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COVID-19 Joint Information Center Update: June 12, 2020

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The Washington County, Maryland Joint Information Center (JIC) provides the following update regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
**Beginning the week of June 15th, COVID-19 Joint Information Daily Briefings will be released ONLY on Tuesdays and Fridays. Statistics will continue to be updated daily at www.washco-md.net/coronavirus-info**
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
At Governor Hogan’s most recent press conference, the announcement was made that effective at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2020, the State of Maryland will allow for additional reopenings as part of Stage Two of the Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery. The Governor also mentioned more openings scheduled for Friday, June 19, 2020. Please view Governor Hogan’s Executive Order for specific information.
  • Encourage seniors and vulnerable populations to stay at home
  • Continue teleworking
  • Wear face covering at retail establishments and public transportation
As additional industries and activities begin to resume, the Maryland Department of Commerce continues to develop and issue guidance and best practices to help businesses reopen safely. These resources are available at open.maryland.gov/backtobusiness.
County officials and the Emergency Operations Center will continue to follow the lead of State officials and the Maryland Coronavirus Recovery Team as they to watch the data closely.
To stay updated on the Stages of Reopening and Recovery in Washington County, Maryland, please visit www.washcorises.net.
As COVID-19 still exists in the County, citizens are reminded to continue washing hands and maintaining appropriate physical distance.
WASHINGTON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The Washington County Health Department is expanding free COVID-19 testing to vulnerable and hard to reach populations in Washington County. The health department is working with local towns and communities all over the county to bring mobile walk-in testing sites right to the local residents. Testing as these sites will be open to everyone and you do not need a doctors referral or an appointment to participate. The tests used are the quick nasal swap that takes about 15 seconds to administer. Please follow social distancing and masking guidelines when participating at these sites.
At this time we have scheduled free COVID-19 testing at the following locations.
  • 6/19: Clear Spring- 12627 Broadfording Rd, Clear Spring, MD 21722 from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
  • 6/26: Sharpsburg – 104 S. Mechanic Street, Sharpsburg, MD 21782 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
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 will be open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 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.
COVID-19 ANTIBODY TESTING NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Antibody testing is now available to the general public 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/
OUTPATIENT SERVICES RESUME NORMAL OPERATING HOURS
Meritus Medical Laboratory draw sites in two locations have resumed normal business hours. These include:
  • Meritus Medical Laboratory, Boonsboro, 20311 Lappans Road, Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
  • Meritus Medical Laboratory @ Meritus Medical Plaza, 13620 Crayton Blvd., Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday, 6 a.m.-noon beginning Saturday, June 13.
Additionally, Meritus Equipped for Life, 525 Dual Highway, has resumed to normal operating hours. Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8:30 a.m-5:30 p.m. and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
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.
VIRTUAL VISITS CONNECT PATIENTS AND FAMILIES
Meritus Health is now offering virtual visits to connect patients in the hospital with their families and friends. To setup a virtual visit, please contact the program’s coordinator at 240-313-3163.
‘TOGETHER WE SERVE’ GRANT PROGRAM FOR NON-PROFITS IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
The Washington County Office of Grant Management announces the Together We Serve grant program application is now open. This new grant program is created to assist local human-service providing non-profits in providing crucial services to County residents during the Covid-19 public health crisis.
The Together We Serve Grant will provide eligible non-profits up to $20,000 to assist them in meeting the increased needs for their services during the Covid-19 pandemic. Eligible uses of this funding include:
  • Provision of essential supplies and food
  • Costs of personal protective equipment for employees providing services
  • Costs associated with virtual delivery of services
  • Costs related to ensuring emergency and homeless shelters operate safely
  • Cost of temporary positions to meet increased demand for services
  • Eviction prevention and utility shut-off prevention programs
The application and grant guidelines are available at https://www.washco-md.net/grant-management/.  Applications will be reviewed and processed on a first-come first serve basis until funds are no longer available.
Please submit any questions regarding this opportunity to [email protected].
RISE UP BUSINESS STABILIZATION GRANT
The Washington County Department of Business Development, in partnership with the City of Hagerstown Department of Community and Economic Development, notifies local small businesses the application for the Rise Up Business Stabilization Grant is open. The application can be accessed by clicking here: RISE UP GRANT APPLICATION.
Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, June 15, 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.
For questions regarding eligibility criteria or required documentation, please email [email protected].
WASHINGTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Visit www.washcorises.net for constantly updated resources and information to help you reopen your business.
Attention Employers:
As the state gets back to business, business owners are urged to adhere to best practices that ensure the safety of your workers and customers alike. Through our collective efforts, Maryland’s business community will play a critical role in protecting our citizens and preventing another surge of COVID-19 infections.
Best Practices:
Follow these best practices for general businesses and your specific business industry. Note: Spanish translations appear in parenthesis.
Recreation, Youth Programs, and Sporting Events Directives
All businesses are encouraged to review FAQs regarding face coverings (en español), and consult with resources available through the CDC. Ongoing mitigation guidance, as well as prevention and support resources are available on the CDC’s website. All Executive Orders still in effect must be complied with. See most up to date orders. Additional industry best practices coming soon.
  • Checks for RISE UP Grant awards are rolling out, and there is still plenty of money left to give out. Any small business with less than 50 employees and $5M in sales can get up to $10,000 for 3 months of operating costs (rent, mortgage, payroll, etc). For specifics on terms and conditions of the grant program, please visit the Economic Recovery section at www.washcorises.net. If you have any questions or troubles registering, contact the county and they will walk you through the process.
CITY OF HAGERSTOWN
Phased Reopening of City Buildings and Facilities
June 29:  The 1st floor of City Hall ONLY will reopen to the public. There will be no access to the upper floors of City Hall unless by appointment.  The 2nd floor public restroom will not be accessible.
July 7: Mayor & City Council Work Session will take place in Council Chamber, City Hall—the first since March 10. Members of the media and the public will be permitted to attend in accordance with whatever the prevailing capacity guidelines at the time.
July 13: All City facilities will be reopened to the public, including all floors and the public restroom of City Hall.
The public will be required to wear a mask when conducting business in City facilities.  Hand sanitizer will be accessible and masks will be available to those who need one.
The City has gone to great lengths to protect employees the last several months from this virus. Plexiglass panels, where barriers between staff and those doing business did not previously exist, have been installed. Signage and social distancing markers will be posted in the City Hall lobby and other areas where business is conducted and visitation occurs. All measures will be monitored and are subject to change.
Saturday Street Closure to Support Downtown Restaurants’ Outdoor Dining Efforts
At the direction of the City Council, in an effort to facilitate outdoor dining at restaurants while Maryland’s COVID-19 executive order is in effect, the first block of South Potomac Street will be closed to all vehicular traffic on the evening of Saturday, June 13th. Beginning at 3:00 PM on Saturday afternoon, South Potomac Street will be closed to traffic between Washington Street and Antietam Street.  It is anticipated that the street will be reopened to traffic by approximately 9:30 PM.
This is a great chance to enjoy some sit-down service from The Art Gastropub, 28 South, Bulls and Bears Pub and Eatery Hagerstown, C & O Taco with each respective restaurant enforcing their set of social distancing guidelines and safety practices. The Schmankerl Stube Bavarian Restaurant is reopening this Saturday too.
Be sure to take advantage of the opportunities to visit other nearby restaurants also offering outdoor seating, including The Gourmet Goat & GG’s Restaurant & Martini Bar less than half a block away on N. Potomac St., Salsa Mama Cantina on the square, and Pretzel and Pizza Creations Hagerstown may also be offering some outdoor seating this weekend just around the corner on Washington St.!
WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) is excited to announce that the Class of 2020 will be able to assemble with their classmates, family members, and loved ones to celebrate graduation. Graduates will be celebrating in outdoor ceremonies across the county on Monday, June 15, 2020. We are fortunate that the early decision to delay graduations will now give our graduates their time to shine together, yet apart.
We understand the governor’s unexpected announcement and this change may create inconveniences for our school families. Throughout the pandemic, WCPS has explored every opportunity to reach our goal of giving our graduates a proper celebration – one that resembles a traditional graduation. We believe this is the best way to honor and recognize the achievements of this extraordinary class.
