COVID-19 Joint Information Center Update: September 4, 2020

Posted: September 4, 2020

Coronavirus, Daily COVID-19 Briefings

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

Please visit www.washco-md.net/coronavirus-info for the latest numbers on Washington County’s COVID-19 dashboard.

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

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

**The dashboard will be updated Monday-Friday**

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER

Per the Governor’s most recent Executive Order, Washington County announces it will be transitioning to Stage 3 of the Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery beginning at 5:00 p.m. this Friday, September 4, 2020.

It is imperative that as more businesses begin opening to the public this weekend, we continue to fight together against COVID-19. Please continue to wear a face covering, social distance, and wash your hands frequently. If you are experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, please get tested and stay home. Symptoms of COVID-19 can be viewed in the graphic below.

The graphic below displays the changes that were announced by the governor. Please click on the graphic below to view the full executive order.

Residents are urged to abide by CDC guidelines during Labor Day weekend. Please see the graphic below for guidance from health officials. Do your part to keep Washington County and the State of Maryland open for business!

COVID-19 TESTING SITES IN WASHINGTON COUNTY, MD

Meritus Screening Drive Thru Center is located at 13620 Crayton Blvd. The drive-thru screening center is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
VEIP Station Drive Thru Testing Site is located at 12100 Insurance Way in Hagerstown. Doctor’s orders are no longer required to get tested. Appointments are still required. Individuals can schedule their own appointment by going to https://health.maryland.gov/covidtest/Pages/Home.aspx
CVS Drive Thru Testing Site located at 1503 Potomac Ave, Hagerstown MD 21742. Please visit https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing to see if you qualify for testing at this site and to schedule an appointment.
CVS Drive Thru Testing Site located at 10 E Wilson Blvd, Hagerstown MD 21740. Please visit https://www.cvs.com/minuteclinic/covid-19-testing to see if you qualify for testing at this site and to schedule an appointment.
U.N.I. Urgent Care Center located at 11236 Robinwood Drive, Suite 101 Hagerstown, MD 21742. No Appointment required. Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; 240-313-4242
U.N.I. Urgent Care Center located at 18721 N Pointe Drive Hagerstown, MD 21742. No Appointment required. Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; 301-733-8313

WASHINGTON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Don’t Wait! Keep your Child’s Immunizations Up-To-Date!

WCHD Offering FREE Vaccination Clinics

Recent data has shown a significant decrease in pediatric vaccination rates in Maryland and across the U.S. During this COVID-19 pandemic many children have not received their recommended vaccinations on time. Vaccinations are important and essential to avoid outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases and keep our children protected.

The Washington County Health Department is offering FREE, Drive-thru vaccination clinics for students entering the 7th grade. We will offer the Meningitis vaccine and Tdap vaccine, both are required for entry into 7th grade. Although distance learning for schools is continuing this year, it is vital that children stay up-to-date on their vaccines for their health and schools will require these vaccines upon returning to school. These are challenging times, but you have the power to help keep your child healthy.

What: Meningitis and Tdap Vaccine for students entering 7th grade

When: September 9th from 1pm-4pm and September 16th from 1pm-4pm

Where: The Washington County Public Service Academy. 701 Frederick Street, Hagerstown MD 21740.

Parents must accompany children and bring their child’s immunization records. To view and print official copies of your child’s vaccination records at no cost, visit MD.MyIR.net

For further information, please call us at 240-313-3210

Washington County Health Department Testing Sites:

(All testing at WCHD sites are Free)

VEIP Station Drive Thru Testing Site

12100 Insurance Way in Hagerstown.

Doctor’s order is NOT required. Appointments are still required. Schedule your own appointment HERE.

Appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please follow the directions on the page and choose the Hagerstown VEIP Station when choosing a location. Accommodations such as large print or Braille materials, sign language interpreter, deaf language interpreter, foreign language interpreter, use of MD Relay and more are available at no cost to you at this testing site. Please make sure you indicate any accommodations you require when scheduling your appointment.

More information on:

What to expect at this testing site

While you are waiting for testing results

(English and Spanish versions are accessible by clicking on the above links)

Mobile Walk-Up Testing Sites:

Washington County Health Department is launching mobile testing sites throughout Washington County. Testing as these sites will be open to everyone and you do not need a doctor’s order or an appointment to participate. The tests used are the quick nasal swab that takes about 15 seconds to administer. Please follow social distancing and masking guidelines when participating at these sites. All testing sites are walk-up clinics and are from 8:00-11:00 a.m. unless indicated differently.

At this time we have scheduled free COVID-19 testing at the following locations.

