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

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

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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.
COVID-19 Joint Information Daily Briefings will be released ONLY on Tuesdays and Fridays.
**The dashboard will be updated Monday-Friday**
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
The Washington County Emergency Operations Center reminds citizens to continue wearing a mask to fight COVID-19. As summer activities are in full swing, many activities have been modified to comply with COVID-19 guidelines. We thank our citizens who have been respectful of others in the community, especially those most vulnerable, by wearing a mask, social distancing, washing your hands, or staying at home if you are experiencing symptoms. It is with full compliance and respect from all members in our communities that businesses will remain open in Washington County as we collectively abide by Governor Hogan’s Executive Order on Face Coverings and follow the recommended CDC guidelines.
As a reminder, per the Face Covering Order, face coverings are required in the following locations:
  • Retail Establishments
  • Food-service Establishments
  • Public Transportation
  • Personal Services
  • Youth Camps
  • Swimming Pools (when possible)
  • Sporting Events (when possible)
Lets continue to work together as we stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
WASHINGTON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The Washington County Health Department is expanding free COVID-19 testing to vulnerable and hard to reach populations in Washington County. The health department is working with local towns and communities all over the county to bring mobile walk-in testing sites right to the local residents. Testing as these sites will be open to everyone and you do not need a doctors referral or an appointment to participate. The tests used are the quick nasal swap that takes about 15 seconds to administer. Please follow social distancing and masking guidelines when participating at these sites.
At this time we have scheduled free COVID-19 testing at the following location.
  • 7/17: Boonsboro – 241 Potomac Street, Boonsboro, MD 21713 from 8:00-11:00 a.m.
  • 7/24: Smithsburg – 68 W Water Street, Smithsburg, MD 21783 from 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
New locations will be announced on the Health Department’s website at https://washcohealth.org/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/ and on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WashHealth/
MERITUS HEALTH
MERITUS HEALTH DRIVE-THRU SCREENING CENTER
The drive-thru screening center for COVID-19 testing is now open for summer hours, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The drive-thru screening center is no longer open on weekends.
The screening center is located behind Meritus Medical Plaza at 13620 Crayton Blvd. Testing is available for anyone, including those who do not currently have symptoms of the coronavirus, but suspect or are concerned that they have been exposed. No appointments or referrals are needed to be tested. There is no cost to the patient.
COUNTY EXPERIENCING COVID-19 TEST DELAYS DUE TO NATIONAL SUPPLY DISRUPTION
With the spike in COVID-19 cases nationally, there is a national supply disruption in reagent, a necessary lab solution needed to complete tests. This national disruption has impacted the testing at Meritus Health due to the unreliable availability of lab testing solution. As a result, COVID-19 test results may be delayed. To preserve the local reagent supply for those in our community who are most vulnerable, a third party lab vendor will begin being utilized for testing results. The turnaround time for test results from a third party lab vendor is expected to be about 3 to 5 days. If you have COVID-19 related questions, please call the COVID-19 Care Line at 301-790-9170.
The Washington County Emergency Operations Center and Meritus Health are taking all necessary steps to obtain additional reagent needed for testing.
COVID-19 ANTIBODY TESTING AVAILABLE LOCALLY
Antibody testing is available at all Meritus Medical Laboratory patient service centers. A lab order from a person’s primary care provider is required in order to have a COVID-19 antibody test. Antibody tests do not take the place of COVID-19 screening tests. Insurance or patients will be billed for antibody testing. Meritus Medical Laboratory locations and hours are available online at https://www.meritushealth.com/treatment-care/medical-lab/
FREE TELEHEALTH VISITS AVAILABLE
Meritus Health continues to offer FREE 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.
VIRTUAL VISITS CONNECT PATIENTS AND FAMILIES
Since restrictions remain in place for visitors at Meritus Medical Center, the hospital is offering virtual visits to connect patients with their families and friends. To setup a virtual visit, please contact the program’s coordinator at 240-313-3163.
RISE UP BUSINESS STABILIZATION GRANT – DEADLINE EXTENDED!
The deadline for the Rise Up Business Stabilization Grant has been extended until Tuesday, July 14, 2020. This grant encourages small businesses in Washington County, Maryland that meet the criteria to submit an application. Grant applications are accepted and funds are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2020.
The application can be accessed by clicking here: RISE UP GRANT APPLICATION.
Applications will be accepted electronically and can be downloaded at www.washcorises.net. Details for submission are stated on the application. The website also provides guidelines, application instructions, and answers to frequently asked questions.
For questions regarding eligibility criteria or required documentation, please email [email protected].
WASHINGTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Visit www.washcorises.net for constantly updated resources and information to help you reopen your business.
Washington County Back to Business Posters – As businesses continue to reopen in Washington County, local business owners are encouraged to print out the documents below and post on your door or storefront. This will let customers know your business is taking precautions for them to receive the best service while maintaining health and safety standards. Click the graphics below to download and print.
UPCOMING WEBINARS
NFIB Free Webinar – PPP Forgiveness – A Banker’s Perspective
Join Mary Beth Baker, SVP and Commercial Lending Officer for Powell Valley National Bank, along with NFIB’s Beth Milito and Holly Wade to learn more about how PPP loan forgiveness will work. Mary Beth will provide insights on how to get prepared, avoid potholes, and begin navigating the road to forgiveness.
  • What business expenses qualify for forgiveness?
  • How do I apply for loan forgiveness?
  • What will happen if the SBA declines my forgiveness application?
  • What happens to loan proceeds that are not forgiven?
Beth, Holly, and Mary Beth will save time to answer your COVID-19 financial, workplace, and reopening questions too. You can submit your questions in advance by emailing [email protected].
Help Us Continue on Our Path to Reopen Washington County – 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 – IT IS ALSO STATE LAW. 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.
Attention Employers:
Help Us Continue On Our Path to Reopen Washington County – 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 – IT IS ALSO STATE LAW. By taking on these minor inconveniences, we can prevent a spike in infections which could force officials to slow down or event 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.
Other News:
Do you know a Washington County business that is going above and beyond to keep customers safe and healthy during COVID-19? Washington County Government is looking to highlight local businesses that are getting creative and using best business practices to maintain a safe and healthy environment as they return to business.
Nominations can be made at https://www.washco-md.net/together/.
Pictures and videos are encouraged with submission.
Together We Rise Business Spotlight’s will be featured on Washington County Government social media channels and website.
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
SUMMER REC CAMPS
The Washington County Recreation Department Still has openings for the Summer Youth Day Camp at:
  • Clear Spring Park
  • Doub Woods Park
  • Marty Snook Park
  • Regional Park
Our camps serve children ages 5 to 12 years old. Camps run through August 14th. The camp fee is $85.00 per week or $75.00 if paid 7 days in advance.
View the informational flyer at https://tinyurl.com/ya5ef9xb
For additional information, please contact the Public Relations and Marketing Department at 240-313-2380 or [email protected].
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