COVID-19 JOINT INFORMATION CENTER BRIEFING

December 15, 2020

COVID-19 Joint Information Daily Briefings will be released ONLY on Tuesdays and Fridays.

 

**The dashboard is updated Monday-Friday**

 

**Under new cases you will see 0 for today. Staff is working on updating the total number of new cases, however, that information is not currently available today. New cases will be updated tomorrow at the latest.**

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER

As mentioned in today’s press conference, Washington County continues to press on against COVID-19. While the first group of those receiving the vaccine will happen over the next few weeks, the numbers in our County continue to trend in the wrong direction. Most concerning is that the number of deaths has more than doubled since last month. In addition, the number of people in the hospital yesterday was the highest we have seen since the beginning of the pandemic and our positivity rate is quickly approaching %13.

 

PLEASE BE VIGILANT.

 

As you consider your holiday plans, please consider virtual gatherings, online shopping, curbside pick-up, and only gathering with those in your own household. Please continue to follow guidelines that the CDC and Maryland Department of Health have been recommending:

 

 

Please continue to work together as we slow the spread of COVID-19. The fight is not over and we need all of you to join us as we fight together to keep each other safe and healthy as we enter the winter months.

If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide, or substance use, please dial 2-1-1. For a more in-depth look at resources available in Washington County, please visit www.washcohope.com.

To partner with the community for this outreach campaign, golden thread bracelets will be given to businesses and community organizations across Washington County who would like to be a Threads of Hope partner. All partners are asked to hand out bracelets to anyone who may need encouragement during this season. If you are a business or organization in Washington County that would like to get involved, please sign-up at www.washcohope.com. Scroll to the bottom of the page to complete the form.

The County recognizes that nothing about this year has been normal. As we enter into the winter months, staying connected may become more difficult. It is okay to reach out for help. Citizens are encouraged to check on your friends and family members. Find creative ways to connect virtually or send cards of encouragement in the mail. We will get through this is together.

COVID-19 TESTING SITES IN WASHINGTON COUNTY, MD

 

WASHINGTON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

COVID-19 VACCINE PLANNING

In anticipation of receiving the county’s initial doses of COVID-19 vaccine, the Washington County Health Department (WCHD) is coordinating with local partners to ensure safe and efficient distribution, particularly for vulnerable and at-risk populations. 

 

As determined by the Maryland Department of Health’s (MDH) COVID-19 Vaccination Plan, Washington County will follow a phased approach, with initial doses going to front-line health care staff as well as nursing home staff and residents. As subsequent doses become available and at the direction of MDH, populations with the highest risk of developing complications from COVID-19, as well as frontline workers and essential workers will gain access. 

 

Plans for local vaccine distribution are being developed by WCHD in partnership with Meritus Health, Washington County Government, Washington County Division of Emergency Management, Washington County Division of Emergency Services, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, and local Volunteer Fire and EMS Departments. 

 

To read the full release visit https://conta.cc/3gyknRH

 

A survey has been created in order to measure the interest of Washington County residents in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. The way the vaccine is distributed to high-risk groups and the general public will depend on many factors. Your answer will help us further develop our plan for vaccine distribution. We encourage all to complete the survey by Wednesday, December 23, 2020.  

 

Please take the survey by clicking on the link below:

 

 

Additional information on implementation and availability of local COVID-19 vaccine will be shared as it becomes available. For local COVID-19 updates, information and data, please visit www.washco-md.net/coronavirus-info or washcohealth.org/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/. 

 

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine and common FAQs please visit https://covidlink.maryland.gov/content/faqs/#faqVP

COVID-19 TESTING

Mobile Testing Sites: Closed for the winter months.

 

Winter Testing Site: Our drive-thru and walk-up COVID-19 test site is located at one place during the winter months. Please go to the entrance at 13 West Lee Street and follow all traffic directions to be tested.

 

Hagerstown Housing Authority

13 West Lee Street, Hagerstown

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays

9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

 

**CLOSED ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16TH DUE TO FORECASTED INCLEMENT WEATHER**

Maryland Department of Health launches MD COVID Alert

Marylanders can now use MD COVID Alert to receive COVID-19 exposure notifications on smartphones The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) today announced the launch of MD COVID Alert, the official COVID-19 Exposure Notifications Express system of Maryland. MD COVID Alert uses Bluetooth Low Energy technology to quickly notify users who might have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 with the goal of reducing infections in Maryland.

 

For the full press release go to: https://health.maryland.gov/newsroom/Pages/Maryland-Department-of-Health-launches-MD-COVID-Alert.aspx

The Maryland Department of the Environment is offering Free Radon Test Kits to Maryland residents. To learn more about Radon and how to request your free kit go to https://washcohealth.org/free-radon-test-kits-available/

*Weather-related closings will be posted on MeritusHealth.com and the social media pages of Meritus Health once they are made. Please keep checking back.*

 

Changes to Visitor Policy to Keep Patients and Staff Safe

With an increase in the county’s positivity rate for COVID-19 cases and in order to remain vigilant to keep patients and staff safe, beginning Thursday, Nov. 12, no visitors will be permitted in Meritus Health facilities with only a few specific exceptions.

 

Meritus Health will continue to follow the Access to Support for Patient with Disabilities in Health Care Settings notice issued by the Maryland Department of Health and the Maryland Department of Disabilities.

Exceptions to the no visitors’ regulation include:

One support person is designated and is permitted at all times:

*In each of these situations, additional safety precautions will apply to the support person if the patient he/she is caring for is diagnosed or has symptoms related to COVID-19.

