COVID-19 Joint Information Center Update: May 14, 2020

Posted: May 14, 2020

Coronavirus, Daily COVID-19 Briefings

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

Click here to receive Washington County daily briefings delivered to your inbox.

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER

TOGETHER WE RISE. As we begin to prepare for a safe reopening, the County joins together under one common goal – a safe and healthy reopening. The reopening process will be gradual, as we take into consideration those most vulnerable in our communities. Now, more than ever, we will need the support of one another as we regain our traction. From businesses and nonprofits to educational and religious institutions, everyone has been significantly impacted by COVID-19. The time we are living in will be talked about in history books, and we have the opportunity to band together now to shape our future.

The County has established a plan for reopening and will move forward under the direction of the State of Maryland at the appropriate time. If a regionalized approach is considered, the County will release a plan that is safe for our citizens.

A Back-to-Business Toolkit has been established to assist the local business community with planning for the reopening. This toolkit will serve as a guide to business owners as we begin to move forward with the ‘new normal.’ Pleaseclick here or on the photo below to download the toolkit.

Stay informed on the recovery and reopening of Washington County, MD by visiting our new website.

WASHINGTON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The health department’s Behavioral Health Division is dedicated to providing important services to the community through these difficult times. We have reduced our hours to Monday- Friday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please see the following updates about our Harm Reduction Program (Narcan) and Tobacco Free For Life Program:

The Tobacco Free for Life program has temporarily suspended their classes, however those who are in need of free nicotine replacement therapy patches, gum and/or lozenges can still receive them. Please call 240-313-3310 to arrange drop off or pick up. This pertains to individuals who were attending TFFL classes when the shut-down occurred or those who have attended since January 2020 (we would have signed paperwork for you). Once classes start up again we’ll be able to get the necessary paperwork filled out by new class participants so they can begin getting free patches, gum and lozenges.

The Harm Reduction Program is continuing to supply the community with Narcan. If you are interesting in getting Narcan or need to replace your expired Narcan please call 240-313-3310. We are able to provide pick up services outside our building at 925 N. Burhans Blvd in Hagerstown. In accordance with social distancing guidelines we ask that you stay in your car and one of our employees will deliver the Narcan to you.

If you are interested in Narcan outside of office hours please go to the following pharmacy:

Williamsport Pharmacy

100 E Potomac St

Williamsport, MD 21795

Express Pharmacy

25 N Cannon Avenue

Hagerstown, Maryland 21740

Reed’s Pharmacy

343 N Pennsylvania Ave

Hancock, MD 21750

Sharpsburg Pharmacy

17316 Shepherdstown Pike

Sharpsburg, MD 21782

Smithsburg Pharmacy

22030 Jefferson Blvd

Smithsburg, MD 21783

MERITUS HEALTH

COVID-19 TESTING EXPANDS TO THOSE WITH NO SYMPTOMS

Click on the map to right to access the closest COVID-19 testing site.

COVID-19 testing is now available to 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. Testing is now available for all ages. Meritus Health’s screening centers include:

Drive-thru Center: COVID-19 screening is available behind Meritus Medical Plaza, at 13620 Crayton Blvd. Hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and weekends from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Walk-thru Center: COVID-19 screening is available at 24 N. Walnut St, Hagerstown, MD. The walk-thru screening center is open Monday – Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 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.

BOOK YOUR TELEHEALTH APPOINTMENT HERE

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 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Please stay tuned to www.hagerstown.org for the latest information on COVID-19 relief resources, local restaurants that remain open for business, and more!

The Chamber is focusing on ways that we can lead the way with recovery efforts for businesses. When safe to do so, we pledge to follow Maryland’s executive orders while rallying behind re-opening efforts while advocating for guidelines that benefit you during this impending comeback phase.

Upcoming Webinars

Friday, May 15th, 11:00 a.m.

TOGETHER WE RISE Webinar Series – Economic Recovery

Business owners are invited to a Town Hall Webinar on the Reopening of Washington County. Government officials, business representatives, and local Health officials will be on hand to:

Provide a brief overview of the reopening process for Washington County
Share the health data that we will be tracking to keep our county in a safe condition
Let businesses know where to find the latest information and resources to help you reopen safely and successfully
Answer questions and learn what information, resources, or relief programs you need be successful

(If you cannot make the meeting, register and we can provide you with a recorded version to watch at a later time)

Wednesday, May 20^th, 2:00 p.m.

Navigating Uncharted Waters During a Period of Hyper-Change Impact on Financial Health and Continuity

This webinar will provide fiscal and financial strategies and guidance for nonprofit leaders and their organizations during this time of uncertainty. When and how you should protect your organization’s assets? How best to position financial resource utilization during a hyper change period until “true” recovery begins.

Attention Employers:

Promote Businesses to “SIGN THE PLEDGE” and Post in your storefront

Effective Friday, May 15, at 5:00 pm, Maryland will move from a Stay at Home order to a Safer at Home public health advisory.
Watch Governor Hogan’s press conference.
View the slides from press conference.

