EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER

TOGETHER WE RISE. As we begin to prepare for a safe reopening, the County joins together under one common goal – a safe and healthy reopening. The reopening process will be gradual, as we take into consideration those most vulnerable in our communities. Now, more than ever, we will need the support of one another as we regain our traction. From businesses and nonprofits to educational and religious institutions, everyone has been significantly impacted by COVID-19. The time we are living in will be talked about in history books, and we have the opportunity to band together now to shape our future.

The County has established a plan for reopening and will move forward under the direction of the State of Maryland at the appropriate time. If a regionalized approach is considered, the County will release a plan that is safe for our citizens.

A Back-to-Business Toolkit has been established to assist the local business community with planning for the reopening. This toolkit will serve as a guide to business owners as we begin to move forward with the ‘new normal.’ Pleaseclick here or on the photo below to download the toolkit.

Stay informed on the recovery and reopening of Washington County, MD by visiting our new website.

WASHINGTON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The health department’s Behavioral Health Division is dedicated to providing important services to the community through these difficult times. We have reduced our hours to Monday- Friday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please see the following updates about our Harm Reduction Program (Narcan) and Tobacco Free For Life Program:

The Tobacco Free for Life program has temporarily suspended their classes, however those who are in need of free nicotine replacement therapy patches, gum and/or lozenges can still receive them. Please call 240-313-3310 to arrange drop off or pick up. This pertains to individuals who were attending TFFL classes when the shut-down occurred or those who have attended since January 2020 (we would have signed paperwork for you). Once classes start up again we’ll be able to get the necessary paperwork filled out by new class participants so they can begin getting free patches, gum and lozenges.

The Harm Reduction Program is continuing to supply the community with Narcan. If you are interesting in getting Narcan or need to replace your expired Narcan please call 240-313-3310. We are able to provide pick up services outside our building at 925 N. Burhans Blvd in Hagerstown. In accordance with social distancing guidelines we ask that you stay in your car and one of our employees will deliver the Narcan to you.

If you are interested in Narcan outside of office hours please go to the following pharmacy:

Williamsport Pharmacy

100 E Potomac St

Williamsport, MD 21795

Express Pharmacy

25 N Cannon Avenue

Hagerstown, Maryland 21740

Reed’s Pharmacy

343 N Pennsylvania Ave

Hancock, MD 21750

Sharpsburg Pharmacy

17316 Shepherdstown Pike

Sharpsburg, MD 21782

Smithsburg Pharmacy

22030 Jefferson Blvd

Smithsburg, MD 21783

VIRTUAL VISITS CONNECT PATIENTS AND FAMILIES

Meritus Health is now offering virtual visits to connect patients in the hospital with their families and friends. To setup a virtual visit, please contact the program’s coordinator at 240-313-3163.

CITY OF HAGERSTOWN FARMERS MARKET

The City of Hagerstown reminds the public that the Hagerstown City Farmers Market will be open this Saturday, May 16, outdoors in the Market parking lot at 25 West Church Street. Only food vendors are currently permitted to sell, by orders of the Governor. The hours of operation will be from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm. The Market continues to be the oldest, continuously-operating farmers market in Maryland!

Participating food vendors are Jeff & Debi’s Grill, Mamma Jean’s Snack Shack, Chris Cross Café, M&J Candies, and Litton’s Produce. Beginning May 16, Stop Buy ‘n See will deliver baked goods, meats, cheeses, and home-cooked meals that have been pre-ordered by phone (301-733-1424).

All customers must wear face masks and observe six foot social distancing. No customers are permitted into the Market House. Food purchased is for takeaway only, and no congregating is permitted.

For further information, contact the Community Events Coordinator at 301-739-8577, x. 116, and be sure to follow the Market’s Facebook page (@historiccityfarmersmarket) for the latest updates to Market operations.

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

WASHINGTON COUNTY FARM BUREAU TO HOLD FREE MILK DISTRIBUTION

The Washington County Department of Business Development announces theWashington County Farm Bureau will be distributing free milk to the community on Saturday, May 23, 2020.

The milk distribution will be held in the parking lot adjacent to the Washington County Transit Transfer Center located at 123 Franklin St, Hagerstown, MD. The hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or until 2,100 gallons of milk have been distributed. This new location allows for easier access to those that may reside in Hagerstown, as the distribution point is now within walking distance of downtown.

The Washington County Farm Bureau is taking advanced orders from local nonprofit organizations, food pantries, and any organizations that have the ability to further distribute milk to clients.  Please share this email with any Washington County nonprofits or food pantries that may benefit from this free milk distribution.

Please reply to Leslie Hart ([email protected]) and Matt Schnebly ([email protected]) by this Friday, May 15, 2020 with the information below. The milk will be held for pick up at 123 Franklin Street, Hagerstown, MD.

The Washington County Farm Bureau is dedicated to this community along with the agricultural community and local dairy farms. Your support is greatly appreciated. If you would like to make a monetary donation to the FREE MILK initiative, please contact Matt Schnebly at 717-360-4699. Please direct any questions to Leslie Hart or Matt Schnebly.

COVID-19 RELATED PHISHING

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security or DHS and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency or CISA continue to see indications of Advanced Persistent Threat or APT groups targeting health care, pharmaceutical, academia and medical research organizations, as well as individuals, using COVID-19 related scams and phishing emails.

Examples of Phishing email subject lines may include:

These emails contain a call to action, encouraging users to visit a website that malicious cyber actors use for stealing valuable data, such as usernames and passwords, credit card information and other personal information. Be sure your passwords are strong and carefully monitor your email, texts and phone calls during this vulnerable time.