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COVID-19 Joint Information Center Update: May 7, 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
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published information about how COVID-19 can spread quickly at community gatherings, including a family funeral or a birthday party. In the short video below, Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer Isaac Ghinai explains how two gatherings in Chicago led to a cluster of cases and 3 deaths.
As we continue responding to this pandemic, we remind the public to continue to wash your hands and to wear a mask while in retail locations and on public transportation.
How COVID-19 Can Spread in a Community
WASHINGTON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The Washington County Health Department in conjunction with the Maryland Department of Health and other partners will be coordinating the Hagerstown VEIP COVID-19 drive thru testing site. The VEIP testing site is located at 12100 Insurance Way in Hagerstown. Tests will be offered on an appointment-only basis to Maryland residents who are symptomatic and at high risk for complications from COVID-19. Patients must have a health care provider order and an appointment to take a test at this VEIP site. If you currently do not have a doctor or health insurance the Community Free Clinic and Family Healthcare of Hagerstown are accepting new patients and a sliding fee-scale for payment. The Maryland Health Connection is also holding a special enrollment period for people to sign up for health insurance.
MERITUS HEALTH
COVID-19 TESTING EXPANDS FOR COMMUNITY
Click on the map to right to access the closest COVID-19 testing site.
COVID-19 testing is now available to anyone showing symptoms as designated by the CDC – Fever greater than 100.5 degrees and/or a dry cough, shortness of breath or sore throat. No appointments or referrals are needed to be tested. Testing is now available for all ages.Testing is 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.
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.
WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
In this afternoon’s press conference with Governor Hogan, the state superintendent of schools, Dr. Karen Salmon, announced all Maryland public schools will be closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.
WCPS understands there will be many mixed emotions and questions following this announcement. Our staff misses students, students miss their friends and their teachers, and the list goes on. There is a shared desire among our learning community to simply get “back to normal.” It is unfortunate our school communities will not be able to gather again for the remainder of the academic year.
WCPS students will continue to engage in distance learning through the last day of school, which is Wednesday, June 10, 2020 for students. We will be sharing information about finishing out the school year in communications to families over the coming weeks.
For more information, read here.
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 8th, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Free Maryland Chamber Webinar: “COVID-19: SBA Paycheck Protection Program Updates and Implications”
Presented by:
  • Stephen Umberger, District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration, Baltimore District
  • John Bratsakis, President & CEO, MD | DC Credit Union Association
  • A representative from Maryland Bankers Association
Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration Baltimore field office will join us to provide updates on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Questions for this webinar must be submitted in advance to [email protected].
Friday, May 8th, 11:00 – 11:45 a.m.
Free Webinar: “Cleaning For The Restart – How To Reopen And Be Safe” hosted by WEISS BROS.
REGISTER HERE – Login information will be sent Friday morning to login.
Join ISSA Certified Trainer Steve Johnson for a free webinar to discuss the following tips around cleaning:
  • CDC Guidelines
  • Touch Points
  • Dwell Time
  • 2 Step Cleaning Process
  • Cleaning Schedule
  • Cleaning vs Disinfecting vs Sanitizing
  • Tools to Use
  • Electrostatic Sprayers
  • Supplies – Availability and Providing to Others
  • And More
Monday, May 11th, 11:00 a.m. – Noon
Washington County Chamber Webinar: “HR Issues During the Covid-19 Return to Work Process”
Presented by one of our very own Chamber members, Kimberly Lundy, CEO, SHRM-SCP, & DDI of Lundy HR Consulting. Companies all over the globe are in uncharted waters during this COVID-19 pandemic and its related business shut down. Predominant questions now are geared towards the inevitable re-opening of Washington County. There’s no doubt that you have questions, many of them HR-related.
  • What are some possible HR issues you’ll encounter upon re-opening?
  • What to do when employees feel unsafe to return to work, even when you’re ready?
  • If an employee chooses to continue working from home, is that a fire-able offense?
These scenarios and more will be presented, discussed, and engagement from you is encouraged!
FREE Registration for Chamber Members
$5 Registration for Non-Members
Meeting Access Information Sent Upon Registration
Tuesday, May 12th, 11:00 a.m. – Noon
Free Maryland Chamber Webinar: “The Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019”
Presented by: Dennis J. Schaffer, Partner, Whiteford Taylor Preston, and Brent C. Strickland, Partner, Whiteford Taylor Preston
Small business owners now have the lifeline they need to work through a rough patch, cyclical downturn or other unexpected problem by taking advantage of the new Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 (the “SBRA”).
SBRA is a significant change in existing bankruptcy law that greatly reduces or eliminates many of the costs associated with a bankruptcy reorganization, expedites the process for a quick turnaround, and preserves ownership and control of the business. Given the number of businesses suddenly faced with the prospect of insolvency, the SBRA feels like must-know law. It is described as a game changer for small and medium-sized businesses, as it allows access to a quicker and less expensive reorganization, at the same time making it easier for a business to maintain equity interests.
Wednesday, May 13th, 11:00 a.m.
AAFB & Planit Present: The New Normal? – Communicating in the Age of COVID-19
When COVID-19 hit the United States, brands scrambled to respond. While some brands are still scrambling, after nearly two months of quarantine, many are also asking what’s next. How do we continue to respond? Or should we stop responding? When do we return to regularly scheduled communication plans? Join AAF Baltimore and Planit for a webinar discussing the current media landscape, messages consumers want to hear, crisis communications strategies to implement right now and more.