Marylanders, particularly older and more vulnerable Marylanders, are strongly advised to continue staying home as much as possible. Employers should continue to encourage telework for their employees when possible. Individuals who can work from home should continue to do so. Maryland citizens should continue wearing masks in indoor public areas, retail stores, and on public transportation. Additionally, Marylanders should continue practicing physical distancing, continue avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people, keep washing their hands often, and frequently sanitize high-touch areas.

LOCAL FLEXIBILITY FOR JURISDICTIONS – Governor Hogan’s ‘Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery’ provides a flexible and community-based approach which empowers county leaders to make decisions regarding the timing of Stage One reopening in their individual jurisdictions.

Read the new order here.

RETAIL STORES – Governor Hogan announced that retail stores may reopen at up to 50 percent capacity, with curbside pickup and delivery strongly encouraged, and all public health precautions in place. Examples of businesses that may reopen include clothing and shoe stores, pet groomers, animal adoption shelters, car washes, art galleries, and bookstores.

Guidance and best practices for retail stores.

MANUFACTURING – Governor Hogan announced manufacturing may resume operations in a safe manner which protects the health of employees, with guidelines encouraging multiple shifts and other safety precautions.

Guidance and best practices for manufacturing.

CHURCHES AND HOUSES OF WORSHIP – Churches and houses of worship may begin to safely hold religious services, at up to 50 percent capacity, with outdoor services strongly encouraged. Religious leaders are strongly urged to do everything possible to keep their congregants safe, and particularly to protect the elderly and vulnerable within their congregations.

Guidance and best practices for religious services.

PERSONAL SERVICES – Some personal services, including barber shops and hair salons, may reopen with up to 50 percent capacity, by appointment only and with appropriate health and safety guidelines.

Guidance and best practices for personal services.

“BACK TO BUSINESS” – Businesses that adopt all safety guidelines are encouraged to take a ‘Back to Business’ pledge and post the pledge in your storefront.

Take the pledge here.

U.S. Small Business Administration Releases New FAQ Document on PPP “Safe Harbor” for Loans Under $2 Million. Click button below to download the document.

SBA FAQ Document

CITY OF HAGERSTOWN FARMERS MARKET

The City of Hagerstown reminds the public that the Hagerstown City Farmers Market will be open this Saturday, May 16, outdoors in the Market parking lot at 25 West Church Street. Only food vendors are currently permitted to sell, by orders of the Governor. The hours of operation will be from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm. The Market continues to be the oldest, continuously-operating farmers market in Maryland!

Participating food vendors are Jeff & Debi’s Grill, Mamma Jean’s Snack Shack, Chris Cross Café, M&J Candies, and Litton’s Produce. Beginning May 16, Stop Buy ‘n See will deliver baked goods, meats, cheeses, and home-cooked meals that have been pre-ordered by phone (301-733-1424).

All customers must wear face masks and observe six foot social distancing. No customers are permitted into the Market House. Food purchased is for takeaway only, and no congregating is permitted.

For further information, contact the Community Events Coordinator at 301-739-8577, x. 116, and be sure to follow the Market’s Facebook page (@historiccityfarmersmarket) for the latest updates to Market operations.

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

WASHINGTON COUNTY FARM BUREAU TO HOLD FREE MILK DISTRIBUTION

The Washington County Department of Business Development announces theWashington County Farm Bureau will be distributing free milk to the community on Saturday, May 23, 2020.

The milk distribution will be held in the parking lot adjacent to the Washington County Transit Transfer Center located at 123 Franklin St, Hagerstown, MD. The hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or until 2,100 gallons of milk have been distributed. This new location allows for easier access to those that may reside in Hagerstown, as the distribution point is now within walking distance of downtown.

The Washington County Farm Bureau is taking advanced orders from local nonprofit organizations, food pantries, and any organizations that have the ability to further distribute milk to clients. Please share this email with any Washington County nonprofits or food pantries that may benefit from this free milk distribution.

Please reply to Leslie Hart ([email protected]) and Matt Schnebly ([email protected]) by this Friday, May 15, 2020 with the information below. The milk will be held for pick up at 123 Franklin Street, Hagerstown, MD.

Please provide your organization name
Contact person and cell phone
Name of person picking up the milk and their cell phone number
Total number of gallons your organization would like to pick up
Please pick up your milk between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

The Washington County Farm Bureau is dedicated to this community along with the agricultural community and local dairy farms. Your support is greatly appreciated. If you would like to make a monetary donation to the FREE MILK initiative, please contact Matt Schnebly at 717-360-4699. Please direct any questions to Leslie Hart or Matt Schnebly.

COVID-19 RELATED PHISHING

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security or DHS and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency or CISA continue to see indications of Advanced Persistent Threat or APT groups targeting health care, pharmaceutical, academia and medical research organizations, as well as individuals, using COVID-19 related scams and phishing emails.

Examples of Phishing email subject lines may include:

2020 Coronavirus Updates
Coronavirus Updates
2019-nCov: New confirmed cases in your city
2019-nCov: Coronavirus outbreak in your city (Emergency).

These emails contain a call to action, encouraging users to visit a website that malicious cyber actors use for stealing valuable data, such as usernames and passwords, credit card information and other personal information. Be sure your passwords are strong and carefully monitor your email, texts and phone calls during this vulnerable time.