Maryland to Enter Stage Three on Friday


Governor Larry Hogan announced that, based on the state’s improving health metrics, Maryland will begin to move into Stage Three of the ‘Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery,’ with additional safe and gradual reopenings. As with Stages One and Two, Stage Three will be implemented in multiple phases with a flexible, community-based approach that empowers individual jurisdictions to make decisions regarding the timing of reopenings.

“As we move into this third and final stage of our recovery, I want to sincerely thank our doctors, nurses, and public health officials, our small business community, and, most importantly, the people of Maryland who have pulled together over the last five months to respond to this unprecedented challenge with incredible courage and perseverance,” said Governor Hogan. “It is thanks to all of you that we have crushed the curve and saved lives, and that our state response to this global pandemic continues to serve as an example for the rest of the nation.”

STAGE THREE BEGINS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 AT 5:00 PM:

As part of the state’s initial entry into Stage Three, Governor Hogan announced the following additional safe and gradual reopenings:
•INDOOR THEATERS. Indoor theaters where live performances occur or motion pictures are shown may open to the general public at 50% capacity, or 100 people per auditorium—whichever is less—with appropriate health and safety protocols in place.
•OUTDOOR VENUES. Outdoor venues where live performances occur or motion pictures are shown outdoors may open to the general public at 50% capacity, or 250 people—whichever is less—with appropriate health and safety protocols in place.
•RETAIL AND RELIGIOUS FACILITIES. Capacity for retail establishments and religious facilities may increase from 50 to 75 percent.

MARYLAND PARTNERS WITH APPLE AND GOOGLE ON EXPOSURE NOTIFICATIONS EXPRESS. The governor announced today, in collaboration with Apple and Google, that Maryland will be one of the first states to deploy a new exposure notification tool to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Exposure Notifications Express is designed to help public health officials more quickly and easily provide notifications for their residents about potential COVID-19 exposure and guide them on recommended actions. This new technology will be optional for users.

UPDATES ON SCHOOLS, YOUTH SPORTS, AND ELECTIONS

SCHOOLS. The governor thanked the State Board of Education for voting to require those school systems that have not developed a plan for returning any students for any in person instruction until 2021 to reevaluate their reopening plans by the end of the first quarter. Last week, the governor announced that, as a result of improved COVID-19 health metrics, every county school system in Maryland is authorized to begin safely reopening, but made clear that the legal authority and final decision making on safe openings rests with county boards of education. Guidance to support the safe reopening of schools can be found here.

YOUTH SPORTS. The governor reiterated that while counties may issue more restrictive rules, state health officials issued an order on June 12 allowing all youth sports gatherings and events to begin resuming. “County governments of course, by law, do have the power to be more restrictive, but it is the position of the State of Maryland that our young people should have the opportunity to play sports this fall, and we are encouraging local health officials to reassess their guidelines,” said Governor Hogan.

ELECTIONS. The governor noted that, as of today, and after asking them to immediately do so nearly eight weeks ago, the State Board of Elections has mailed out ballot applications to every Maryland voter. Marylanders are strongly encouraged to take advantage of voting by absentee ballot or to participate in early voting. Those who choose to vote in-person on Election Day are encouraged to do so at off-peak times to avoid long lines and crowds.

Additionally, through the recruiting efforts of the Hogan administration, more than 11,000 Marylanders have signed up to serve as election judges. The governor continues to urge local election boards to immediately contact and train these election judges and poll workers.

Visit governor.maryland.gov/recovery for more information about the ‘Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery.’

County Allows Rec. Sports; But No Tackle Football


The Baltimore County Department of Rec and Parks announced it will authorize rec. councils throughout Baltimore County to hold youth sports in the fall with strict requirements in place to protect the public health and to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Under the guidance of the CDC, the Baltimore County Health Department and the National Recreation and Parks Association, the County has developed guidelines to protect public health that includes wearing face coverings by all individuals who are not actively participating in the sport and limiting parents and spectators to the sport.

The plan requires social distancing and prohibits the sharing of any personal equipment.
The County also stated that tackle football is NOT permitted but flag football and scrimmages are allowed.

Soccer games can be played but throw-ins are prohibited and goalies must wear gloves.
Baseball and softtball are also permitted but a clean ball must be provided every half inning.

Cheerleading is permitted by mask must be worn at all times and no stunts are allowed.

