COVID-19 Joint Information Center Update: June 26, 2020

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.

‘TOGETHER WE SERVE’ GRANT PROGRAM FOR NON-PROFITS IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

The Together We Serve grant program application is open. This 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:

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:

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. By taking on these minor inconveniences, we can prevent a spike in infections which could force officials to slow down or event 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.

CITY OF HAGERSTOWN

Phased Reopening of City Buildings and Facilities

June 29:  The 1^st 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.