COVID-19 Joint Information Center Update: April 15, 2020

Posted: April 15, 2020

Coronavirus, Daily COVID-19 Briefings

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

Click here to receive Washington County daily briefings delivered to your inbox.

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER

Per Governor Hogan’s most recent executive order, as of 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2020, all Maryland residents are required to wear a mask or face covering while inside retail establishments or while riding public transportation.

On April 3, 2020, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shared new guidance on face coverings saying homemade masks are a sound voluntary step to further slow community spread of COVID-19. The face coverings do not have to be hospital grade but need to cover the nose and mouth. For example, bandanas, fabric masks, and neck gaiters are acceptable. Fabric covers and bandanas can be washed and used again. For examples of how to make your own, click here.

WASHINGTON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

On April 5, 2020, Governor Hogan issued Executive Order Number 20-04-05-02 Delegating Authority to Local Health Officials to Control and Close Unsafe Facilities. The purpose of the Executive Order is to control and prevent the spread of COVID-19 by ensuring that a business, organization, establishment, facility, or construction site complies with the Social Distancing Guidance published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the Maryland Department of Health (MDH).

The Washington County Health Department will work in coordination with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Maryland State Police to address and investigate all complaints or inquiries regarding social distancing compliance at operating businesses, organizations, establishments, facilities, or construction sites.

Individuals can call 240-313-3210 to report concerns regarding compliance with this Executive Order.

MERITUS HEALTH

Meritus Health now has a COVID-19 clinic for patients who have non-emergency health care needs and are either confirmed or suspected by a health care provider to have COVID-19. The new non-emergency care COVID-19 clinic is located at 13620 Crayton Blvd., inside Meritus Medical Plaza. Patients should enter through the main lobby of the building. Hours are Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on weekends. COVID-19 screening will not take place at the new clinic. Patients should be referred to this clinic by a Meritus Medical Group provider through an e-visit or another health care professional through a telehealth visit or by calling the COVID-19 care line at 301-790-9170.

Meritus Health continues to offer 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.

BOOK YOUR TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENT HERE

INCREASED TESTING CAPACITY AVAILABLE

Click on the map to right to access the closest COVID-19 testing site.

Once you have spoken with someone on the COVID-19 care line – 301-790-9170 – or to your physician about your symptoms, you may be directed to Meritus Health’s drive-thru or walk-thru screening center.

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 4:00 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.

To view updated testing guidelines for COVID-19 at Meritus testing locations, please click here.

The Health Information Management (HIM)/Medical Records department at Meritus Medical Center has temporarily changed its policy and is currently unable to take walk-in requests for medical records. Urgent needs should be directed to 301-790-8137, Monday thru Friday, between 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

For the most up-to-date information on Meritus Medical Group e-visits, visitor restrictions at Meritus Health facilities including the hospital and other COVID-19 resources, please visit https://www.meritushealth.com/patients-visitors/public-notice/.

Below is a video from Dr. Matthew Wagner as he shares on how to keep a good attitude in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

MARYLAND JUDICIARY

An administrative order was signed by Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 which extends court closures through June 5, 2020. For more information, click 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!

UPCOMING WEBINARS

Thursday, April 16, 2020, 10-11:30 a.m.

“The Counselor Is In – Q&A with SBDC Business Consultants”

In light of the current COVID-19 health situation, we invite you to attend a webinar where you have the opportunity to get answers to your questions about all of the aid programs that are being offered to you. You are more than welcome to sit in on the webinar to hear what others are asking or you can get questions answered as time allows. Questions need to be submitted to Diane at [email protected] no later than April 10, 2020. This “The counselor is in” session will offer you the opportunity to get your questions answered. We are planning to have available during the webinar, five of our SBDC consultants to answer as many questions as time allows. We hope you can join this informative webinar.

Friday, April 17, 2020, 11:00 – 11:45 a.m.

