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COVID-19 Joint Information Center Update: June 9, 2020

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The Washington County, Maryland Joint Information Center (JIC) provides the following update regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
As the County is now in Stage Two of the COVID-19 Recovery Plan, we would like to remind all citizens that in addition to washing hands and social distancing, please continue to wear a face-covering while out in public.
Per CDC guidelines, the face coverings are used to help protect others in case you’re infected but don’t have symptoms. COVID-19 still exists in our community and has the ability to spread.
To read more about Face Coverings in the State of Maryland, read the most recent executive order: https://governor.maryland.gov/…/Gatherings-EIGHTH-AMENDED-6…
To read CDC guidelines on Face Coverings, visit https://www.cdc.gov/…/prevent…/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
Thank you for continuing to work together as we fight the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
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.
  • 6/12: Hancock- 126 W. High St. Hancock, MD 21750 from 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
  • 6/19: Clear Spring- 12627 Broadfording Rd, Clear Spring, MD 21722 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.
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.
WASHINGTON COUNTY OFFICE OF GRANT MANAGEMENT INTRODUCES ‘TOGETHER WE SERVE’ GRANT PROGRAM FOR NON-PROFITS
The Office of Grant Management announces a new grant program 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 will be available at https://www.washco-md.net/grant-management/ on or about June 10, 2020. 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.hagerstown.org/rise for constantly updated resources and information to help you reopen your business, including the Back to Business Toolkit, 10 Things Businesses Should Do Now for Reopening, information on upcoming webinars and the MD Strong Back to Business Pledge that you can sign and post in your storefront!
Weiss Bros.: Clean Start Roadmap Offering Tools to Prepare Businesses for Reopening
The Chamber has partnered with Weiss Bros. to prepare for our eventual reopening. It’s an excellent tool for businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations also seeking ways to audit their own space efficiently and effectively.
TO sign up for an initial consultation, visit: https://form.jotform.com/201334199079156
INFORMATION FROM OUR LIQUOR BOARD ON EXPANDED OUTSIDE SEATING:
Effective May 27, 2020 following the Governor Hogan’s Speech, we are in the completion stage of Phase 1. With this change Restaurants, Bars, Social and Fraternal Clubs, can now serve food and beverages to customers for consumption in outdoor seating areas, with the approval of the Board. Licensed Establishments that already have existing patios or sidewalk café can use them, but you must follow the guidelines for social distancing stated forth by the Governor. Carryout/Curbside and deliveries are still also allowed.
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THE WASHINGTON COUNTY LIQUOR BOARD IS TEMPORARILY PERMITTING ALCOHOL AT OUTSIDE SEATING
You must submit your request with a drawing. Sketch, and photo(s) of the proposed outside seating area in relation to your licensed establishment for approval.
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Washington County Liquor Board
148 West Washington Street
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
(301) 797-4591
(301) 797-4599 (Fax)
Upcoming Webinars
Wednesday, June 10th, 12:00 p.m.
NFIB: Breaking News: Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Terms Updated
Great news! Thanks to action by Congress on June 3, small business owners now have more flexibility in using their PPP loan. NFIB’s upcoming webinar will focus on the new Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act H.R. 7010 and what it means for your business. The new PPP law:
  • Lengthens the loan forgiveness period from eight weeks to 24 weeks.
  • Lowers the amount of PPP funds that must be spent on payroll from 75% to 60% and allows 40% for other qualifying expenses.
  • Delays employer payroll tax payments through the end of 2020.
  • Exempts borrowers from the FTE loan forgiveness reduction if borrowers are unable to return to the same level of business activity as before Feb. 15th due to Covid-19.
Please join Holly Wade, Director, NFIB Research & Policy Analysis, and Beth Milito, Senior Executive Counsel for their weekly webinar where they will focus on dramatic changes to the PPP loan program and also discuss other resources available to help small businesses navigate Covid-19.
