COVID-19 JOINT INFORMATION CENTER BRIEFING

Posted: March 20, 2020

Coronavirus, Daily COVID-19 Briefings

The Washington County, Maryland Joint Information Center (JIC)provides the following update regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

MERITUS HEALTH

Meritus Health will now be offering electronic visits. These visits will allow citizens to speak directly with a primary care provider to discuss your 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.

BOOK YOUR TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENT HERE

Meritus has activated several COVID-19 testing locations for those who are experiencing symptoms. Only patients who have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, as outlined by the CDC, will be tested. It is preferable to be referred by a physician for COVID-19 screening or who have been directed to one of the screening centers by a health care professional answering the COVID-19 care line will receive this screening. The COVID-19 care line is 301-790-9170.

Drive-thru Center: COVID-19 screening is now available behind Meritus Medical Plaza, at 13620 Crayton Boulevard. The drive-thru screening center is open Monday – Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Walk-thru Center: COVID-19 screening will be available at the former Surrey School parking lot. Entrance is located in the 500 block of Virginia Avenue. The walk-thru screening center is open Monday – Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Meritus Health continues to provide a hotline for those who have questions about symptoms directly related to COVID-19. Questions from the public may be directed to [email protected] or by calling 2-1-1 or 301-790-9170.

WASHINGTON COUNTY TRANSIT

Washington County Transit (WCT) is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation. In conjunction with Governor Hogan’s latest order regarding transit services across the state, WCT announces the following service changeseffective Friday, March 20, 2020:

WCT will operate on a weekday only schedule with no Saturday service
Transit service operating hours are limited to 6:15 AM – 5:45 PM, Monday – Friday

This decision was not taken lightly as WCT is the primary mode of transportation for many of our passengers. Transit should only be used as a last resort and limited to essential travel only. In light of the recommendations from state and local health officials, we believe this decision is in the best interests of our passengers, employees and the entire community. We will continue to monitor the situation and update the schedule as events dictate. We regret the inconvenience or hardship this may cause to our riders.

For more information regarding WCT’s operations, please call 240-313-2750, or visit www.washco-md.net/transit.

PLANNING COMMISSION

In accordance with State and Locally mandated emergency protocols implemented to combat the spread of COVID-19, the Planning Commission meeting scheduled for April 6, 2020 is cancelled. We are continuing to monitor workload to determine the best method of action for future meetings and will continue to work with the COOP Leadership Team on alternative methods for workflow processes and meeting requirements.

BUSINESS RESOURCES

The state of Maryland received U.S. Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Declaration, which means small businesses and private non-profit organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can apply directly to SBA for low-interest federal disaster loans.

This assistance is crucial and can help businesses pay bills, payroll, and accounts payable during this difficult time.

SBA DISASTER LOAN – APPLY NOW

PARKS AND RECREATION

Actions taken to control COVID-19 have resulted in the closure of gymnasiums, sports leagues, recreational programming, and events. Despite these necessary actions, Washington County parks and open spaces can continue to be used in a safe manner that allows people to enjoy the mental and physical health benefits these spaces provide. If you plan to use parks and open spaces there are some restrictions and rules to follow:

Refrain from using parks if you are exhibiting symptoms
Prepare for limited access to public restrooms or water fountains
Limit groups to 10 people or less
Observe minimum recommended social distances of 6’ from other persons

We recognize that parks provide an opportunity for physical activity which can reduce stress and improve mental health, and our Parks and Recreation Staff are working hard to maintain these spaces and keep them safe and accessible during this time.

CITY OF HAGERSTOWN

The City of Hagerstown is now offering free parking in downtown. This includes all metered parking on-street and in the parking lots as well as the parking decks. Please be courteous to others and only use the free on-street parking for curb side pickups or quick stops. Longer term parking is available in both parking decks and the parking lots. Parking will remain free until further notice.

WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Washington County Public Schools is participating in the Summer Food Service Program in order to provide meals during the unexpected school closures due to COVID-19. Meals will be provided to all children without charge. Meals will be provided at the sites and times as follows:

WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is taking additional steps to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The Sheriff’s Office will be handling calls which do not require a deputy on scene by telephone. If you are calling to file a police report, you may be told that a deputy will call you back to take the information for your report. Visitors are discouraged at the Sheriff’s Office and would prefer contact by telephone at 240-313-2100.