 

One visitor is permitted if a support person is not designated:

 

Two visitors at a time are permitted for end-of-life care for a patient.

 

All support people and visitors to Meritus Health facilities may be screened for flu-like symptoms and will not be able to stay if symptomatic. Face masks are required to enter all Meritus Health facilities and must be worn at all times. Support persons must arrive prior to 9 p.m. if staying overnight. Additionally, the pet therapy program remains suspended at Meritus Medical Center, but service animals continue to be allowed entrance.

SDAT Reminds Businesses to Verify Good Standing Status, Prepares for 2021 Filing Season

 

The Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) encourages business owners to look up their business’ status on Maryland Business Express to ensure they are in Good Standing with the state, and if not, to follow the steps in this Good Standing Checklist to avoid being forfeited. The Department also announced that its free 2021 Annual Report Extension System is live, which allows businesses to extend their filing deadline from April 15 to June 15, 2021.

This year, more than ever, small businesses will need the support of the community during the holiday season.

 

CLICK HERE for free resources for small businesses to utilize throughout the holiday season.

 

Now is the time to mask up, watch our distance, and Shop Small as we support the businesses that are the heartbeat of our communities across Washington County. If you can support a small business by shopping online or purchasing a gift card, it is strongly encouraged.

NFIB Webinar – 12:00 PM, Wednesday, December 16th

Covid-19 End-of-Year Q&A with Beth Milito & Holly Wade

 

Presented by: Elizabeth Milito, Senior Executive Counsel, Legal Foundation, NFIB, Holly Wade Executive Director, NFIB Research Center

Covid-19 End-of-Year Q&A with Beth Milito & Holly Wade

Join NFIB’s PPP and COVID-19 experts, Beth Milito and Holly Wade, as they answer questions about:

Please submit your questions ahead of the webinar below so we can make sure to answer them. (If you have EIDL or COVID-19 paid sick leave/FFCRA questions, we welcome them as well!)

 

Can’t make this Webinar? Don’t worry! Register Now and we’ll email you an on-demand version!

Registration is now open for the first-ever virtual SMARTProc GovCon on January 22, 2021.

 

Check out the website here: SMART PROC GOVCON 2021| Virtual Conference

 

For nearly two decades SMART PROC GOVCON has helped small businesses navigate the federal procurement system with focus areas on the contracting and programs at Fort Detrick, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Fort Meade, and the Civilian Agencies in the Mid-Atlantic Region. This year, the Mid-Atlantic’s best-kept secret will be held virtually. The Fort Detrick Alliance is proud to sponsor this event in its 18th year. It is the premier event to bring together government and industry to provide invaluable insight on federal procurement priorities for FY21 and beyond.

 

Registration and more information can be found here: https://registration.socio.events/e/smartprocgovcon

Important information below from SBDC’s Financial Specialist Team if you or your business as received a PPP loan: 

 

As a PPP borrower – and with 2020 tax preparation season now in swing – the Maryland SBDC Financial Specialists Team wants to remind you about tax implications related to PPP forgiveness. Although the SBDC does NOT provide tax advice, they wanted to make you aware of a potentially KEY issue. Per IRS Notice 2020-32, expenses paid using FORGIVEN PPP funds are NOT tax-deductible expenses. This means that if your application for forgiveness is APPROVED in 2020, the expenses you paid with those “forgiven” PPP funds WILL NOT be deductible on your 2020 tax return. This could have significant “2020 income tax due” implications when you file the return. If you delay the “Forgiveness” request/get approval until 2021, that would allow time for tax planning related to the 2021 tax filing when those “forgiven” related expenses still cannot be deducted. STEPS TO TAKE: SBDC encourages you to connect ASAP with your tax preparer to consider strategies and options. Certainly, if you have any questions or want additional insights, please feel free to contact your Maryland SBDC Business Consultant, go to the www.marylandsbdc.org website to get connected with a Consultant and/or refer to our COVID19 Small Business Survival Guide.

The Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is hosting free webinars throughout November and early December.

 

Webinar: Holiday eCommerce for Small Retailers: Tips for Fulfilling Those Orders

December 16, 2020, 9:00-10:15am

 

To register or find out more information about each webinar, click here.

Western Maryland Retail Business Resiliency Training Series

 

Below is information for the upcoming webinar series in January that the Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is offering to businesses.

Help Us Continue on Our Path to Keep Washington County Open – Please ensure your business and customers continue to follow the recommended CDC guidelines as we reopen businesses and other activities across Washington County. Wearing masks inside, social distancing, regular hand washing, and expanded cleaning is still a critical part of keeping infection rates low. By taking on these minor inconveniences, we can prevent a spike in infections which could force officials to slow down or even reverse the reopening process. The coronavirus has not gone away and we must stay vigilant until a vaccine is created. We all have a responsibility to do our part to help our economy reopen so that our many local businesses can survive and provide jobs for our citizens.

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, INFO & EVENTS

WASHINGTON COUNTY PARENTS SUPPORT DATABASE

The group WC Parents have created a simplified support database to gather and retain all services and needs in one place. This is an excellent example of the community working together to meet the tangible, everyday needs of parents in our community as this school year will begin with distance learning.

 

If you need childcare or can provide it, if you need tutoring or can provide it, etc., please join this forum and share your resources or needs.

 

It is up to the community to share your resources and fill this database. The group is asking for the public’s help in:

 

Click on the graphic below to join the forum or visit Wcparents.freeforums.net.