WEISS BROS Free Webinar: “Cleaning Best Practices: NOW and BEYOND Part 2”

Join ISSA Certified Trainer Steve Johnson for a free webinar to discuss the following tips around cleaning:

Scheduled Cleaning Times – Document and update
Germs are ALIVE – Can’t see them, They are There Video
Tools – Microfiber, Disposable Microfiber, Disposable Wipers, Wet Task Buckets, Pre-Moistened Wipes
Mopping – What is the best procedure, Mop Bucket Wringer, Frequent changing water, Flat Mops, Frequent changing of pads
Vacuuming – Frequency, HEPA Filtration, Cleaning and maintaining equipment, Cords, Bags, Filter Changes

Attention Employers:

Click here to receive the latest Community Resource Guide from Congressman Trone’s Office.

REMINDER: Tax Deadlines for State and Federal taxes were extended as part of the COVID-19 Relief plans. For more information choose links below:

The MD Heritage Area Authority is pleased to share that the MHAA COVID-19 Emergency Operating Grants for nonprofit heritage tourism organizations are now open. Nonprofit heritage tourism organizations located within the boundaries of a certified heritage area that have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis are eligible to apply for grants of up to $20,000. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis each month, with all applications received by the first of each month considered as a group. The deadline for the first round of grant applications is May 1, 2020. Click here for Grant Guidelines. Please click here to submit your application.

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE FILING INSTRUCTIONS

Effective April 1, 2020 claimants are encouraged to file according to a new system, which has been designed to make the process easier for claimants. We are encouraging individuals to please use these new procedures.

To file an initial regular unemployment claim online or through our call centers, please file your claim according to your last name as detailed below:

If your last name starts with A-F, file your claim on a Monday.
If your last name starts with G-N, file your claim on a Tuesday.
If your last name starts with O-Z, file your claim on a Wednesday.
Filing is open to all by phone on Thursdays and Fridays; online on all Thursdays through Sundays.
Filing later in a week will not delay your payments or affect the date of your claim.

Claimants are strongly encouraged to utilize the online NetClaims application to file claims. This online application is available 24/7. It is strongly encouraged to file during non-peak hours (8 p.m. – 7 a.m.) for faster processing.

Claim center telephone hours have been further extended and open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. To contact a center, please call 410-949-0022. Claims may only be filed by phone or online, not by email.

IF A CLAIMANT IS HAVING PROBLEMS FILING

If someone is having difficulty placing a call or accessing the website, he or she can email [email protected].

Employers can email [email protected] or contact 410-767-2412.

RESOURCES

If someone’s job or business has been impacted by the coronavirus, please read COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions.
To learn more about the work-search requirement exemption, please visit Work Search FAQs.
To learn about the federal “CARES” Act, please see FAQs.
To find additional information about Maryland’s unemployment insurance program, please visit the Unemployment Insurance webpage.
For information about programs to support Maryland businesses, please visit theCoronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Businesses. This site also includes a FAQ sheet.

WAIT TIMES

Please be aware that the Division of Unemployment Insurance’s website and call centers are currently experiencing an unprecedented volume of users due to COVID-19. This may result in long wait times. We understand claimants are experiencing trouble getting through. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank callers for their patience during these uncertain times.

Please be assured that Maryland does not have a waiting week like many other states do. No matter when or how a claimant files, he or she becomes eligible for benefits starting the day after they separated from employment. If a claimant is eligible, he or she will be paid for all benefits due.

CITY OF HAGERSTOWN

Hagerstown Parks & Recreation Goes Virtual

While scheduled opening dates for the Jonathan Hager House and City Park Train Hub Museums are pushed back, and facilities like the Fit Room at Fairgrounds Park and The Greens at Hamilton Run golf course are temporarily closed to the public, reaching citizens from the comfort and safety of their homes presents a new challenge to which Hagerstown Parks & Recreation has, as the tagline says, a “fit for you.” Stay healthy and stay active; learn more about each program and sign up at: www.hagerstownmd.org/virtual

HUB CITY 100 MILER CHALLENGE

The Hub City 100 Miler Challenge finale event, originally set for April 18, has been postponed to June 6. Grand prize winners will be announced virtually, and winners can pick up their prizes later in the season. Until then, keep the challenge going with “50 Miles More, Hub City 100 Miler Extended Challenge” for $5. Keep staying active each day by walking a mile a day, or completing 20 consecutive minutes of physical activity. Enjoy more opportunities to win prizes and stay connected with weekly e-newsletter for inspiration. Join us – one mile a day for 50 more days, registration is open now!

