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COVID-19 Joint Information Center Update: June 16, 2020

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The Washington County, Maryland Joint Information Center (JIC) provides the following update regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
**As a reminder, COVID-19 Joint Information Daily Briefings will be released ONLY on Tuesdays and Fridays.
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
Per the Governor’s most recent executive order from June 10, 2020, the 10-person gathering restriction has been removed with social distancing highly recommended.
The executive order states, “It is strongly recommended that all Marylanders continue following the most current guidance from CDC and MDH regarding social distancing, including without limitation, avoidance of large gatherings and crowded places.” has Many Washington County residents have asked for clarification regarding large gatherings. The State of Maryland has provided more details. Please read below for FAQ’s related to large social gatherings.
There are still occupancy limitation on certain activities, which is listed in the graphic below.
Additional information regarding Frequently Asked Questions about social gatherings has been released by the State of Maryland and can be viewed at https://bit.ly/2UQLAFH.
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.
  • 7/17: Boonsboro – 241 Potomac Street, Boonsboro, MD 21713 from 8:00-11:00 a.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, 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 6:00 a.m.-noon.
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 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 – DEADLINE EXTENDED
The Washington County Department of Business Development announces the deadline to submit an application for the Rise Up Business Stabilization Grant has been extended until June 30, 2020. This grant encourages small businesses in Washington County, Maryland that meet the criteria to submit an application. Grant applications are accepted and funds are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2020.
The application can be accessed by clicking here: RISE UP GRANT APPLICATION.
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.
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.
Attention Employers:
ADDITIONAL REOPENINGS IN WASHINGTON COUNTY DURING STAGE TWO OF COVID-19 RECOVERY PLAN (Links to industry specific guidance info included in bullet points)
The Washington County Board of County Commissioners announces that Washington County will be following the directives from Governor Hogan’s Executive Order allowing for additional reopenings as part of Stage Two of the Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery.. Effective at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19, 2020, Washington County will proceed with all of the additional openings listed in Stage Two of the COVID-19 Recovery Plan.
Reopenings effective at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19, 2020:
Citizens are encouraged to continue the following:
  • 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 closely track local health data.
  • To stay updated on the Stages of Reopening and Recovery in Washington County, Maryland, please visit www.washcorises.net.
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.
WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2020
Virtual graduations for the Class of 2020 will be shown on YouTube Premiere at the following dates and times:
Find links to view each school’s virtual graduation at: http://wcpsmd.com/news/weeks-virtual-graduation-schedule.
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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