COVID-19 Joint Information Center Update: May 18, 2021

COVID-19 Joint Information Daily Briefings will be released ONLY on Tuesdays and Fridays.

 

**The dashboard is updated Monday-Friday**

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER

MARYLAND MASK MANDATE IS LIFTED; MASKS STILL REQUIRED ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, SCHOOLS, AND HEALTHCARE SETTINGS. The governor announced last week that the mask mandate has now been lifted for the State of Maryland for those who are fully vaccinated. For those who are not vaccinated, it is strongly encouraged to continue wearing a mask and to get vaccinated.

The mask mandate for the State of Maryland is now lifted. For those who are fully vaccinated, masks are no longer required except in certain settings. Masks are still required on public transportation, in schools, and in healthcare settings.  For those who are not vaccinated, it is strongly encouraged to continue wearing a mask and to get vaccinated.

 

If you’ve been fully vaccinated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

For now, if you’ve been fully vaccinated:

 

 

 

 

VACCINATIONS FOR ADOLESCENTS

With approval from the FDA and CDC, COVID-19 vaccine eligibility for Marylanders age 12 to 15 now open. Pfizer vaccines are currently available at the following locations in Washington County, Maryland:

 

 

 

Marylanders will be able to search for providers vaccinating adolescents at covidvax.maryland.gov.

The Washington County Community Action Council, Inc. is now accepting applications for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

 

The program will help Washington County residents who are struggling to make payments on their rent and utilities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic impact. The goal of the program is to promote housing stability. Assistance can be used for rental arrears, prospective rental payments, public and private utility and home energy arrears, prospective utility and home energy costs, and other housing-related expenses.

 

Residents who wish to apply for this assistance should contact the Washington County Community Action Council at 301-797-4161or visit their website http://www.wccac.org/.

All Marylanders 16 and older are now eligible to get vaccinated at mass vaccination sites and are eligible to schedule appointments and get vaccinated through all providers. Eligibility does not guarantee an immediate vaccination appointment; it will take several weeks to vaccinate every resident who wants a vaccine.

 

The Hagerstown, Salisbury, and M&T Bank Stadium mass vaccination sites are offering walk-up, no-appointment vaccinations. A limited number of approximately 200 slots will be available each day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

COVID-19 vaccination clinics are being held at nearly 500 retail and independent pharmacies statewide. To find the closest pharmacy provider in your area, visit covidvax.maryland.gov.

WHERE CAN YOU GET VACCINATED IN WASHINGTON COUNTY?

COVID-19 VACCINE COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Washington County has launched a community calendar where those who live, work, and play in Washington County can view when and where vaccine clinics are being hosted across the county. This calendar includes pop-up, drive-thru, and community clinics being offered from the Washington County Health Department and Meritus Health. The calendar can be accessed at https://www.washco-md.net/coronavirus-info/vaccine/. Click on the date and the clinic to learn more information and register for an appointment. Not all clinics require pre-registration.

For all vaccination locations in Washington County, Maryland, search the map by your zip code at covidvax.maryland.gov

WESTERN MD MASS VACCINATION SITE

Pre-Registration Strongly Encouraged

 

Walk-ins Now Accepted

The Western Maryland Mass Vaccination site is open at the Hagerstown Premium Outlets. Please pre-register to schedule an appointment at covidvax.maryland.gov or by phone at 1-855-MD-GOVAX.

 

There is now a no-appointment walk-up line. Please be aware that the process for no-appointment lines will take longer, and there is no guarantee of receiving a vaccine.

MERITUS HEALTH

Meritus vaccine clinic in Robinwood Professional Center will be closed Wednesday, May 19. Normal clinic hours will resume from 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday, with walk-in hours from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Walk-in appointments for residents age 12 and older are available for COVID-19 vaccines at the Robinwood Professional Center atrium (Silver entrance).

 

A consent form must first be signed by a parent or guardian in order for the minor to be vaccinated. The consent form can be found here.

WASHINGTON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The Health Department is now operating a drive-thru vaccination clinic at 13 West Lee Street in Hagerstown, MD.

 

The drive-thru clinic will be held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m.-2:15 p.m. Appointments are required.

 

To register for an appointment please click on the logo to the left or call the Health Department’s vaccine appointment call center at 240-313-3456 to be contacted when appointments are available.

FAMILY HEALTHCARE OF HAGERSTOWN

Any Maryland resident 18 and older can now receive a COVID-19 vaccine at Family Healthcare of Hagerstown’s main location. Visit the covidlink.maryland.gov website for a full list. Otherwise, request a time by clicking on the graphic to the left.

It is important to continue to follow all of the recommended guidelines to keep yourself safe. If you have not been vaccinated, please continue to wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose while out in public or when you are around others outside of your household, wash your hands often, social distance, and avoid gatherings with people outside of your household.

 

If you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms or have been around others that have tested positive, PLEASE STAY HOME. Monitor your health closely and get tested.

