COVID-19 Joint Information Center Update: May 15, 2020

Posted: May 15, 2020

Coronavirus, Daily COVID-19 Briefings

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

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EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER

At Governor Hogan’s most recent press conference, the announcement was made that effective at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2020, the State of Maryland will begin Stage One of the Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery. In addition, the Stay at Home Order will be lifted and the State will enter a Safer at Home Public Health Advisory. Please view Governor Hogan’s Executive Order and Interpretive Guidance for specific information.

The Washington County Board of County Commissioners announces that Washington County will be following the directives from the State of Maryland. Effective at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2020, Washington County will enter into Stage One of the COVID-19 Recovery Plan. As the County enters into Stage One, residents are encouraged to do the following:

Encourage seniors and vulnerable populations to stay at home
Continue teleworking unless essential
No gatherings over 10 people
Wear face covering at retail establishments and public transportation

To stay updated on the Stages of Reopening and Recovery in Washington County, Maryland, please visit www.washcorises.net.

As COVID-19 still exists in the County, citizens are reminded to continue washing hands and maintaining appropriate physical distance. Below is an at-a-glance of Stage One in Washington County, Maryland.

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

Tuesday, May 19, 10:30-11:00 a.m.

MD Chamber Webinar | COVID-19: A Conversation with Maryland Secretary of Commerce Kelly Schulz

Please join us for a conversation with Maryland Secretary of Commerce Kelly Schulz. She will discuss the Department’s ongoing COVID-19 response, including the work of the industry-specific advisory groups, their recommendations and next steps in the Roadmap to Recovery.

Tuesday, May 19, 2:00 p.m.

Affordable Ways to Find New Customers – Hosted by Verizon Small Business Webinar Series

Attracting customers doesn’t have to be expensive. Small business expert Steve Strauss talks with host Julie Hyman to share easy, affordable ways you can find new customers, even in these challenging times. Host: Verizon Small Business Webinar Series

Wednesday, May 20, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

FREE SBDC WEBINAR: New Employee Policies in the COVID-19 World! – Presented by Matthew Johnston, Esquire

As the plans for reopening the economy begin to be implemented, employees are eligible for additional protections. Every employer will have to start to address the new Employee Handbook policies that will need to be created, communicated to employees, and explained to employees. Among the policies we will discuss in this webinar are policies about Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Paid Sick Leave, and Emergency Family Medical Leave Act (EFMLA), teleworking policies, Employee PPE and Social Distancing Policies, and OSHA standards for COVID-19.

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

CRITICAL GUIDANCE FOR NONPROFITS – Navigating Uncharted Waters During a Period of Hyper-Change Impact on Financial Health and Continuity – Hosted by the Washington Co. Chamber of Commerce (FREE for both Chamber members and non-members)

We are all faced with the challenge of responding to “hyper change”. This webinar, featuring A. Michael Gellman, CPA, CGMA, Founding Principal/Shareholder of Fiscal Strategies 4 Nonprofits, LLC – FS4N and Sustainability Education 4 Nonprofits – SE4N, 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.

We will begin by exploring a framework for a thoughtful approach that favors using a financial bias of protecting the financial position of a nonprofit organization when considering key management decisions that must be made during a period of disruption, uncertainty and hyper-change.

We will discuss how to evaluate organizational financial health and the implications of an unpredictable crisis and the resulting economic downward pressure on funding and the increased use of operating reserves and the changing demand for services and programs all of which could lead to rapidly growing deficits.

Attention Employers:

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

Visit www.washcorises.net to stay informed regarding the latest updates to the recovery and reopening in Washington County.

New Small Business Survey Shows the Impact of COVID-19 https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2020/05/new-small-business-pulse-survey-shows-breadth-of-covid-19-impact-on-businesses.html

FedEx Grant – FedEx is offering (200) $5000 grants to small businesses with less than $5m in revenue. Eligibility – Must be 18 years or older. U.S.-based for-profit small business with less than 50 employees and less than $5m in 2019 revenue. Must have shipped in the last 12 months and/or plan to ship in the coming 12 months as part of your business. Submit applications starting May 25, 2020. Visit: https://www.fedex.com/en-us/support-small-business-grants.html

