COVID-19 Joint Information Center Update: March 23, 2020

Posted: March 23, 2020

Coronavirus, Daily COVID-19 Briefings

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

CLOSING OF ALL NON-ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES

Governor Larry Hogan announced at a press conference earlier today that as of 5:00 p.m., all non-essential businesses must close. It is important to note this is NOT a shelter in place, and all critical infrastructure will remain open. A comprehensive list of businesses, organizations, and facilities that are considered critical infrastructure can be found by clicking here. This was put in place to protect the capacity of Maryland’s health care system for the state’s most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic.

LIST OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE BUSINESSES

The Governor, alongside of the Maryland Department of Commerce and Maryland Department of Labor, also announced aggressive support for Maryland businesses and workers by launching a $175 million comprehensive business relief program. Please click below to access resources and receive additional information from the State of Maryland.

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE – EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND PROGRAMS FOR BUSINESSES

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF LABOR – COVID-19 LAYOFF AVERSION FUND

MERITUS HEALTH

Walk-thru Center: COVID-19 screening is now open at the former Surrey School parking lot. The address is 535 Summit Avenue, with the entrance located in the 500 block of Virginia Avenue. The walk-thru screening center is open Monday – Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Drive-thru Center: COVID-19 screening continues to be available behind Meritus Medical Plaza, at 13620 Crayton Boulevard. The drive-thru screening center is open Monday – Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Meritus has activated several COVID-19 testing locations for those who are experiencing symptoms. Only patients who have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, as outlined by the CDC, will be tested. It is preferable to be referred by a physician for COVID-19 screening or who have been directed to one of the screening centers by a health care professional answering the COVID-19 care line will receive this screening. The COVID-19 care line is 301-790-9170.

A Quick-Care Clinic for patients NOT WITH COVID-19 symptoms is now open in the tents outside of the Meritus Medical Center emergency department. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. No COVID-19 testing will take place at this quick-care clinic.

Meritus Health is also offering electronic 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

Meritus Health continues to provide a hotline for those who have questions about symptoms directly related to COVID-19. Questions from the public may be directed to [email protected] or by calling 2-1-1 or 301-790-9170.

The most up-to-date visitor restrictions at the hospital and closings and cancellations of events there is available at MeritusHealth.com.

WASHINGTON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

As of March 17, 2020 the Washington County Health Department’s buildings are closed to the public until further notice.

All in-person services, such as clinic services and appointments have been suspended.
All essential services and programs will continue to operate, however all contact with patients and program participants will be through telephone or video conferencing.
Additional information on what services will be suspended or reduced during this time can be found on the health department website at washcohealth.org

For questions concerning our programs and services, please call the health department’s primary number, 240-313-3200. For behavioral health services, please call 240-313-3310. Environmental Health calls should be directed to 240-313-3400.

The health department is continuing to coordinate guidance distribution to private schools, daycare providers, and other community stakeholders. For questions or guidance regarding Governor Larry Hogan’s COVID-19 directives please contact us at [email protected] or 240-313-3302.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING

The Washington County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, 2020 has been cancelled.

All evening meetings with municipalities are cancelled until further notice.

HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT

The Allegiant Air flight scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at Hagerstown Regional Airport (HGR) is cancelled.

HGR currently remains open and operational but flights are subject to change. Passengers are encouraged to contact their airline via their app, social media or calling the airport direct, if you have questions regarding your travel itinerary.

BLACK ROCK GOLF COURSE

Effective at 5:00 p.m. today, Black Rock Golf Course will be closed indefinitely.

WASHINGTON COUNTY PARKS

All playgrounds, basketball courts, pavilions, and dog parks are CLOSED until further notice in all Washington County parks.

WASHINGTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Information and resources for businesses and non-profits can be found at the Chamber’s website or at the MD Business Express Website. Both sites are being updated on a regular basis to provide the most recent information available. We encourage members of the business community to utilize both sites for information and resources during this period. Businesses or employees with specific questions can email [email protected]

The state of Maryland received U.S. Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Declaration, which means small businesses and private non-profit organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can apply directly to SBA for low-interest federal disaster loans. Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) – Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster.

This assistance is crucial and can help businesses pay bills, payroll, and accounts payable during this difficult time. The application can be filled out online by clicking the button below. For additional information, please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center. Call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail [email protected] .

SBA DISASTER LOAN – APPLY NOW

Additional community needs and business resources include:

Companies that have resources that the state could purchase (protective gear, etc) are asked to email [email protected].
Due to a nationwide shortage in supplies, Hospice Washington County is asking local and regional businesses for Personal Protective Equipment such as surgical masks and gloves. To make a donation call 301-791-6360 or email [email protected]. HWC is a 501c3 nonprofit.
Local eateries offering carry-out or delivery options are being updated regularly at www.hagerstown.org/restaurants

Per Governor Hogan’s executive order, all non-essential businesses and organizations must close to the public. However, the Washington County Chamber of Commerce will remain operational Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with employees working remotely. Please visit www.hagerstown.org for individual contact information as each employee will remain accessible throughout this period.

CITY OF HAGERSTOWN

Click here for a message from Mayor Bruchey

The Greens at Hamilton Run Golf Course will close effective 5:00 p.m. today.

In all City of Hagerstown parks, all playgrounds, basketball courts, pavilions, and the Fairgrounds Dog Park are CLOSED until further notice.

WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Superintendent Dr. Boyd Michael shares the following message for WCPS parents, guardians, and students:

“Good afternoon, this is Boyd Michael, superintendent of Washington County Public Schools. We have not received any official announcement, but we are certain the school closure will extend beyond this week. Please know that we continue to prepare for how we best support our students during any length of time our schools are closed. I’d like to remind families of our 19 meal sites for children 18 and under across the county. You can find a list of those locations on our website – wcpsmd.com. I encourage you to continue using our Keep Learning at WCPS website and to continue to read with your children. Thank you for your patience, and we will be sharing more information with our families and staff as it becomes available.”

Beginning this morning, Washington County Public Schools are providing meals at 19 different sites across Washington County. Meals will be provided to all children without charge. Meals will be provided at the sites and times as follows:

WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is taking additional steps to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The Sheriff’s Office will be handling calls which do not require a deputy on scene by telephone. If you are calling to file a police report, you may be told that a deputy will call you back to take the information for your report. Visitors are discouraged at the Sheriff’s Office and would prefer contact by telephone at 240-313-2100.

HAGERSTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Over the weekend, Hagerstown Community College donated approximately 5,000 medical masks and personal protective equipment (PPE) from its dental hygiene, nursing, and allied health programs to help support first responders during the current state of emergency.