Attention Employers:
CLICK HERE to download an “Unemployment Resource Guide” created by the Maryland Department of Labor for guidance and resources regarding unemployment issues.
CLICK HERE to view a recent Chamber Webinar with Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Tiffany Robinson as she discusses our states unemployment issues.
Maryland Department of Commerce joined with the Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MD MEP) to create the Maryland Manufacturing Network Supplier Portal –www.marylandmanufacturingnetwork.com . Those looking to purchase essential items can use the website’s search feature to find products ranging from face masks and gowns to re-agents and cotton swabs. Suppliers can also fill out a survey listing what they already produce or request help to switch over to making essential items.
Maryland Department of Labor released the Financial Relief Guide for Marylanders. This guide briefly describes certain COVID-19 related financial relief programs and consumer protections. CLICK HERE
RURAL MARYLAND COUNCIL GRANT INFORMATION WEBINARS
The Rural Maryland Council will conduct two virtual information sessions to review program guidelines and criteria for the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF) and the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) for FY2021 as well as answer questions from participants.
Webinar Date:
Friday, May 8th 10:00 to 11:00am
Log-in information can be found on the Council’s website at
rural.maryland.gov. Individual appointments will also be available during the week of May 11, 2020. Please contact the RMC office at [email protected] to schedule an appointment.
BLACK ROCK GOLF COURSE
Black Rock Golf Course is officially reopened as of today Thursday, May 7, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. The course will begin receiving calls at 6:30 a.m. tomorrow morning to book a tee time. Please call 240-313-2816 to schedule your time.
WASHINGTON COUNTY DIVISION OF CONSTRUCTION
Washington County Division of Construction is implementing Virtual inspections, an alternative to in-person inspections, enable prompt service, productive follow-ups, and scheduling most types of inspections. Virtual Inspections will be essential for most occupied residential structures during the current State of Emergency. Virtual inspections are conducted between a Virtual Inspection (VI) Representative and Division of Construction Inspector by using a video call on a smart phone, tablet, or other webcam enabled device. All inspections, including Virtual Inspections, are performed Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM, excluding holidays and pre-approved After Hours and Saturday Commercial Inspections (fees apply). For additional details, click here.
WASHINGTON COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION
At yesterday’s press conference, Governor Hogan lifted some outdoor restrictions. Washington County Parks and Recreation announces the following:
  • ALL playgrounds, dog parks, pavilions, and park facilities remain CLOSED in Washington County Parks.
  • Washington County Parks are tentatively scheduled to open on June 6, 2020.
  • Tennis and pickleball courts are now open.
  • Gatherings larger than 10 people remain prohibited.
  • All open spaces in parks remain open and available for public use. Please continue to observe the CDC’s minimum recommend social distancing of 6’ from other persons at all times.
  • Black Rock Golf Course is now open with proper physical distancing.
  • Disc Golf Course at Regional Park is open.
CITY OF HAGERSTOWN
The City of Hagerstown is pleased to announce the re-opening of The Greens at Hamilton Run Golf Course on Thursday, May 7 at 7am. In his Wednesday afternoon press conference, Governor Hogan eased restrictions on outdoor recreation activities in Maryland to include golf. Even so, the governor urged citizens to continue to observe personal safety measures. Therefore, the following practices will be implemented at The Greens at Hamilton Run to protect staff and the public:
  • The clubhouse will remain closed. Golfers should use the walk-up window located on the deck (outside) to pay for golf.
  • Credit card payment is preferred. Refreshments and snacks, including beer, will be available for purchase.
  • Outdoor restrooms are available in the parking lot and on the course.
  • Golfers should continue to practice social distancing while on and off the course at all times.
  • One golfer allowed per cart; carts and keys will be sanitized after each use by City staff
  • Bunker rakes, ball washers and water coolers on course will be removed
  • No more than four golfers allowed per group.
  • Golf staff will be required to wear masks.
The Greens at Hamilton Run is located at 2 South Cleveland Avenue in Hagerstown. Season pass memberships are available for City and non-City residents. Further information about the golf course can be found online at www.hagerstowngreens.com, or by calling 301-733-8630.
We are excited to announce many of the fire/EMS companies across the County will be participating in Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association‘s ‘hero’s safety ride’ scheduled for THIS Saturday.
We encourage residents to make signs of support to display as our first responders, healthcare workers, and essential workers pass by our homes. This ‘safety ride’ is a way for first responders to say ‘thank you’ to residents for staying home and to help flatten the curve.
Residents are encouraged to stay at home and wave from your porch/sidewalk as the vehicles pass by. All safety rides will be happening at 2:00 p.m. THIS Saturday, May 9, 2020.
The following fire/EMS companies will be participating:
Specific routes in each town will be posted at the end of this week.
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 INFORMATION & RESOURCES
HORIZON GOODWILL REOPENS SEVERAL LOCATIONS FOR CONTACTLESS DONATIONS
Horizon Goodwill Industries has re-opened the Boonsboro, Corporate Headquarters, and South End shopping center locations for contactless donations daily effective Monday, May 4th. South End is open daily Noon-5:00 p.m.; Boonsboro and Corporate Headquarters are open daily 7:30am-4:30pm.
For additional information, please contact the Public Relations and Marketing Department at 240-313-2380 or [email protected].
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