All graduation ceremonies will be held on Monday, June 15, 2020 at the following times and locations:
Tuesday, June 16, 2020 will serve as a rain date at the same times and locations.
Governor Hogan is encouraging outdoor graduation ceremonies with “appropriate capacity and distancing measures in place.”
While WCPS is thankful the governor’s restrictions have changed to allow an outdoor graduation, we still must balance the need to protect the community’s health and limit the potential spread of COVID-19. In order for these graduation celebrations to be successful, WCPS will require graduates and guests to follow strict guidelines for social distancing and safe interactions.
Social distancing of at least six feet will be maintained among graduates and all attendees, and hand sanitizer will be available at multiple locations.
Graduates will be provided a face covering in their school colors to wear with their cap and gown throughout the ceremony (see photo below). All guests must provide and wear their own mask while attending the full event. Any guest without a mask will not be admitted to the ceremony.
The program will be intentionally brief, with a focus on recognizing the graduates by name to receive their diplomas.
We want families to understand this is an optional event. All attendees, especially at-risk populations, should consider the risk of participating in large group gatherings before deciding to attend graduation.
Guest Tickets
Each graduate will be able to bring up to four guests. The graduate will be presented with four tickets upon arriving at the ceremony.
Weather Cancelation
If there is heavy rain, thunderstorms, or severe weather, the Monday, June 15 graduation will be held on Tuesday, June 16 at the same times and locations.
To the best of our ability, a decision regarding a cancelation on either day will be made by 7:00 a.m. Families will receive a phone call, text message, and email through the WCPS Connect mass notification system. The announcement will also be shared on the WCPS website and social media channels.
A Family Celebration
In the unfortunate event that weather conditions prohibit an outdoor ceremony on June 15 and June 16, schools will continue with plans to hold individual family celebrations as announced by their principal.
Virtual Graduation
The virtual graduations will air on YouTube Premiere as scheduled. These videos will feature speeches from principals, valedictorians, salutatorians, the Board of Education president, and other class speakers.
MEAL MACHINE SUMMER SCHEDULE
The graphic below displays the 2020 Summer Meal Machine schedule for Washington County, Maryland. Meals will be distributed on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursdays at the time indicated below.
MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGING
The Maryland Department of Aging has implemented a new Caregiver Services Corps (CSC) for older adults aged 65 and above. The service is designed to quickly deploy volunteers to the homes of older adults who need urgent assistance with everyday tasks. It is meant to address pressing needs that are temporary, such as when an older adult determines they won’t have food to make it through the end of the week, or a family member who cares for their elderly loved one can’t check in on them the next day.
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
EDUCATION FOUNDATION SCHEDULES SHOE DRIVE
The Washington County Education Foundation is coordinating the Summer’s a Shoe-In collection of gently used shoes from Monday, June 15 through Friday, June 19, 2020. Drive-thru donations will be accepted at five high schools on Saturday, June 13 and Saturday, June 20. The Foundation is encouraging WCPS families who are returning school system-issued technology and wrapping up other end-of-year matters to consider a donation of shoes at schools throughout the county. Anyone else in the community is also welcome to make a contribution.
Drive-thru donations can be dropped off between 10:00 and noon on June 13 and June 20 at Boonsboro, Clear Spring, Hancock, Smithsburg and Williamsport high schools. From June 15 through 19, collection bins will be set up during school hours at Bester, Cascade, Eastern, Jonathan Hager, Maugansville, Pangborn, Pleasant Valley, Rockland Woods and Salem Avenue elementary schools, Northern Middle School, Barbara Ingram School for the Arts and Boonsboro, Clear Spring, Hancock, Smithsburg and Williamsport high schools. Donations will also be accepted that week at Hagerstown Community College and the Center for Education Services, 10435 Downsville Pike, Hagerstown.
It’s another way the Education Foundation supports the students and families of Washington County Public Schools.
SCHOOL(S):
Beacon House is offering several activities for children over the summer. Click graphic below to register or learn more about the programs being offered.
For additional information, please contact the Public Relations and Marketing Department at 240-313-2380 or [email protected].
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