Submit your questions to Holly and Beth in advance by emailing [email protected]
Thursday, June 11th, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Maryland SBDC Webinar: 10 Thing to Stabilize Your Business in the Time of Financial Uncertainty
In these times of uncertainty, do you know how to keep your business stable and ready to move forward? Join this webinar to learn ways ensure your business remains steadfast in such devastating times. Presenter, Bev Stitely, EA CTM Managing Partner, Saunders Tax and Accounting Certified Tax Master
Friday, June 12th, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Maryland SBDC Webinar: 7 Steps to Marketing Success for Local Small Businesses During These Uncertain Times!
Free 7 Steps show you the must-have elements of success on the web. Build trust with your website, create great content, learn basic SEO, Social Media engagement, email marketing and Pay per click advertising. This is a great overview of what every small business should be working on to be successful particularly in these uncertain COVID-19 times! Presenter, Dennis Ottey, Dott Digital Marketing.
Attention Employers:
RISE UP Grant awards are beginning to roll out. Several businesses received notifications today of their awards with a check to come shortly. Please spread that word and let businesses know of this great opportunity. For specifics on terms and conditions of the grant program, please visit the Economic Recovery section at www.washcorises.net.
Visit www.washcorises.net to stay informed regarding the latest updates to the recovery and reopening in Washington County.
WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
GRADS 2020: A FAMILY CELEBRATION
Washington County Public Schools is committed to providing the class of 2020 with the best graduation celebration possible while balancing the current restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. We are incredibly proud of our graduates for all they have accomplished, and they deserve a proper celebration.
While Maryland has moved to Stage Two of the Roadmap to Recovery, the governor’s restrictions on gathering sizes have not changed. As a result, a traditional graduation is just not possible. We have explored the option of an in-person graduation ceremony with students only that would be shared through an online live-stream. After working through the details of this ceremony with local officials, the restrictions in place would prevent many students from viewing the full event.
WCPS appreciates students, parents, and community members who have reached out to the school system to share thoughts and ideas for making this graduation milestone memorable and special. Your input is valuable and highly considered in the decision-making process. Thank you also for the many unique celebrations you have organized to honor graduates in your own communities.
With the on-going changes of the COVID-19 pandemic, WCPS is adjusting previously shared plans for the class of 2020 graduation ceremony.
Graduates will now be honored in individual, scheduled recognitions the week of June 15, 2020 to give each graduate an opportunity to walk across the stage at their school with four guests present.
The following format will be followed at all schools:
  • Graduates will schedule a date and time that is coordinated through the school principal in advance. Times will be scheduled in five (5) minute intervals.
  • Graduates may bring a maximum of four (4) guests.
  • Graduates and their guests will be required to wear face coverings over their nose and mouth. Masks in school colors will be provided to all attending graduates at the entrance (see photo below). Guests are required to bring their own masks.
  • Graduates and their guests will be escorted from their vehicle into the school to a designated area for the individualized ceremony.
  • Graduates will be announced, receive their diploma cover, and walk across the stage in their cap and gown as their guests watch.
  • Graduates will have a photo taken with their guests by a photographer. Face coverings may be removed for the photo.
Face masks for graduates
Principals are finalizing details for each school. By early next week, they will be contacting students and families regarding more specific arrangements. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause families who made plans to view other scheduled ceremonies.
The virtual graduation video that is currently being compiled will serve as the full graduation ceremony, featuring student speakers and the presentation of graduates with submitted photos and videos. This will be provided to all graduates as a keepsake item to remember their classmates and this unprecedented school year. The virtual graduations will air on YouTube Premiere the week of June 15, 2020. If there is any change to the schedule, we will notify families and graduates.
The health of our community continues to be a priority. WCPS staff will practice proper social distancing and will wear face masks when interacting with graduates and their guests.
In these extraordinary times, the class of 2020 is a truly extraordinary group of graduates. We look forward to celebrating with you and your loved ones the week of June 15, 2020.
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):
For additional information, please contact the Public Relations and Marketing Department at 240-313-2380 or [email protected].
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