September 9: Christ’s Reformed Church, 130 W. Franklin St, Hagerstown, MD 21740
September 11: Hancock Town Hall, 126 West High St, Hancock, MD 21750
September 16: Zion Baptist Church, 61 Bethel St, Hagerstown, MD 21740
September 18: Shafer Park Pavillion #1, Shafer Park Dr, Boonsboro, MD 21713
September 23: Community Free Clinic, 249 Mill St, Hagerstown, MD 21740

New locations will be announced on the Health Department’s website at https://washcohealth.org/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/ and on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WashHealth/

MERITUS HEALTH

MERITUS HEALTH DRIVE-THRU SCREENING CENTER

The drive-thru screening center for COVID-19, located behind Meritus Medical Plaza at 13620 Crayton Blvd., Hagerstown, will be closed Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of Labor Day.

The drive-thru screening center for COVID-19 testing is open, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The drive-thru screening center is currently not open on weekends.

The screening center is located behind Meritus Medical Plaza at 13620 Crayton Blvd. 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. There is no cost to the patient. Test results are typically available within 3-5 days.

COVID-19 ANTIBODY TESTING AVAILABLE LOCALLY

Antibody testing is available at all Meritus Medical Laboratory patient service centers. A lab order from a person’s primary care provider is required in order to have a COVID-19 antibody test. Antibody tests do not take the place of COVID-19 screening tests. Insurance or patients will be billed for antibody testing. Meritus Medical Laboratory locations and hours are available online at https://www.meritushealth.com/treatment-care/medical-lab/

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

Since restrictions remain in place for visitors at Meritus Medical Center, the hospital is offering virtual visits to connect patients with their families and friends. To setup a virtual visit, please contact the program’s coordinator at 240-313-3163.

WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

RETURN TO LEARN PLAN

At the Board of Education meeting earlier this week, the Board approved an expanded plan to reopen schools to students in five stages. Based on the plan, the first students would return to classrooms on Wednesday, September 16, 2020.

The motion approved by the Board includes the following:

I move to approve the Superintendent’s overall plan for returning students, teachers, and staff to school buildings for in-person instruction, beginning with moving into Stage 2 on Wednesday, September 16. Moving forward, the Superintendent shall determine when it is appropriate to move from each stage as determined by the Governor’s metrics. As we move through stages, students’ families will have a choice whether to return to school buildings until said time as distance learning ends.

As with all aspects of school operations through this pandemic, we anticipate there will be adjustments made to the plan as WCPS reviews details, collaborates with partners and stakeholders, and responds to COVID-19 in our community.

WCPS will be providing further details and directions to our learning community in the days ahead. You can view the process for following the governor’s health metrics and for returning students to classrooms in the Board presentation materials below.

Below is a listing of free Wifi hotspots provided by Washington County Public Schools (WCPS).

Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) is once again able to provide FREE meals to children at our meal sites during distance learning. This is a change to an update we shared with families just last week. WCPS has received this guidance from the federal government (U.S. Department of Agriculture) and state government (Maryland State Department of Education).

Food will be available at all locations listed below on Monday-Friday from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Any child who is 18 years old and younger can pick up a meal for FREE. WCPS received an announcement from the State of Maryland that this will be effective through December 31, 2020.

If any students picked up meals on Monday had a charge on their account, that charge will be reversed.

Thank you for your understanding as WCPS continues to advocate for continued food service for children through distance learning and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Free and Reduced Meals (FARM) Application

To ensure eligible children are able to continue to receive free and reduced meals (FARM), WCPS encourages families to complete the application if your child has qualified in the past. This ensures your child will be able to receive free or reduced meals when students can return to schools.

FREE AND REDUCED MEALS APPLICATION

Technology Support During Distance Learning

Technical difficulties with a WCPS-issued electronic device can be a major roadblock for students participating in distance learning. WCPS will be staffing a technology support call center to quickly and efficiently respond to these issues. Technology staff will be available to assist from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday during the school year.

Parents or guardians will complete an online form to request assistance with a WCPS-issued device. The staff member will help the parent troubleshoot the issue over the phone or determine if the device needs to be returned to the school. If a repair cannot be made in person at the school, WCPS will provide a temporary replacement device for the student.

TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT REQUEST FORM

WASHINGTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Visit www.washcorises.net for constantly updated resources and information to help you reopen your business.

UPCOMING WEBINARS:

Wednesday, September 9th at 2:00 p.m.

CO— Blueprint: Rebuilding Your Brand

This will be an interactive discussion focused on helping businesses strike the right tone with an evolving customer base. Host Jeanette Mulvey, Content Director at CO—, will lead the conversation that combines advice from experts with practical insights from small business owners.

