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COVID-19 Joint Information Center Update: May 6, 2020

COVID-19 Joint Information Center Update: May 6, 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
At Governor Hogan’s press conference earlier today, he announced the Maryland Department of Health has issued guidelines, effective immediately, to allow for elective procedures to resume at the discretion of local hospitals and health care providers.
Effective tomorrow at 7:00 a.m., the list of safe outdoor activities will be broadened to now include golf, tennis, boating, fishing, camping, and other activities. Closed functions will be opening at state parks, including all state beaches, for walking and exercise, as well as safe playgrounds at the state parks. Local governments will have the flexibility to take similar actions at their discretion. However, it will remain critical that you continue to follow public health guidance, continue to practice physical distancing, and most of all, that you continue to take actions to keep yourself and your fellow Marylanders safe. Read the updated stay at home order here: https://bit.ly/2W8NbaO
State Superintendent Dr. Karen Salmon also announced that schools will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year. Online and distance learning will continue, and the Maryland State Department of Education is issuing its “Maryland Together: Recovery Plan for Education,” a comprehensive plan for long-term recovery.
The Governor extended his thanks to the residents of Maryland and the incredible sacrifices that we are making great progress. The state is indeed flattening the curve and preparations are underway to launch the reopening plan in order to safely get people back to work, to safely get small businesses back open again, and to get the economy back on track, so that Maryland, and our nation, can defeat this virus and come back stronger and better than ever.
WASHINGTON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The Washington County Health Department in conjunction with the Maryland Department of Health and other partners will be coordinating the Hagerstown VEIP COVID-19 drive thru testing site. The VEIP testing site is located at 12100 Insurance Way in Hagerstown. Tests will be offered on an appointment-only basis to Maryland residents who are symptomatic and at high risk for complications from COVID-19. Patients must have a health care provider order and an appointment to take a test at this VEIP site. If you currently do not have a doctor or health insurance the Community Free Clinic and Family Healthcare of Hagerstown are accepting new patients and a sliding fee-scale for payment. The Maryland Health Connection is also holding a special enrollment period for people to sign up for health insurance.
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.Testing is available for all ages. Meritus 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 6:00 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 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.
Meritus Health held a Celebration Rocky x 3 for patients who were treated for COVID-19 at Meritus Medical Center, have successfully recovered, and were discharged all together to head to their homes!
Celebration Rocky x 3
NATIONAL NURSES WEEK
Barbara Ingram School for the Arts Vocal Department sings “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers. Dedicated to the nurses and medical professionals at Meritus Health for Nurses Week May 6-12, 2020.
Barbara Ingram School for the Arts - "Lean On Me" Meritus Nurses Week. World Wide Day of Gratitude
WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
In this afternoon’s press conference with Governor Hogan, the state superintendent of schools, Dr. Karen Salmon, announced all Maryland public schools will be closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.
WCPS understands there will be many mixed emotions and questions following this announcement. Our staff misses students, students miss their friends and their teachers, and the list goes on. There is a shared desire among our learning community to simply get “back to normal.” It is unfortunate our school communities will not be able to gather again for the remainder of the academic year.
WCPS students will continue to engage in distance learning through the last day of school, which is Wednesday, June 10, 2020 for students. We will be sharing information about finishing out the school year in communications to families over the coming weeks.
For more information, read here.
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!
The Chamber is focusing on ways that we can lead the way with recovery efforts for businesses. When safe to do so, we pledge to follow Maryland’s executive orders while rallying behind re-opening efforts while advocating for guidelines that benefit you during this impending comeback phase.
Upcoming Webinars
Thursday, May 7th, 1:00 p.m.
Washington Co. Chamber Webinar: Teleconference Etiquette and Making the Most of Webinars” – featuring Kelsi Palmer, CEO Kite & Anchor
REGISTER HERE – Meeting Access Information Sent Upon Registration
If nothing else, this COVID-19 pandemic has changed the ways we communicate. The ways we communicate with our family, our friends, and our colleagues. By now, we’ve likely seen first-hand how different generations grapple with this new way of meeting. Ensure your team of hard, dedicated workers are all on the same page when it comes to etiquette:
  • What to wear when appearing on-camera
  • When to mute your microphone
  • How to make the most out of a webinar or a teleconference
  • How to take effective notes while participating
  • How to ensure you’re creating an educational event
FREE Registration for Chamber Members
$5 Registration for Non-Members
Friday, May 8th, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Free Maryland Chamber Webinar: “COVID-19: SBA Paycheck Protection Program Updates and Implications”
Presented by:
  • Stephen Umberger, District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration, Baltimore District
  • John Bratsakis, President & CEO, MD | DC Credit Union Association
  • A representative from Maryland Bankers Association
Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration Baltimore field office will join us to provide updates on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Questions for this webinar must be submitted in advance to [email protected].
Friday, May 8th, 11:00 – 11:45 a.m.
Free Webinar: “Cleaning For The Restart – How To Reopen And Be Safe” hosted by WEISS BROS.
REGISTER HERE – Login information will be sent Friday morning to login.
Join ISSA Certified Trainer Steve Johnson for a free webinar to discuss the following tips around cleaning:
  • CDC Guidelines
  • Touch Points
  • Dwell Time
  • 2 Step Cleaning Process
  • Cleaning Schedule
  • Cleaning vs Disinfecting vs Sanitizing
  • Tools to Use
  • Electrostatic Sprayers
  • Supplies – Availability and Providing to Others
  • And More
Monday, May 11th, 11:00 a.m. – Noon
Free Washington County Chamber Webinar: “HR Issues During the Covid-19 Return to Work Process”
Join us for this helpful webinar from one of our very own Chamber members, Kimberly Lundy, CEO, SHRM-SCP, & DDI of Lundy HR Consulting. Companies all over the globe are in uncharted waters during this COVID-19 pandemic and its related business shut down. Predominant questions now are geared towards the inevitable re-opening of Washington County. There’s no doubt that you have questions, many of them HR-related.