Sector-Specific Guidance on Reopening – The pandemic has affected different industries differently — likewise, the reopening process will vary by sector. Here is some sector-specific guidance from some of the leading industry associations and government sources:
For restaurants: CDC’s Reopening Decision Tree for Restaurants and Bars and National Restaurant Association’s Reopening Guidance
For retailers: National Retail Federation’s Operation Open Doors
For home service providers: AIHA’s Reopening Guidance for At-Home Service Providers
For construction businesses: AIHA’s Reopening Guidance for Construction Environments
For gyms and fitness facilities: AIHA’s Reopening Guidance for Gyms and Workout Facilities
For office-based businesses: AIHA’s Reopening Guidance for General Office Settings
For hair and nail salons: AIHA’s Reopening Guidance for Hair and Nail Salons
For airlines: CDC’s Interim Guidance for Airlines and Airline Crew
For childcare programs: CDC’s Reopening Decision Tree for Childcare Programs
For camps and youth programs: CDC’s Reopening Decision Tree for Camps and Youth Programs
For schools: CDC’s Reopening Decision Tree for Schools

WASHINGTON COUNTY LANDFILL REOPENS

The Washington County Division of Environmental Management announces that effective at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2020, operations at 40 West Landfill will return to normal. The office will remain closed and be open by an appointment-only basis.

WASHINGTON COUNTY PARKS

The Washington County Parks and Recreation Department announce that effective at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2020, the following amenities will be reopening to the public:

Playgrounds
Dog Park at Marty Snook Park
Vehicle access to High Rock

Users should plan for limited public restroom and water fountain availability. Please continue to observe the CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of 6′ from other persons at all times.

There should continue to be no gatherings larger than 10 people, organizational leagues and teams continue to remain closed, and facility rentals are not currently available.

CITY OF HAGERSTOWN

In response to Governor’s Hogan’s recent Order allowing a Stage One reopening of certain facilities, beginning Friday, May 15 at 5:00 PM, the City of Hagerstown is re-opening the following park amenities: all playgrounds, the Fairgrounds Park dog park, and restroom facilities at only City Park, Fairgrounds Park and Wheaton Park.

The City of Hagerstown will re-open the dog park and playground equipment this weekend with the following stipulations:

Signage will be placed at the playgrounds and dog park asking patrons to social distance. We strongly suggest patrons wear masks.
We ask that patrons of our facilities bring and use personal hand sanitizer, continue good hygiene and continue to follow CDC guidelines on COVID -19. Hand washing is available in the open restrooms only.
Please do not gather in groups larger than ten (10).
Non-contact outdoor recreational activities such as walking, cycling, golfing, etc. are allowed provided social distancing is practiced and groups remain under 10 people.

The City of Hagerstown believes that through these efforts, in compliance with the Health Department’s suggestions, we can keep these recreational areas as safe as possible. If this reopening proves to be detrimental to maintaining public safety and health, the City will reevaluate opening these facilities.

The Potterfield Pool will not open in May due to the pandemic restrictions. Opening the pool will occur when the State permits public pool openings and provides general guidance. Also, City staff and our pool management company need time to have the facility ready to comply with these yet to be determined guidelines.

The City of Hagerstown Parks & Recreation Division’s goal is to provide high quality recreation and leisure opportunities in safe, modern, and well-maintained parks and facilities to enhance the quality of life for all who live, work, and visit our City.

For more information about our parks and facilities, please call 301-739-8577, x 169 or emailparks&[email protected]

WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Washington County Public Schools administrators and supervisors will be returning to work on Monday, May 18, 2020. Principals have been working in schools throughout the COVID-19 closure while other administrators have been working remotely. WCPS has developed a 10-page return to work manual that details guidelines for social distancing and other health precautions. Each employee will be required to review the manual upon returning to their work location. All staff will also be provided face coverings and disposable gloves.

HAGERSTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Hagerstown Community College is pleased to announce the awarding of 370 degrees and certificates to students in its 2020 graduating class. Due the coronavirus pandemic, the traditional May commencement ceremony has been canceled, but plans are being developed for a ceremony to be held later this year.

Nursing was the most popular program of study, followed by business administration and general studies. Of students who earned associate degrees in transfer programs, the top choices for four-year universities where they plan to continue studies include the University of Maryland, Towson University, Shepherd University, Frostburg State University, and Shippensburg University. Other transfer institutions include West Virginia University, Temple University, Juniata College, Mount St. Mary’s College, Embry Riddle, William and Mary, and many others.

Video messages of congratulations to the graduates, from HCC faculty and staff, can be viewed atwww.hagerstowncc.edu/gradweek2020.

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.