***Timelines are subject to change depending on multiple factors, including vaccine availability***

 

COUNTY STATUS: PHASE 3

Based on the state’s accelerating vaccination rate and an anticipated increase in supply from the federal government, all Marylanders 12 and older are eligible for vaccination at Maryland’s mass vaccination sites: pre-register for an appointment. All Marylanders 16 and older are also eligible for vaccination through all providers.

If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide, or substance use, please dial 2-1-1. For a more in-depth look at resources available in Washington County, please visit www.washcohope.com.

TThe County recognizes that nothing about this year has been normal and staying connected has been difficult. It is okay to reach out for help. Citizens are encouraged to check on their friends and family members. Find creative ways to connect virtually or send cards of encouragement in the mail. We will get through this is together.

COVID-19 TESTING SITES IN WASHINGTON COUNTY, MD

 

WASHINGTON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE

 

Drive-Thru Vaccine Clinic

 

The Washington County Health Department Drive-Thru COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic is now open. The drive-thru clinic is located at 13 West Lee Street and will operate every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am-2pm. Appointments are required. To register for an appointment please call our vaccine appointment call center at 240-313-3456 or fill out our interest form at https://forms.gle/M7iUevAdfcs4cpDb9 to be contacted when appointments are available. Currently, those who live or work in Washington County and are 18 or older are eligible to be vaccinated at WCHD’s clinics. The health department is receiving the Moderna vaccine, which is currently approved for those 18 or older.

 

To view the full press release and details regarding the drive-thru clinic click here.

 

WCHD Vaccine Registration Call Center

 

Those who live or work in Washington County, who are also 18 years or older are eligible to get vaccinated at WCHD’s clinic. The health department has stood up a call center to assist the community with registering for upcoming vaccine clinics.

COVID-19 TESTING

The WCHD COVID-19 Winter testing location on West Lee Street is now closed. The health department is now providing mobile testing sites throughout the county. The week of May 17th we will be providing FREE testing at the following locations:

 

May 19: The Bradford Apartments, 55 Manor Drive, Hagerstown (back parking lot by dog park & building 122)

May 21: Byron Memorial Park, 11 Park Road, Williamsport

PSA- Fraudulent Calls Claiming to be Contact Tracers:

We have seen an increased number of reports of people receiving phone calls from individuals claiming to be from the “health department”. These individuals are then asking Washington County residents for personal and financial information. Please be cautious and aware that contact tracers will NEVER ask for your:

 

 

You should never give out personal information without being sure of who you are talking to directly. Contact tracers will only ask you questions regarding:

 

For more information about contact tracing please visit https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/pages/contact-tracing   

MD COVID Alert

Marylanders can use MD COVID Alert to receive COVID-19 exposure notifications on smartphones The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) today announced the launch of MD COVID Alert, the official COVID-19 Exposure Notifications Express system of Maryland. MD COVID Alert uses Bluetooth Low Energy technology to quickly notify users who might have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 with the goal of reducing infections in Maryland.

VISITOR HOURS EXTENDED AT MERITUS MEDICAL CENTER

Beginning Wednesday, May 12, visitor hours will be expanded to Noon-8 p.m. daily. The limitation of one visitor at a time for patients will continue unless arrangements have been approved with the patient’s health care team in advance.

 

COVID-19 VACCINE APPOINTMENTS

Meritus vaccine clinic in Robinwood Professional Center will be closed Wednesday, May 19. Normal clinic hours will resume from 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday, with walk-in hours from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Walk-in appointments for residents age 12 and older are available for COVID-19 vaccines at the Robinwood Professional Center atrium (Silver entrance). MyChart appointments continue to be available to residents 18 and older who would like to self-schedule a vaccine appointment for a specific day/time.

 

REPORTING COVID-19 VACCINE SIDE EFFECTS

Anyone who has had side effects from one of the COVID-19 vaccines should report those to the CDC through its dedicated resource: https://vsafe.cdc.gov/en/. This information is vital to help CDC staff learn more about the virus. Live v-safe support is available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. at 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) or TTY 888-232-6348.

 

MERITUS HEALTH DRIVE-THRU SCREENING CENTER

The drive-thru screening center for COVID-19 testing is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

 

The screening center is located behind Meritus Medical Plaza at 13620 Crayton Blvd., in Hagerstown. 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. Test results are made available typically within a day through a patient’s My Chart account or primary care provider.

PPP Loans

 

As of 5/5/21 the PPP loan program has run out of funds and is no longer accepting applications. Some community lending institutions are still accepting applications from minority-owned and women-owned businesses and businesses in underserved communities to continue to disseminate funding earmarked for that purpose. For more on stimulus aid still available, see our main story here.

DEADLINE EXTENDED

Eligible companies that haven’t applied to the Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant now have until May 24 to submit their application. Details on the program: https://lnkd.in/drXS-pc.