  • What are some possible HR issues you’ll encounter upon re-opening?
  • What to do when employees feel unsafe to return to work, even when you’re ready?
  • If an employee chooses to continue working from home, is that a fire-able offense?
These scenarios and more will be presented, discussed, and engagement from you is encouraged!
Tuesday, May 12th, 11:00 a.m. – Noon
Free Maryland Chamber Webinar: “The Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019”
Presented by: Dennis J. Schaffer, Partner, Whiteford Taylor Preston, and Brent C. Strickland, Partner, Whiteford Taylor Preston
Small business owners now have the lifeline they need to work through a rough patch, cyclical downturn or other unexpected problem by taking advantage of the new Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 (the “SBRA”).
SBRA is a significant change in existing bankruptcy law that greatly reduces or eliminates many of the costs associated with a bankruptcy reorganization, expedites the process for a quick turnaround, and preserves ownership and control of the business. Given the number of businesses suddenly faced with the prospect of insolvency, the SBRA feels like must-know law. It is described as a game changer for small and medium-sized businesses, as it allows access to a quicker and less expensive reorganization, at the same time making it easier for a business to maintain equity interests.
Wednesday, May 13th, 11:00 a.m.
AAFB & Planit Present: The New Normal? – Communicating in the Age of COVID-19
When COVID-19 hit the United States, brands scrambled to respond. While some brands are still scrambling, after nearly two months of quarantine, many are also asking what’s next. How do we continue to respond? Or should we stop responding? When do we return to regularly scheduled communication plans? Join AAF Baltimore and Planit for a webinar discussing the current media landscape, messages consumers want to hear, crisis communications strategies to implement right now and more.
Attention Employers:
CLICK HERE to download an “Unemployment Insurance Resource Guide” created by the Maryland Department of Labor that includes guidance and resources regarding unemployment issues.
RURAL MARYLAND COUNCIL GRANT INFORMATION WEBINARS
The Rural Maryland Council will conduct two virtual information sessions to review program guidelines and criteria for the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) and the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) for FY2021 as well as answer questions from participants.
Webinar Date:
Friday, May 8th 10:00 to 11:00am
Log-in information can be found on the Council’s website at
rural.maryland.gov. Individual appointments will also be available during the week of May 11, 2020. Please contact the RMC office at [email protected] to schedule an appointment.
WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank AXON for the donation of 150 surgical masks to help keep our Deputies healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
BLACK ROCK GOLF COURSE
Black Rock Golf Course will be reopening on Thursday, May 7, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. The course will begin receiving calls at 6:30 a.m. tomorrow morning to book a tee time. Please call 240-313-2816 to schedule your time.
CITY OF HAGERSTOWN FARMERS MARKET
The City of Hagerstown has announced the reopening of the Historic City Farmers’ Market this Saturday, May 9, outside in the market lot at 25 West Church Street. Hours of operation will be from 6am to 12pm. At this time, the market will be limited to food vendors only, in compliance with Governor Hogan’s Executive Order pertaining to essential businesses.
Participating vendors will be 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 pre-ordered baked goods, meats, cheeses, and home-cooked meals. Orders can be placed by calling 301-733-1424.
All customers must wear face coverings or masks and observe six-foot social distancing. No customers will be permitted into the Market House. All food purchased is for carry-out only. No congregating will be permitted.
For further information, contact the City’s Community Events Coordinator at 301-739-8577, ext. 116. Follow the market’s Facebook page (@historiccityfarmersmarket) for the latest updates regarding operations at the oldest continuously operating farmers’ market in Maryland.
HAGERSTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Hagerstown Community College has announced that its summer College for Kids program is moving online, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.
“While we hoped to see children’s smiling faces on campus this summer, our first priority is to ensure the health and wellbeing of all our campers, instructors, volunteers, and staff,” said Jenna Lamblin, CFK manager. “Our second priority is bringing fun, educational camps right into the home, through online programming.”
Registrations for in-person camps will be canceled and refunded in the coming weeks. Visit www.hagerstowncc.edu/kids for online camp and registration information. Space will be limited for the online programs.
Questions can be sent via email to [email protected].
We are excited to announce many of the fire/EMS companies across the County will be participating in Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association‘s ‘hero’s safety ride’ scheduled for THIS Saturday.
We encourage residents to make signs of support to display as our first responders, healthcare workers, and essential workers pass by our homes. This ‘safety ride’ is a way for first responders to say ‘thank you’ to residents for staying home and to help flatten the curve.
Residents are encouraged to stay at home and wave from your porch/sidewalk as the vehicles pass by. All safety rides will be happening at 2:00 p.m. THIS Saturday, May 9, 2020.
The following fire/EMS companies will be participating:
Specific routes in each town will be posted at the end of this week.
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 INFORMATION & RESOURCES
HORIZON GOODWILL REOPENS SEVERAL LOCATIONS FOR CONTACTLESS DONATIONS
Horizon Goodwill Industries has re-opened the Boonsboro, Corporate Headquarters, and South End shopping center locations for contactless donations daily effective Monday, May 4th. South End is open daily Noon-5:00 p.m.; Boonsboro and Corporate Headquarters are open daily 7:30am-4:30pm.
For additional information, please contact the Public Relations and Marketing Department at 240-313-2380 or [email protected].
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