This event is the eighth installment of our CO— Blueprint biweekly series presented by Chase for Business and held in collaboration with the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce. You’ll gain ideas from Louisiana’s small business owners and hear insight from national experts. Click on the links below to see past webinars in the series:

1. 6/10: Reopening Your Business

2. 6/17: Re-Engaging Your Customers

3. 7/1: Planning Through Uncertainty

4. 7/15: Restarting Your Sales

5. 7/29: Growing an Inclusive Team

6. 8/12: Starting Up and Starting Over During the Pandemic

7. 8/26: Operating a Socially Distant Business

SBDC Webinar Series

Maryland SBDC will be leading each webinar with topics focused on teaching tools and skills that are beneficial to succeed during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visit https://www.washco-md.net/together/ to register for these webinars or to learn more about business resources in Washington County.

Attention Employers:

Small businesses, private non-profits and agricultural businesses impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, can still apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan. EIDL proceeds can be used to cover a wide array of working capital and normal operating expenses, such as continuation to health care benefits, rent, utilities and fixed debt payments. Click here to learn more.

The Rise Up Business Stabilization Grant has been reopen with changes to the guidelines. New guidelines allow start-up businesses established and operational from September 2019 to March 2020 that meet the criteria to submit an application. Other established businesses who have NOT previously applied would also be eligible to apply. Grant applications are accepted and funds are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Applications are being accepted from 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 12, 2020 until midnight on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. Applications will be accepted electronically and can be downloaded at www.washcorises.net. Details for submission are stated on the application. The website also provides guidelines, application instructions, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Business owners can access the application by clicking the button below.

RISE UP GRANT APPLICATION

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 – IT IS ALSO STATE LAW. 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.

Reemployment BEACON Project

Unemployment Insurance Modernization

The Maryland Division of Unemployment Insurance (“DUI”) is excited to announce its new system, BEACON, will go live in late September 2020. The BEACON system will fully integrate all DUI functions. Employers and third party agents will be able to access and manage their DUI employer accounts through their BEACON portal. In the new BEACON system, employers and third party agents will be able to file quarterly wage reports, view benefit charge statements and annual tax rate information, make payments online, file appeals, provide separation information, manage powers of attorney, and allow for faster and easier account updates.

Employers and third party agents will be able to activate their accounts beginning Monday, August 24, 2020. Only account activation functionality will be available until BEACON goes live in late September 2020. DUI will provide additional information on account activation in the coming weeks. Please continue to file your quarterly wage reports and make payments as you currently do until the new BEACON system goes live in late September, 2020. The 3rd quarter wage reports will be the first quarter that will be filed in the new BEACON system.

To assist Employers and Agents with account activation, the Division is creating a special Employer/Agent account activation hotline. The account activation hotline can be reached at 410-767-8997. The hotline will be staffed Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Employers and Agents may also email [email protected] with questions about account activation.

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, INFO & EVENTS

If you are behind on your bills (rent, electric, gas, oil, & water) contact the Community Action Council to determine if you are eligible for assistance!

The funding available is first-come, first-served. Please call 301-797-4161 or email [email protected] for more information.

WASHINGTON COUNTY PARENTS SUPPORT DATABASE

The group WC Parents have created a simplified support database to gather and retain all services and needs in one place. This is an excellent example of the community working together to meet the tangible, everyday needs of parents in our community as this school year will begin with distance learning.

If you need childcare or can provide it, if you need tutoring or can provide it, etc., please join this forum and share your resources or needs.

It is up to the community to share your resources and fill this database. The group is asking for the public’s help in:

Adding to the forum if you can provide a service or have a need
Sharing the forum

Click on the graphic below to join the forum or visit Wcparents.freeforums.net.

“EAT-IN-THE-STREET” EVENT – EVERY WEEKEND THROUGH OCTOBER

The City of Hagerstown will be closing the first block of South Potomac Street to traffic and opening it to diners for several weekends this fall. Join the City in supporting Hagerstown’s outstanding downtown restaurants by choosing to dine outdoors, eating in the street or getting a to-go order to enjoy in University Plaza or along the Cultural Trail.

Scheduled Closures:

SEPTEMBER

Saturdays 9/5 and 9/12 4pm – 9pm
Sundays 9/20 and 2/27 11:30am – 3pm

OCTOBER

Saturdays 10/3 & 10/10 4pm – 9pm
Sundays 10/18 and 10/25 11:30am – 3pm

Visit the Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) Facebook page, or call 301-797-6294 for more information.

2020 GENERAL ELECTION VOTER GUIDE

Looking for information about voting locations, early voting, and dropbox locations in Washington County? Read the 2020 General Election Voter Guide at https://conta.cc/32RW76M