Below is a list of all guidelines for player safety:
•Participation in programs is only allowed if you have had no signs or symptoms of COVID-19, and you have not been exposed to someone who has had signs or symptoms of COVID-19 for a minimum period of 14 days before participation.
•Participation in programs requires a signed Baltimore County COVID-19 Waiver Form.
•If you are sick or feel sick, you should remain home.
•At risk individuals, youth or adult, should remain home.
•Temperature checks, under 100 degrees Fahrenheit, are required for players, volunteers and coaches.
•Hand sanitizer should be available at all activities.
•Assign an area for each player to place their equipment.
•No sharing of drink bottles or any personal equipment.
•No centralized hydration or refreshment areas.
•No spectators at events, with the exception of parents and guardians.
•Masks are required for parents and guardians if not practicing social distancing.
•Masks are required by all volunteers and coaches in the program.
•Masks are required for participants when entering the field and while on the bench.
•Masks are not required for players and officials while on the field of play, but are recommended.
•Social distancing should be practiced at all possible times.
•Participants should refrain from handshakes, huddles and high fives

Essex Day 2020 Canceled Because of COVID-19


The list of cancelations continue to pile up as a result of COVID-19. First the spring and summer events were canceled and now the fall events are feeling the effects of COVID-19.

The Essex Day Festival Board of Directors had decided to cancel Essex Day, which was scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19.

“The Essex Day Festival Board of Directors is saddened to announce that the 2020 Essex Day Festival is canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” said a statement from the Board of Directors. “The health and safety of our community is a top priority for us, and we will be back better than ever in 2021. Vendors who have already paid their fees will receive a full refund within 30 days.

Maryland State Fair Officially Canceled


The cancelations for 2020 continue and this time COVID-19 claims a major event, the Maryland State Fair. The Fair was scheduled to take place at the Timonium Fairgrounds from Aug. 28 to Sept. 7. Representatives from the Fair announced that the 2020 version was canceled on Wednesday.

“Today, it is with heavy hearts that the Board of Directors, management and staff of the Maryland State Fair & Agricultural Society, Inc. announce the decision to cancel the 139th Maryland State Fair,” said Maryland State Fair Board Chairman Gerry L. Brewster said in a statement.

“Fortunately, we have received approval to allow youth and open class exhibitors from Maryland to show their animals in livestock shows following all proper protocols. Although this will not be open to the public, this will allow Maryland’s youth to showcase their hard work and will also allow the Maryland State Fair to fulfill its mission to educate and to showcase Maryland Agriculture.”

This is the second time in its 142-year history that The Maryland State Fair was cancelled. The other time was during World War II when the state fair property was used by the U.S. Army.

Olszewski Orders Face Coverings Indoors


As jurisdictions in Maryland and across the country see increasing COVID-19 cases, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced that Baltimore County Health Officer Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch has issued a new public health order requiring all individuals ages 2 and over to wear face coverings in all indoor public spaces, and also strongly encouraging residents to wear face coverings in outdoor public spaces wherever six-foot social distancing is not possible.

This new public health advisory supplements existing state orders (PDF), which currently require residents to wear masks in some indoor locations.

“The advice of scientific experts is clear: face coverings work. This commonsense step will help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and save lives,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “I want to thank our neighbors and businesses who continue to take the necessary steps to keep our loved ones safe. We must all do our part, or we risk jeopardizing the progress we’ve made together.”

Despite current prevention measures, Baltimore County is experiencing the highest seven-day average of 97 community cases per day—exceeding the previous peak of 94 cases per day over a seven-day period in May. Meanwhile, Baltimore County’s positivity rate has increased since July 7 to 5.92 percent, demonstrating continued community transmission of COVID-19. On Sunday, Maryland saw the largest number of cases reported in a single day in nearly two months.

CDC guidance has demonstrated the effectiveness of face coverings in preventing transmission of COVID-19 by symptomatic, pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. The suppression of COVID-19 will be critical in supporting future school reopening, continuing Baltimore County’s economic
recovery, and safeguarding public safety.

“Our fight against this virus is not over. Without a vaccine or a cure we must continue to follow the science and the evidence which shows that face coverings—paired with social distancing and avoiding large gatherings—can slow the spread of this disease,” said Baltimore County Health Officer Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch. “Our data is beginning to show initial troubling signs. To keep us from losing ground, we must act now.”

Face Covering Requirements
Beginning Thursday, July 23 at 9 a.m., Baltimore County residents ages 2 and up will be required to wear face coverings in any indoor business, service, organization, or establishment that serves the general public. This includes, but is not limited to, retail establishments, recreational establishments, houses of worship, and other locations open to the public.

Residents are strongly encouraged to wear masks in outdoor public areas where social distancing of at least six-feet is not possible.

Individuals will not be required to wear a mask if:

Eating or drinking while seated at food service establishments. In accordance with Governor Hogan’s orders, face coverings are still required when otherwise moving in or about a restaurant or bar premises.
A face covering cannot be worn due to a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability.
County to Swiftly Act to Protect Health
Additionally, under the order issued today, the Baltimore County Health Officer may also issue a warning, modify operations, or immediately shut down any business or place of assembly that presents an immediate threat to public health or demonstrates unreasonable risk of exacerbating the spread of COVID-19.

“We’ve focused on education before enforcement with our business community, because we understand how hard they have been hit by this pandemic. While the vast majority are doing their part, we will do whatever is necessary to protect the health and safety of our people,” Olszewski added.

Olszewski Calls on Hogan to Reconsider Indoor Dining
Following nationwide COVID-19 spikes, over a dozen other states or localities have taken steps to re-close bars and restaurants. County officials noted that, similar to statewide trends, young people now account for the majority of cases. Over the past three days, 53 percent of Baltimore County cases are residents under the age of 35.

County Executive Olszewski
called on Governor Hogan to limit bars and food service establishments to outdoor dining and takeout or delivery service.

“Maryland’s increasing case numbers are troubling and public health officials have consistently warned us about how indoor dining and congregating in bars can play a significant role of increased COVID-19 case counts. We have also seen that patchwork approaches to determining which businesses should be opened don’t work. I urge Governor Hogan to reengage with local leaders so that we can work in partnership to take statewide action to protect public health and save lives.

Archdiocese Releases Statement for Catholic Schools


The Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholic Schools made an announcement about their plan for the 2020-21 school year.

The Planning Ahead Task Force for Catholic Schools has been working diligently to develop a comprehensive plan to ensure the safe return of our faculty and staff on Aug. 24 and our students on Aug. 31st for instruction five days per week.

The Task Force is receiving technical assistance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to inform our plans to SAFELY return to in-person instruction for the start of the 2020-2021 school year.

Although most school facilities will be able to accommodate all students for five day, in-person instruction while safely social distancing; some schools, due to their size, will incorporate a “blend” of in-person and remote learning that maximizes in-person instruction.

Families who do not feel comfortable returning their child(ren) to in-person instruction will be able to have their child(ren) participate remotely from home. Detailed reopening procedures will be finalized and shared by July 24.

Olszewski Announces Small Business Grants for COVID


In the latest effort to support Baltimore County’s small businesses, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced the Small Business COVID-19 Reimbursement Grant Program, a $3 million grant fund to reimburse service industry businesses for investments in critical improvements to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of employees and patrons.

“Baltimore County’s service industry is a critical link of our local economy and we must do whatever we can to be a strong partner in their recovery,” said County Executive Olszewski. “These establishments have had to quickly adapt to new ways of doing business and we’re proud to offer these new funds to help support their efforts to keep visitors and employees safe.”

Through the program, the County will offer grants of up to $10,000 to reimburse Baltimore County-based service industry businesses that had to limit or cease indoor operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic for investments in capital improvements or the purchase of furniture, fixtures, and equipment to protect employees and patrons. Examples of items eligible for reimbursement under the COVID-19 Reimbursement Grant Program include:
• Capital improvements, such as Plexiglas shields, carryout window installation, and hand-washing stations;
• Outdoor tents, and other outdoor equipment;
• Additional or new furniture or fixtures necessary to safely serve customers;
• Services necessary to open and operate safely, such as cleaning and disinfecting services
• Equipment and signage to help ensure customers and employees can observe safety requirements.
Establishment operators will be required to provide paid invoices, receipts and contracts as well as describe how these improvements will promote safety and public health.

Beginning Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 9 a.m., grant applications will be posted online at baltimorecountybusiness.com and funds will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

To qualify for this grant program, establishments must:
• Be a for-profit enterprise,
• Be registered and in good standing with the State of Maryland, if required by law,
• Have been in operation as of January 1, 2020,
• Not be in default on any loans from Baltimore County or delinquent on County taxes, and
• Have between two and 25 full-time employees per Baltimore County establishment. Establishments may have more than 25 part-time employees.

This is the latest effort from Baltimore County to support small businesses and individuals impacted by the severe financial pressures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Previously, Baltimore County made millions in grant funding for small businesses through the Small Business Relief Grants Program, $200,000 to assist professional artists, musicians and performers, and $1 million in rental assistance to households at risk of losing their current housing.

Maryland Reports Positive Health Metrics Compared to Other States


Five weeks after the state entered Stage Two of recovery, Maryland’s key COVID-19 health metrics continue to trend in a positive direction. The statewide positivity rate has fallen to a new low of 4.34%, and ICU beds have dropped to their lowest level since March 30. State health officials continue to monitor the spikes and outbreaks in neighboring states, as well as the rising positivity rate among young people.

“Maryland continues to be much better positioned than most states in America because of our long term-testing strategy and strategic stockpile of test kits, but we are calling on local leaders to continue doing their part to expand testing efforts—particularly in Anne Arundel County, which is lagging behind all the rest of our most populous jurisdictions,” said Governor Hogan. “Fortunately, our numbers continue trending in a positive direction while infection rates in states all across the country, and those surrounding our state border, are spiking. We are concerned that the positivity rate among Marylanders under 35 is now 84% higher than the rate for Marylanders 35 and older, making it more important than ever for all Marylanders to remain vigilant, wear face coverings, wash their hands, and practice physical distancing.”

Statewide Positivity Rate Falls to New Low of 4.34%. The state’s seven-day average positivity rate has fallen to a new low of 4.34%—down nearly 84% from its peak on April 17—and the daily positivity rate is 4.64%.
• States in our region continue to see spikes and outbreaks, with Virginia experiencing a 6.83% positivity rate over the last week.
• The state is closely monitoring the situation in Queen Anne’s County, which has experienced a 225% increase in its positivity rate since June 30, and now has the state’s highest positivity rate at 7.67%.
Hospitalizations Fall to 385, ICU Beds at Lowest Level Since March 30. Current total COVID-19 hospitalizations have fallen to 385, with 122 ICU beds in use—the lowest level of ICU bed use since March 30.
Nearly 775,000 COVID-19 Tests, 10.3% of Population Tested. In total, Maryland has now conducted 774,693 COVID-19 tests, including 13,298 tests over the last 24 hours. 621,603 Marylanders have now been tested for COVID-19—representing 10.3% of the state’s population.
Positivity Rate Higher For Marylanders Under 35. In keeping with trends states are seeing across the country, the positivity rate among Marylanders under 35 (6.33%) is 84% higher than the positivity rate for Marylanders age 35 and older (3.44%).
Anne Arundel Lags In Testing Among Most Populous Jurisdictions. Among Maryland’s most populous jurisdictions, all except for Anne Arundel County are at or close to the goal of testing 10% of the population. The state has offered an unlimited amount of tests to any jurisdiction that needs them.
• Baltimore City: 12.3% of population tested
• Prince George’s: 10.7%
• Baltimore Co.: 10.6%
• Montgomery: 10.2%
• Howard: 9.8%
• Anne Arundel: 8.5%
220+ COVID Testing Sites Statewide. To further increase convenience and accessibility at COVID-19 testing sites, the Maryland Department of Health and local partners are now providing patients with the ability to schedule their own appointments online at more sites.
• Patients can schedule their own appointments at the Columbia VEIP, Pimlico Race Course, and Baltimore Convention Center testing sites by visiting coronavirus.maryland.gov and clicking on the “Testing” tab.
• Although an appointment is strongly encouraged, the Pimlico Race Course and Baltimore Convention Center testing sites continue to accommodate walk-up patients. No doctor’s order is required at these sites.
• Both the Glen Burnie VEIP and Six Flags America theme park offer no-appointment, drive-thru testing. Both sites operate on Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon
For more information about testing sites in Maryland, visit coronavirus.maryland.gov and click on the “Testing” tab.

Swim Club Closes After Workers Have COVID


The Perry Hall Swim Club on Cliffvale Road has been closed after it was reported that two employees have tested positive for the coronavirus. According to the swim club’s Board of Trustee meetings minutes from July 1, two lifeguards test positive for COVID-19, but both lifeguards appeared to have contracted the virus outside of the swim club.

The minutes could not go into further detail because of HIPPA laws, but did reveal that the lifeguards worked at the pool on June 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 30. Perry Hall Swim Club released an official statement.

“We have received many emails and questions over the past few days. We have been hard at work for the past few days. We are also sending well wishes to all our staff and members that we all stay healthy. We will continue to update you as we have more information,” said a statement on social media.

“It is our (The board of trustees) goal to be as transparent as possible to all our members. Please feel free to check our website for the meeting minutes from our monthly Board of Trustee meetings. We have everyone’s health and well being in mind but also hope to always provide a family friendly atmosphere for our families to enjoy. We take all suggestions and emails under consideration and appreciate your patience with us this spring and summer while we navigate this life with COVID.”

The swim club also added that the pool will be deep cleaned and they are looking into having a COVID certified company clean the pool. Members were reminded to wear a mask at the snack bar and for parents to not allow kids to hang out in the bathroom.

Perry Hall Swim Club did not give a date to reopen.

Limited Outdoor Visitation Now Allowed at Nursing Homes


Ahead of Father’s Day weekend, Governor Larry Hogan today announced a plan to begin allowing limited outdoor visits to Maryland’s nursing home facilities. The plan also allows for limited communal dining and small group activities to resume with proper precautions in place. This is the first step in allowing nursing homes to begin a safe and phased reopening, in accordance with strict protocols established by the Maryland Department of Health (MDH).

“The COVID-19 pandemic has required all of us to make incredible sacrifices, including being unable to visit family members and loved ones in nursing homes,” said Governor Hogan. “As our state continues on the road to recovery, this Father’s Day weekend we are able to begin safely allowing outdoor visits to certain nursing homes. This is made possible by our early and aggressive actions to slow the spread of the virus, and the tremendous efforts of doctors, nurses, and especially nursing home staff across the state.”

The governor also announced today that, following universal testing of nursing homes, state health officials will now require weekly retesting of nursing home staff. Residents will be retested weekly at facilities that continue to report facility-acquired COVID-19 cases. At present, there are active COVID-19 cases in 107 of the state’s facilities.

Facilities must meet a series of prerequisites to begin relaxing any restrictions, including:
•The facility must not be experiencing an ongoing outbreak of COVID-19, defined as one or more confirmed cases of COVID-19 in a resident or staff member.
•Absence of any facility-onset COVID-19 cases within the last 14 days. If a new case is detected, the facility shall return to the highest level of mitigation (pre-Phase 1) and begin again.
•No staffing shortages and the facility must not be under a contingency or crisis staffing plan as described in the CDC’s Strategies to Mitigate Healthcare Personnel Staffing Shortages.
•Universal source control is in place, requiring all residents, staff, and anyone else entering the facility to wear a facemask or cloth face covering at all times while in the facility.
•Staff must have access to adequate personal protective equipment (PPE).
•Nursing homes must be able to conduct COVID-19 testing among residents and staff at sufficient frequencies to fulfill the CDC’s Testing Guidance for Nursing Homes.

Read the Maryland Department of Health’s order and guidance.

Provided a facility has met the prerequisites for reopening, limited outdoor visitation is allowable if:
•Visitors and residents wear a face covering at all times.
•Visitors and residents maintain proper social distancing at all times.
•There is not an ongoing outbreak at the facility.
•Additionally, it is strongly recommended that there are no more than two visitors at a time per resident per visit.

Read the Maryland’s Department of Health’s outdoor visitation guidance here.

A number of restrictions at nursing home facilities will remain in place for the foreseeable future and will not be relaxed at any time during the reopening process, including:
•Facilities must continue to screen all people who enter the facility, and screen all staff at the beginning of each shift.
•Facilities must continue to screen all residents at least daily, including performance of temperature checks, pulse oximetry checks, observing for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and asking questions about signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
•Facilities must continue to dedicate space for cohorting and managing care for residents with COVID-19 separate from the general population. Additionally, facilities must continue to dedicate space to quarantine new admissions and readmissions in private rooms for 14 days for the purposes of monitoring these residents for the development of signs or symptoms of COVID-19.
•All staff must wear appropriate PPE, including use of procedure or surgical facemasks (i.e. not cloth face coverings) when they are interacting with residents.

Maryland’s early and aggressive response to address COVID-19 in nursing homes began in early March, when state officials met with representatives of long-term care facilities and issued strong guidance to shut down visitation and ramp up infection control protocols. State officials have established strike teams to provide a higher level of triage and care, PPE requirements for staff, universal testing for residents and staff, weekly reporting on facility outbreaks, and bridge teams to supplement staffing shortages.