Spy Desk

Talbot County COVID-19 Cases Rise

April 2, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Key Points for April 2

• Maryland saw an increase of 346 new cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number to 2,331. Talbot County has one new COVID-19 case for a total of five.

• Talbot County Public Schools will distribute iPads to elementary school students this week to enable one-to-one learning for all students K-12. Check out www.tcps.k12.md.us for more information.

• Easton Utilities has installed four (4) free drive-up hotspots in parking lots around town for those without internet access—Talbottown Shopping Center, Idlewild Park, Moton Park, and the Talbot County Free Library.

• The Emergency Operations Center team was activated 21 days ago and will continue to coordinate Talbot County’s response until the crisis passes.

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“The numbers are going up, and that is a trend that will continue for several weeks,” said County Health Officer Dr. Fredia Wadley. “We are all going to have to hang in there a little while longer.”

As the country grows weary of cancellations and restrictions, officials says this is not the time to let our guard down.

“As we press forward, we must recognize the propensity for people to get tired and let their guard down,” said Talbot County President Corey Pack. “This will result in increased infections in our community. It is critically important that we stay the course.”

The Emergency Operations team continues to support Talbot County’s health and medical capabilities, human dervices, and public safety, as well as businesses and non-profits. Daily updates are posted at talbotcovid19.org.

“We encourage people in Talbot County to tune into our daily releases for timely and credible information moving forward,” said Clay Stamp, Director of Emergency Services. “The Emergency Operations Center is constantly monitoring the situation, and we will share all the information we have as soon as we get it.”

St. Michaels Community Center

The St. Michaels Community Center is providing take-out meals and grocery pick-up to those in need from the Center at 108 Railroad Ave. on Mondays from 5-7 pm; Wednesdays from 3-5 pm; and Fridays from 11-3 pm. SMCC is also serving as the food distribution hub for the entire Bay Hundred area.

All SMCC’s non-food-related programs are postponed and the Treasure Cove Thrift Shop closed.

Donations are still needed to help purchase food for our neediest and can be made online at www.paypal.me/smccmd

See updates at www.stmichaelscc.org/news

Where to Find More Information

• CDC COVID-2019 Website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

• Talbot County COVID-19 Information www.talbotcovid19.org

• Shore Regional Health COVID Information https://www.umms.org/shore/patients-visitors/coronavirus

• Maryland Department of Health Website: https://health.maryland.gov/pages/home.aspx

• Talbot County Health Department Website: https://health.maryland.gov/talbotcounty/Pages/home.aspx

• Talbot County Health Department Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalbotHealthMaryland/

• Talbot County Department of Emergency Services Website: http://www.talbotdes.org/default.asp

• Talbot County Department of Emergency Services Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talbotdes

Dorchester County Health Department Announces Second Case of COVID-19

April 2, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

The Dorchester County Health Department announced Wednesday the second diagnosed case of COVID-19 in Dorchester County. The individual is a female, in her 70s, and hospitalized with underlying medical conditions.

The Health Department is currently investigating the case with the help of the Maryland Department of Health. Communicable Disease nurses will identify contacts and advise them of any necessary actions to take. The Health Department will share information, as soon as possible, if any risk to the public is identified.

The local contact tracing investigation for Dorchester’s first confirmed case, regarding a male in his 50s, has concluded. The individual is self-isolating at home and recovering. No risk to the public has been identified.

Residents are reminded to stay home, practice social distancing, and wash your hands and disinfect frequently touched surfaces often.

“We understand the sacrifice we are asking you to make by staying at home and practicing social distancing,” says Dr. Casey Scott, Deputy Health Officer. “This is not easy, and we do not take this lightly. However, it is very important to follow
the guidance of the Governor and our state health department to try to limit the spread of this virus.”

Individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath, should call their health care provider for guidance. Everyone does not need to be tested for COVID-19. Testing is only indicated in certain circumstances.

Visit coronavirus.maryland.gov for information and resources about COVID-19 in Maryland and follow Dorchester County Health Department’s Emergency Preparedness Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dorchesterhealthemergencypreparedness for updates.

Dorchester County residents with general questions or concerns about COVID-19 can call the Dorchester County Health Department at 410-228-3223 Monday through Friday, 8am-4:30pm or 2-1-1 after hours. Call takers cannot share any additional details about the cases, but can help answer residents’ questions.

