COVID-19 Joint Information Center Update: July 31, 2020

Posted: July 31, 2020

Coronavirus, Daily COVID-19 Briefings

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

Please visit www.washco-md.net/coronavirus-info for the latest numbers on Washington County’s COVID-19 dashboard.

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

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

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

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER

Governor Hogan announced at a press conference earlier this week the mask order will be expanded to additional circumstances. In addition, the Governor advised traveling out of state to areas with a positive rate greater than 10%.

EXPANSION OF MASK ORDER

Effective July 31, 2020 at 5:00 p.m., the statewide masking order will be expanded to require face coverings in the public spaces of all businesses, and in outdoor public areas when maintaining physical distance is not possible.

OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL

Marylanders are strongly advised to postpone or cancel travel to states with positivity rates greater than 10%, which include the following states:

Florida
Texas
Georgia
Louisiana
Arizona
Alabama
South Carolina
Nebraska
Idaho

Out-of-state travelers should immediately get tested and self-quarantine while awaiting results.

CONTACT TRACING

Critical patterns have been revealed about how and where the virus is spreading in Maryland. If ‘MD COVID’ calls, please answer the phone.

All Washington County residents are urged to take COVID-19 serious. It is still in our community. Please continue to wash your hands, social distance, wear a mask, get tested, and stay at home when experiencing minor symptoms.

LAUNCH OF ‘THIS IS A HERO’ PUBLIC MESSAGING CAMPAIGN

The Joint Information Center is releasing a new public messaging campaign on the importance and impact of wearing a mask. The mission of this campaign is to spread the significance of why wearing a mask is important. A special thank you to High Rock Studios for leading this design effort. Be on the lookout for local billboards, radio ads, digital ads, and videos coming to Washington County in the near future. And don’t forget to #maskupwashco!

COVID-19 TESTING SITES IN WASHINGTON COUNTY, MD

Meritus Screening Drive Thru Center is located at 13620 Crayton Blvd. The drive-thru screening center is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
VEIP Station Drive Thru Testing Site is located at 12100 Insurance Way in Hagerstown. Doctor’s orders are no longer required to get tested. Appointments are still required. Individuals can schedule their own appointment by going to https://health.maryland.gov/covidtest/Pages/Home.aspx
CVS Drive Thru Testing Site located at 1503 Potomac Ave, Hagerstown MD 21742. Please visit https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing to see if you qualify for testing at this site and to schedule an appointment.
CVS Drive Thru Testing Site located at 10 E Wilson Blvd, Hagerstown MD 21740. Please visit https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing to see if you qualify for testing at this site and to schedule an appointment.
U.N.I. Urgent Care Center located at 11236 Robinwood Drive, Suite 101 Hagerstown, MD 21742. No Appointment required. Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; 240-313-4242
U.N.I. Urgent Care Center located at 18721 N Pointe Drive Hagerstown, MD 21742. No Appointment required. Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; 301-733-8313

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:

What to expect at this testing site

While you are waiting for testing results

(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 a.m. to 11 a.m. unless indicated differently. All testing sites are walk-up clinics and are from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m

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

August 5: University Plaza, 50 West Washington Street, Hagerstown (9am-12pm)
August 7: Funkstown City Hall, 30 E. Baltimore Street, Funkstown
August 12: Bester Elementary School, 385 Mill St, Hagerstown (South Potomac St Side Parking Lot)
August 14: Keedysville Library, 22 Taylor Drive Keedysville
August 19: TBD
August 21: Maugansville Elementary School, 18023 Maugans Ave, Hagerstown

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

MERITUS HEALTH DRIVE-THRU SCREENING CENTER

The drive-thru screening center for COVID-19 testing is now open for summer hours, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The drive-thru screening center is no longer open on weekends.

The screening center is located behind Meritus Medical Plaza at 13620 Crayton Blvd. Testing is available for anyone, including those who do not currently have symptoms of the coronavirus, but suspect or are concerned that they have been exposed. No appointments or referrals are needed to be tested. There is no cost to the patient. Due to high demand for testing and national supply disruptions, results may be delayed as much as 10 days or more.

COVID-19 ANTIBODY TESTING AVAILABLE LOCALLY

Antibody testing is available at all Meritus Medical Laboratory patient service centers. A lab order from a person’s primary care provider is required in order to have a COVID-19 antibody test. Antibody tests do not take the place of COVID-19 screening tests. Insurance or patients will be billed for antibody testing. Meritus Medical Laboratory locations and hours are available online at https://www.meritushealth.com/treatment-care/medical-lab/

FREE TELEHEALTH VISITS AVAILABLE

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.