VIRTUAL CLASSES

Virtual fitness classes are a great way to stay engaged and active while staying safe at home. Classes offered during the day and evening to provide the best “fit for you”! Virtual fitness classes include:

Virtual Yoga for Weight Loss
Virtual Belly Dance for Beginners
Virtual Sharqui- the Belly Dance Workout
Virtual Zumba Gold
More program offerings coming live in the weeks ahead!

Health & wellness priorities are at the top of the list for self-care. Connect with classes that help you manage stress, anxiety, nutrition, and meal- prep with programs coming up:

The Unlikely Craving Connection – April 18, 2020
May Mindfulness Challenge
Healthy Pasta Cooking Demo

Arts & entertainment are a great way to keep your mind sharp and your creativity flowing. Check out the following classes:

Virtual Creative Photography series – begins April 21, 2020
Have Fun With Paint – begins May 8, 2020

April is Maryland Archaeology month! Experience “Virtual Archaeology” program, starting with two free Saturday sessions April 18 & 25, with archaeologist, Scott Parker, who has led the archaeological excavation at the Saylor House at Kiwanis Park for the past two years. Learn the tools, procedures, and basic practices of the science of archaeology, and learn about discoveries made at the site in recent years. A 4-week Saturday series in May follows the two free classes in April. All ages welcome!

Stay tuned for videos and virtual tours coming from our historic sites and museums, the Jonathan Hager House Museum and City Park Train Hub. Stay connected with updates and news from the ‘Hagerstown Parks and Recreation’ Facebook page. For assistance with enrollment, or for more information, email: [email protected] or call (301)739-8577 x 170.

In the video below, Hagerstown Fire Department Battalion Chief Mark Cleck shares a message about the extra precautions and adjusted protocols being utilized by HFD and its EMS partners to protect personnel, patients, and the public while responding to emergency calls during the COVID-19 pandemic and why no one should be apprehensive about calling 9-1-1 or being transported in an ambulance.

MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL & RESOURCE-BASED INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (MARBIDCO) PANDEMIC ADJUSTMENT LOAN FUND PROGRAM

MARBIDCO is offering loans through its new Pandemic Adjustment Loan Fund to help Maryland’s food and fiber producers, harvesters and primary processors adjust to the business disruptions caused by COVID-19. Eligible farms and rural businesses can apply for loans up to $3,000 in working capital and up to $10,000 for equipment purchases at low interest rates with flexible terms. Applications for the Pandemic Adjustment Loan Fund must be submitted by May 31^st. The application form is available on the MARBIDCO website at www.marbidco.org. For questions, please call the office at (410) 267-6807.

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

HORIZON GOODWILL – CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS TO ASSIST WITH FABRIC MASKS

Multiple local agencies and organizations that provide direct or essential services have requested in obtaining fabric masks for their employees. Horizon Goodwill is partnering with these agencies and volunteers to provide materials and instructions for creation of these masks. We have the supplies and instructions; we need volunteers with sewing machines to help get them made!

Organizations Needing Masks

City of Hagerstown- 125

Washington County EOC- 200

Salvation Army Soup Kitchen – 40

Turning Point Homeless Outreach Team- 50

Horizon Goodwill – 400

Arc of Washington County – TBA

Additional Ask

Emergency Command-7000-8000 masks that need elastic replaced. These will be at the Community Action Council for repair, need volunteers 10:00 a.m.-Noon or Noon-2:00 p.m. Monday-Friday to complete this project. We want to keep these in one place so that we can be sure all masks are returned to Sheriff. This initiative began on April 10th and will continue until completed.

Contact Information

Call Brooke Grossman, Horizon Goodwill volunteer Point Of Contact, at 301-988-0185 if interested in assisting.

Interested volunteers/groups should pick one of the projects above and a quantity they feel is reasonable for them to produce. Pickup of packaged materials will be coordinated at Horizon Goodwill headquarters at 145151 Pennsylvania Ave (across from Nick’s Airport Inn). Once volunteers are identified for specific projects, they will be provided with the Point of Contact for the specific organization and they can deliver masks directly once complete.