COVID-19 Joint Information Center Update: August 11, 2020

COVID-19 Joint Information Daily Briefings will be released ONLY on Tuesdays and Fridays.

**The dashboard will be updated Monday-Friday**

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER

The Washington County Emergency Operations Center reminds citizens to continue wearing a mask to fight COVID-19. We thank our citizens who have been respectful of others in the community, especially those most vulnerable, by wearing a mask, social distancing, washing your hands, or staying at home if you are experiencing symptoms. It is with full compliance and respect from all members in our communities that businesses will remain open in Washington County as we collectively abide by Governor Hogan’s Executive Order on Face Coverings.

To protect yourself and others from COVID-19 all citizens are encouraged to continue washing your hands, social distance, wear a mask, get tested, and stay at home when experiencing minor symptoms. Do your part to keep Washington County and the State of Maryland open for business!

To nominate a local hero or learn more about “THIS IS A HERO” campaign visit www.washcoheroes.com.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released information on the Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). MIS-C is a rare but serious condition associated with COVID-19. It can affect the digestive system, heart, skin, eyes, lungs, brain, or kidneys. A new report in CDC’s MMWR shows hundreds of cases of MIS-C have been reported to CDC since COVID-19 became widespread in the U.S. While this condition is rare, parents should seek emergency care right away if your child or teenager shows any emergency warning signs of MIS-C, such as severe abdominal pain, trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, inability to wake or stay awake, bluish lips or face, or new confusion. For more information visit bit.ly/2PAdOBD

COVID-19 TESTING SITES IN WASHINGTON COUNTY, MD

WASHINGTON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Don’t Wait! Keep your Child’s Immunizations Up-To-Date!

WCHD Offering FREE Vaccination Clinics

Recent data has shown a significant decrease in pediatric vaccination rates in Maryland and across the U.S. During this COVID-19 pandemic many children have not received their recommended vaccinations on time. Vaccinations are important and essential to avoid outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases and keep our children protected.

The Washington County Health Department is offering FREE, Drive-thru vaccination clinics for students entering the 7th grade. We will offer the Meningitis vaccine and Tdap vaccine, both are required for entry into 7th grade. Although distance learning for schools may continue next year, it is vital that children stay up-to-date on their vaccines for their health and schools will require these vaccines upon returning to school. These are challenging times, but you have the power to help keep your child healthy.

What: Meningitis and Tdap Vaccine for students entering 7th grade

When: August 12^th from 1pm-4pm

Where: The Washington County Public Service Academy. 701 Frederick Street, Hagerstown MD 21740.

Parents must accompany children and bring their child’s immunization records. To view and print official copies of your child’s vaccination records at no cost, visit MD.MyIR.net

For further information, please call us at 240-313-3210

Washington County Health Department Testing Sites:

(All testing at WCHD sites are Free)

VEIP Station Drive Thru Testing Site

12100 Insurance Way in Hagerstown.

Doctor’s order is NOT required. Appointments are still required. Schedule your own appointment HERE.

Appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please follow the directions on the page and choose the Hagerstown VEIP Station when choosing a location. Accommodations such as large print or Braille materials, sign language interpreter, deaf language interpreter, foreign language interpreter, use of MD Relay and more are available at no cost to you at this testing site. Please make sure you indicate any accommodations you require when scheduling your appointment.

More information on:

(English and Spanish versions are accessible by clicking on the above links)

Mobile Walk-Up Testing Sites:

Washington County Health Department is launching mobile testing sites throughout Washington County. Testing as these sites will be open to everyone and you do not need a doctor’s order or an appointment to participate. The tests used are the quick nasal swab that takes about 15 seconds to administer. Please follow social distancing and masking guidelines when participating at these sites. All testing sites are walk-up clinics and are from 8:00-11:00 a.m. unless indicated differently.

At this time we have scheduled free COVID-19 testing at the following locations.

New locations will be announced on the Health Department’s website at https://washcohealth.org/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/ and on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WashHealth/

MERITUS HEALTH INFECTION CONTAINMENT WING COMPLETED

The hospital’s new 2 South Infection Containment Wing was officially celebrated during a very small ribbon cutting with core health officials, local dignitaries and the Washington County Chamber of Commerce recently. The new space is negative pressure and ventilator capable, providing the community with an additional 20 beds, in a contained space, for medical/surgical care. It will serve as an important resource in the current COVID-19 pandemic environment, as well as for future needs.

VIRTUAL VISITS CONNECT PATIENTS AND FAMILIES

Since restrictions remain in place for visitors at Meritus Medical Center, the hospital is offering virtual visits to connect patients with their families and friends. To setup a virtual visit, please contact the program’s coordinator at 240-313-3163.

The Board of County Commissioners voted to reopen and change the guidelines of the Rise Up Business Stabilization Grant. New guidelines allow start-up businesses established and operational from September 2019 to March 2020 that meet the criteria to submit an application. Other established businesses who have NOT previously applied would also be eligible to apply. Grant applications are accepted and funds are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Applications will be accepted from 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 12, 2020 until midnight on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. Applications will be accepted electronically and can be downloaded at www.washcorises.net. Details for submission are stated on the application. The website also provides guidelines, application instructions, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Business owners can access the application by clicking the button below.

Help Us Continue on Our Path to Keep Washington County Open – Please ensure your business and customers continue to follow the recommended CDC guidelines as we reopen businesses and other activities across Washington County. Wearing masks inside, social distancing, regular hand washing, and expanded cleaning is still a critical part of keeping infection rates low – IT IS ALSO STATE LAW. By taking on these minor inconveniences, we can prevent a spike in infections which could force officials to slow down or even reverse the reopening process. The coronavirus has not gone away and we must stay vigilant until a vaccine is created. We all have a responsibility to do our part to help our economy reopen so that our many local businesses can survive and provide jobs for our citizens.

Maryland COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Fund for 501(c)(6) Nonprofits

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

To support Maryland’s nonprofit 501(c)(6) organizations facing financial impacts from the novel coronavirus, the Maryland Department of Commerce in conjunction with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) have established the Maryland COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Fund for 501(c)(6) Nonprofits with $1 million of federal CARES Act funding.

The grant will provide financing to organizations experiencing economic stresses in order to mitigate potential layoffs or organizational closures due to COVID-19. Eligible organizations may apply for funding up to $10,000. We will accept applications starting August 17 through August 24.

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Eligible applicants must be a Maryland based organization that represent businesses in the region they serve, which may include employer consortiums comprised of businesses who collectively meet the above qualifications, such as: Non-profit or community-based organizations; Industry Associations; Business Leagues; Destination Marketing Organizations; and Local or Regional Economic Development Entities.

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 PARENTS SUPPORT DATABASE

The group WC Parents have created a simplified support database to gather and retain all services and needs in one place. This is an excellent example of the community working together to meet the tangible, everyday needs of parents in our community as this school year will begin with distance learning.

If you need childcare or can provide it, if you need tutoring or can provide it, etc., please join this forum and share your resources or needs.

It is up to the community to share your resources and fill this database. The group is asking for the public’s help in:

Click on the graphic below to join the forum or visit Wcparents.freeforums.net.