed.
Contact Information
Call Brooke Grossman, Horizon Goodwill volunteer Point Of Contact, at 301-988-0185 if interested in assisting.
Interested volunteers/groups should pick one of the projects above and a quantity they feel is reasonable for them to produce. Pickup of packaged materials will be coordinated at Horizon Goodwill headquarters at 145151 Pennsylvania Ave (across from Nick’s Airport Inn). Once volunteers are identified for specific projects, they will be provided with the Point of Contact for the specific organization and they can deliver masks directly once complete.
For additional information, please contact the Public Relations and Marketing Department at 240-313-2380 or [email protected].
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