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COVID-19 Joint Information Center Update: March 25, 2020

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COVID-19 Joint Information Center Update: March 25, 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
The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) continues to work with Meritus Health to assure capacity needs are being addressed in the event that Meritus Health experiences a surge of patients as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Washington County, MD, along with the rest of the country, is concerned over the amount of available Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and COVID-19 test kits. The EOC is working aggressively to obtain more supplies and preserve our current resources.  The State of Maryland has issued new prioritization’s for COVID-19 testing.
Priorities For Patient Testing From U.S. Public Health Service
For specific Meritus Health COVID-19 screening center testing criteria click here.
MERITUS HEALTH
Meritus Health is also offering electronic 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.
The most up-to-date visitor restrictions at the hospital and closings and cancellations of events is available at MeritusHealth.com.
WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
At Governor Hogan’s press conference this morning, the State Superintendent of Schools announced that Maryland public schools will be closed through April 24, 2020 to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. To view WCPS Superintendent Dr. Boyd Michael’s message, click here or watch below.
School Closure Extended Until April 24
WASHINGTON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The health department is continuing to coordinate guidance distribution to private schools, daycare providers, and other community stakeholders. For questions or guidance regarding Governor Larry Hogan’s COVID-19 directives please contact us at [email protected] or 240-313-3302.
The Behavioral Health building will be open from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. for harm reduction services and Narcan supply.
HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT
The Allegiant flights scheduled for Friday, March 27, 2020, and Monday, March 30, 2020, are now canceled.
HGR currently remains open and operational but flights are subject to change. Passengers are encouraged to contact their airline via their app, social media or calling the airport directly if you have questions regarding your travel itinerary.
WASHINGTON COUNTY INSPECTION SERVICES
In an effort to provide continued inspection services in light of the current pandemic and with regard to the health and safety of our citizens, employees, customers, and contractors, the Division of Construction will continue to provide inspection services utilizing the following modified plan:
  • Inspection requests will continue to be accepted by utilizing Accela Citizen Access at https://accela.washco-md.net/CitizenAccess, telephone Interactive Voice Response System (IVR) at 240-313-2488, and by contacting the office at 240-313-2460- press 1 to schedule an inspection or press 4 to leave a voice message. The appropriate staff member will return your call at their earliest convenience.
  • Residential interior alteration inspections of existing occupied residential dwelling units will be suspended until further notice. Inspections for utility connections (water, sewer, gas, and electric) will be considered on a case by case basis.
  • Livability inspections will be suspended at this time.
  • Service request inspections will be considered on a case by case basis.
  • Inspections of health care facilities, such as nursing homes and hospitals, will be suspended until further notice unless added measures are taken by the facility to ensure the safety of County employees and approved by the Division Director or designee.
  • Live video inspections, contractor certification and documentation (including video or photographs), alternative inspections, and/or Temporary Certificate of Occupancy may be considered by the Division Director or designee.
The modified inspection services are effective immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.
WASHINGTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Maryland Small Business Development Center is offering a FREE online webinar on Thursday, March 26th at 1:00 p.m. that will discuss details about the new emergency relief programs from the US Small Business Administration, Maryland Department of Commerce, and others. This webinar will be led by SBDC Counselors. You must register for this webinar and can do so by clicking on the button below.
BUSINESSES INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR STATE AID ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS QUICKLY AS THE STATE HAS RECEIVED NUMEROUS REQUESTS AND HAS A LIMITED POT OF FUNDS. Please be sure your application is complete, so processing is not delayed. Complete applications are processed on a first come first served basis. New Federal Aid may help replenish these funds, so apply asap.
Governor Hogan announced new COVID-19 business relief programs on Monday, March 23. These resources are available through:
MD Delays Tax Filing/Payment Deadlines:
The Maryland Small Business Development Center has developed a Small Business Survival Guide.  The guide is being updated daily (or several times a day as needed).
Information for companies interested in supplying emergency services and/or products to the State government:
  • FIRST, SEND AN EMAIL- If you are a U.S.-based company, send an email to [email protected]. Please include company name and address and point-of-contact (email and phone number).
  • If you are an international-based company, please reach out to the Commerce International Trade and Investment Team member who represents your region. Please provide company name and address and point-of-contact (email and phone number).
  • East Asia – Felicia Pullam: [email protected] 
  • Africa, Middle East & South Asia – Brian Castleberry: [email protected] 
  • The Americas – Michael Howley | [email protected]
  • Europe, Australia & New Zealand – Andrew Kreinik – [email protected]
  • THEN, COMPLETE THE RFI Online using: RFI Online Application Link.
  • Please consider the following information before completing the steps above:
  • The State does not provide resource request lists but do accept summaries from companies offering goods and services. Please compile a detailed list and an appropriate command staff member will vet your company’s credentials.
  • All suppliers must be vetted before being entered into the Emergency Supplier Database so please discourage middlemen and consultants from contacting MEMA, and instead, have them pass this information to the supplier.
Non-Profit Information
The Boys and Girls Club of Washington County is continuing to serve their kids virtually. Go to their Facebook page for links to our programs. Search for @boysandgirlsclubofwashingtoncounty
  • Virtual Programs Schedule Monday to Friday:
  • 1:00-2:00 – Triple Play
  • 2:00-3:00 – STEM & Arts
  • 3:00-4:00 – Passport to Manhood
  • 4:00-5:00 -SMART Girls
The Commission on Aging is working nearly round-the-clock to modify services to many of their programs including Meals on Wheels. They are still currently serving their Meals on Wheels recipients and other clients through various adapted forums and media including online and telephone. It is important that clients know that their phones are still open and they are striving to meet needs in an ever-changing climate.
They could also use your help by donating additional non-perishable items to both Meals on Wheels recipients and those who would utilize the now modified congregate sites throughout the county. For example, donations of toilet paper, paper towels, and additional food would be extremely helpful. These needs can, and are changing on a nearly daily basis. If anyone would like to assist they can call into the office at 301-790-0275.
They’re also offering services now on Facebook Live, including group read-alongs, Tai Chi exercises for seniors, and much more. Find their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/WCCOAging/
HAGERSTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Antietam Broadband is partnering with HCC to assist eligible students, with access to high-speed internet through the company’s Edu-Net Program. The goal of this partnership is to ensure students can complete course work from home while HCC is operating remotely.
HCC has donated additional miscellaneous medical supplies to support county first responders.
For additional information, please contact the Public Relations and Marketing Department at 240-313-2380 or [email protected].
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