TEDCO has a funding program that is an economic relief initiative to benefit socially and economically disadvantaged, and rural early-stage technology-based businesses hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. This program is state-wide and is supported by $5M recently allocated from the Governor. 

 

TEDCO is in the midst of deploying these funds, up to $100,000 per company; and applications are being accepted online. Please share this information with companies in your area.

 

Information about the Rural and Underserved Business Recovery from Impact of COVID-19 (RUBRIC) program can be found by clicking here. There is also a recorded open forum about this program, click here to view.

 

Recent Law Clarifies and Expands CARES Act Employee Retention Credit

The Internal Revenue Service urges employers to take advantage of the newly-extended employee retention credit, designed to make it easier for businesses that, despite challenges posed by COVID-19, choose to keep their employees on the payroll.

 

The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020, modified and extended the Employee Retention Credit (ERC), for six months through June 30, 2021. Several of the changes apply only to 2021, while others apply to both 2020 and 2021.

 

Effective January 1, 2021, employers are eligible if they operate a trade or business during January 1, 2021, through June 30, 2021, and experience either:

 

As a result of the new legislation, eligible employers can now claim a refundable tax credit against the employer share of Social Security tax equal to 70% of the qualified wages they pay to employees after December 31, 2020, through June 30, 2021. Qualified wages are limited to $10,000 per employee per calendar quarter in 2021. Thus, the maximum ERC amount available is $7,000 per employee per calendar quarter, for a total of $14,000 in 2021.

 

For more information, see:

 

Minority Business Fund Founded by Four Community Banks:

Four banks have collectively committed up to $1 million in interest-free loans to aid both startup and existing minority-owned small businesses within the sponsoring community bank markets. The bank serving Washington County is the Bank of Charles Town. For details check out the link.  https://www.mybct.bank/banking-on-diversity/  

 

Please forward this email to any minority-owned business you may know that could be helped by this funding opportunity. If you or any other business needs help with the loan process please feel free to reach out to Herb Melrath, SBA at [email protected] 

 

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE FRAUD

If you need to report unemployment insurance fraud, please CLICK HERE.

FEEDBACK NEEDED FROM BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Over the last several weeks, the Chamber has been contacted by numerous members and other stakeholders regarding the role of the business community in Maryland’s mass vaccination efforts.

 

To support the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) in their efforts moving forward, it is critically important that you submit your feedback to [email protected] if:

 

Please note that providing feedback does not entitle the entity to immediate vaccine deliveries. The next phases of vaccine distribution will depend on vaccines that are allocated to Maryland through the federal government’s Operation Warp Speed program. The intent of this effort is to gather feedback and information to better assist in Maryland’s mass vaccination planning for future phases.

 

For more information and assistance on the Stakeholder COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Operations & Logistics Capabilities Support, please contact [email protected].

 

Please visit the covidlink.maryland.gov website for more updated information on the COVID-19 Mass Vaccination in the State of Maryland. For additional information and assistance on Mass Vaccination General Inquiries email [email protected]

 

For questions, please contact Ashley Duckman, Vice President of Government Affairs, at [email protected] or 410-269-0642, ext. 1112.

Help Us Continue on Our Path to Keep Washington County Open – 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 even 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.

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. 

CITY OF HAGERSTOWN

 

Attention Main Street Businesses in downtown Hagerstown! A new COVID-19 business assistance grant application is LIVE!

 

 

 

Main Street Hagerstown has received special COVID-19 funding from the Governor’s Maryland Strong: Economic Recovery Initiative (MD-SERI). This funding has been made available for designated Main Street Maryland districts as part of the Governor’s initiative. These funds will be distributed on a rolling basis until allocated program funds have been dispersed into the designated district or until June 1, 2021. The grant can fund eligible expenses and purchases made from January 1, 2021 to June 1, 2021. The grant, with a maximum funding amount of $5,000/business, will be administered to businesses in order to assist in the ability to sustain, adjust, and bolster their day to day operations as well as operations that continue to be adjusted to address COVID-19 restrictions and prevention methods.

 

Guidelines and Application Form are available on the City’s website.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES, INFO & EVENTS

Having trouble affording your utility or heating bill? We’ve got you covered. Apply for energy assistance BEFORE you receive a turn-off notice so that funds can be applied to your account as soon as possible! Click the logo to learn more.

Now is an excellent time to remind friends, family, and neighbors about the Senior Call Check program. It is important that we check in on our older adults, especially those living alone, to make sure they are okay.

 

EMERGENCY SHELTER & EVICTION ASSISTANCE IN WASHINGTON COUNTY

If you or someone you know is in sudden need of shelter and/or eviction assistance as the rental moratorium comes to an end, please contact the resources listed on the poster below.

 

During the day, all individuals/families are being directed to the Community Action Council (CAC) and/or Reach. It is very important that people be directed to these agencies for appropriate assessment of all needs and eligible services. For immediate shelter at night; adult individuals are directed to the Reach Shelter.