BOOK YOUR TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENT HERE

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.

WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The Latest Return to Learn Update includes information about distance learning schedules, athletics, and our WCPS meal sites.

Read more at: https://www.smore.com/9r2gt.

WASHINGTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Visit www.washcorises.net for constantly updated resources and information to help you reopen your business.

Washington County Back to Business Posters – As businesses continue to reopen in Washington County, local business owners are encouraged to print out the documents below and post on your door or storefront. This will let customers know your business is taking precautions for them to receive the best service while maintaining health and safety standards. Click the graphics below to download and print.

Back to Business Toolkit
10 Things Businesses Should Do Now for Reopening
MD Strong Back to Business Pledge (please sign and post in your storefront)

Help Us Continue on Our Path to Reopen Washington County – 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.

CHAMBER SURVEY: TELL US HOW YOU ARE DOING AND WHAT YOU NEED

As businesses and nonprofits continue to reopen and adjust to operating in the current coronavirus environment, we want to know how you are doing, as well as what support and services you may need. Our goal is to help you receive the support you need and to address the problems you are currently facing. We will use the information we receive to advocate on your behalf with our local, state, and federal officials. Please take just a few minutes now to complete this short 5-question survey created by the Washington Co. Chamber of Commerce – CLICK HERE. By doing so, it will help us to help you.

Attention Employers:

Maryland Commerce Department Announces Additional Loan Program: MSBDFA COVID-19 Emergency Relief Loan Fund

A new low-interest loan program is now available to small businesses throughout Maryland that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor Hogan recently announced that an additional $50 million was allocated for small businesses in need. Specifically, $5 million is being designated to Maryland Commerce’s MSBDFA – or the Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority – which promotes the viability and expansion of businesses owned by economically and socially disadvantaged entrepreneurs. The new MSBDFA Program – COVID-19 Emergency Relief Loan Fund provides emergency financial relief to eligible businesses that have experienced economic hardship due to the ongoing pandemic with low-interest rates and low-documentation loans. Five-year term loans ranging from $25,000 to $200,000 will be available with an interest rate of zero percent for the first 12 months and two percent for the remaining term of the loan. The state program is managed by a private contractor, Meridian Management Group, who will be processing applications on a first-come, first-served basis. To learn more about the new program, find eligibility criteria, or apply for a loan, visit the MMG website.

https://commerce.maryland.gov/fund/programs-for-businesses/msbdfa

The Federal Government approved extending the deadline to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to August 8, 2020.

Treasury and the SBA have issued more than 50 guidance documents and 20 regulations to answer the flood of PPP questions as well as a “Frequently Asked Questions” Document. The PPP Flexibility Act of 2020 allows for PPP borrowers to (a) defer payroll taxes; (b) extend use of PPP funds to 24-weeks; (c) benefit from a 5-year loan term; and (d) gain flexibility by lowering the percentage of loan proceeds that must be spent on payroll to 60%.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has produced a Forgiveness Guide, produced a “Forgiveness in 15 Minutes” video, and is partnering with AICPA to promote a free PPP forgiveness calculator. The rules around forgiveness continue to change. We encourage you to talk with the bank who processed your PPP loan regarding your forgiveness application.

Do you know a Washington County business that is going above and beyond to keep customers safe and healthy during COVID-19? Washington County Government is looking to highlight local businesses that are getting creative and using best business practices to maintain a safe and healthy environment as they return to business.

Nominations can be made at https://www.washco-md.net/together/.

Pictures and videos are encouraged with submission.

Together We Rise Business Spotlight’s will be featured on Washington County Government social media channels and website.

CITY OF HAGERSTOWN

City of Hagerstown – Paid Parking Returns to Downtown August 3

Street, lot, and deck parking to resume normal paid schedules, procedures

With Governor Hogan’s Maryland Strong Roadmap to Recovery continuing to reopen the state by lifting many restrictions previously imposed under his executive orders, paid parking and timed parking limits will return to Downtown Hagerstown on Monday, August 3. In the coming weeks, Parking Enforcement Officers will be returning to the streets and lots, and Parking Attendants will be back in the decks in an effort to spread the word and ensure public awareness regarding the resumption of paid parking in downtown beginning on August 3. Questions may be directed to a Parking Attendant or Enforcement Officer, and by calling the Parking Office at 301-739-8577, ext. 445.

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: