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COVID-19 Joint Information Center Update: April 23, 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
Practice social distancing by putting space between yourself and others. Continue to practice healthy habits to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
  • Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds
  • Clean and then disinfect frequently used surfaces
  • Stay home if you’re sick
  • Avoid touching your face
Learn more about staying safe and healthy at cdc.gov/covid19
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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.
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
Friday, April 24, 10-11:00 a.m.
COVID-19: Update on PPP and the U.S. Chamber’s Path Forward
Hosted by the MD Chamber of Commerce
Representatives from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will provide updates on the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), including the status of congressional action to replenish the fund. They will also discuss the U.S. Chamber’s recently released “The Path Forward,” an initiative to address how Americans and businesses can return to work safely, successfully and sustainably.
Friday, April 24, 12-1:00 p.m.
Free Webinar by Congressman Trone: “Protecting Yourself Against Coronavirus Scams”
COVID-19 related scams are on the rise. I have heard of many scams in our community, including bad actors who sell fake COVID-19 testing kits, offer the delivery of cleaning supplies, and impersonate Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) personnel. These scams occur online, over the phone, or in person. It’s important to be able to protect yourself and your loved ones from these scams.
During this webinar, you will learn about how to identify, stop, and report fraudulent activities or scams and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Tuesday, April 28, 11:30 a.m.
Emotional Well-Being and Your Workforce in the Time of COVID-19: Taking Care of Your Employees – Hosted by the MD Chamber of Commerce
Representatives from Kaiser Permanente will discuss how to maintain emotional well-being in the workplace during the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics include understanding stress and anxiety and how they impact your workforce, as well as tools and resources to care for your employees.
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.
Friday, May 1, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
COVID-19: Economic Outlook and Prospects for Recovery – Hosted by the MD Chamber of Commerce
Join us for a conversation with Tom Barkin, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. Mr. Barkin will discuss the Federal Reserve’s recent and unprecedented actions and share his thoughts on the U.S. economy, including what the Richmond Fed is learning through business outreach, and the key components to a successful recovery.
Attention Employers:
Expansion of Unemployment Insurance Benefits Under the New CARES Act
The federal government recently passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which includes an expansion of unemployment insurance benefits for Marylanders. Please read our CARES Act Frequently Asked Questions for more information about benefit eligibility, duration, and amounts.
On Friday, April 24, Labor will be launching a new, one-stop unemployment insurance application to allow Marylanders to file claims for all unemployment programs entirely online. This includes the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program, and those who were previously required to file by phone like federal employees, members of the military, individuals who have worked in multiple states, and those who have worked for more than 3 employers in the last 18 months.
The Secretary of the Maryland Department of Labor opted into providing ALL three of the expanded unemployment insurance programs offered through the provisions of the CARES Act. For More Information CLICK HERE
Starting Friday, April 24, those who are self-employed, independent contractors, gig workers, or have insufficient work history will be able to apply online. To receive an e-mail with additional information and instructions once the new application is ready, please CLICK HERE and scroll to the “Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)” section halfway down the page.
CITY OF HAGERSTOWN
Planning & Code Administration Department (PCAD) Director Kathleen Maher shares a message about what PCAD is doing differently during the Declaration of Civil Emergency to keep development and investment projects moving forward in the City.
A Message from the Director of Planning & Code Administration
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
COVID-19 RELIEF – FOOD & FUND DRIVE FOR COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL
There is an urgent need in our community food pantry. River Bottom Roasters is joining forces with Sunrise Rotary & the Washington County Community Action Council to collect food and donations to restock the pantry and provide relief for families in need. River Bottom Roasters will be providing free coffee to all donors and Joel Rice Insurance is providing free donuts!
Please do 1 of 2 things:
1) Donate online at: http://www.wccac.org/ and look for the Donate Now button
2) Stop by Fountain Head Country Club on Friday, April 24, 2020 between 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. with food items. Suggested items include non-perishable food items (i.e. cans, jars, boxes, etc.) as well as household items laundry detergent, soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other personal hygiene necessities.
Donations in the form of cash or checks are also welcomed.
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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