Talbot County Perseveres as Health Crisis Continues

April 1, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Health officials say perseverance is key for Talbot County as the number of COVID-19 cases in Maryland continues to
rise, with one new case reported locally, according to a Wednesday afternoon press release. Talbot County now has four confirmed cases.

“Perseverance is defined as doing something despite difficulty,” said Director of Emergency Services Clay Stamp. “We
are 20 days into the activation with no end in sight. It’s important that we keep our spirits high and look toward brighter
days as we continue to work through this health crisis.”

Emergency operations team members are supporting Talbot County’s health and medical capabilities, human services,
and public safety, as well as businesses and non-profits.

“We as a community must pace ourselves and invest in our individual welfare while being helpful to others,” Stamp said. “Although this may become challenging as we press forward, help is available.

Talbot County Council President Corey Pack praised Talbot County’s efforts to address the health and economic issues.

“I love seeing the pictures of the work our partners are doing to meet the needs of this community,” he said. “I continue
to be amazed by the sense of commitment in this community and the helping hands we extend to our neighbors.”

Maryland may see a peak in cases within the next two to three weeks, according to Talbot County Health Officer Dr.
Fredia Wadley, but she echoes the need to persevere.

“People seem to be settling in and learning how to be at home,” she said. “It’s not easy, but we will get through it, day by day, in a safe way.”

Child Sheltering for Essential Workers

Many parents have done a great job finding alternative childcare and we appreciate their efforts. We prefer to keep children separated when possible. Talbot County has additional capacity for children 6 weeks to 12 years of age whose parents have been unable to find child care and must work out of the home. The services are from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The following are eligible to call and inquire about child care if they have no other options. All of the below will need a letter from their place of work stating that they are essential and working out of the home and need child care.
1. Staff of hospitals – professional and support staff
2. Staff of EMS and 911 center
3. Department of Health and Department of Social Services
4. Staff of Detention Center
5. Law enforcement officers/firemen
6. Support staff of Board of Education involved in deliveries and other services due to COVID19
7. Any Talbot government worker that has been deemed unable to work from home and must work at office/site
8. Registered nurses and CNAs of nursing homes
9. Staff of ambulatory health care providers offices
10. Pharmacists
11. Mental health providers
12. Staff of Banks

Parents working at one of the above may email talbotkids@ymcachesapeake.org to inquire about services and how to enroll their child.

After getting a letter from your employer stating your eligibility and enrolling your child for this service, you must email talbotkids@ymcachesapeake.org by 4:30 p.m. the day prior to your child needing services if you are not bringing your child every day or if you are not bringing your child on a regular basis for established days of the week. The child care centers cannot staff appropriately unless notice is given the prior day that your child will be in their care.

Meal Distribution

New St. John’s United Methodist Church, 9123 Tilghman Island Road, Wittman, will be holding a Pop-up Food Pantry from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Friday, starting Friday, April 3. The church also maintains an unmanned food pantry outside that offers non-perishables 24/7 to families in need.

Talbot County Library

Beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 7, and continuing at 10 a.m. every Tuesday thereafter, the Talbot County Free Library will take to Facebook to offer a live Story Time program for preschoolers (birth – 5 years of age).

Children’s Librarian Laura Powell will read stories, lead group sing-alongs, and generally having a good time making sure our community’s little ones remain entertained and engaged during this difficult period in all of our lives.

Parents can find the library’s live Story Time at: www.facebook.com/Talbot-County-Free-Library-130124829867/

Talbot County Public Schools

Distribution of iPads

We will be distributing iPads to elementary students at their schools from 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 2, and from 8 a.m. to noon Friday, April 3.

TCPS recognizes that not all of our families have access to reliable internet connectivity, so we are also planning for how we can best meet the needs of all students.

Teachers have reached out to families to determine whether or not they have internet access. Learning activity packets will be mailed to students who currently do not have internet access, and therefore would not be able to use an iPad or laptop for distance learning.

TCPS Technology has established help desk hours for any student requiring assistance or repair for a laptop or iPad.

1. Helpdesk locations: SMES and EHS in the front lobby.

2. Helpdesk Days/Hours: 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays

3. Drop off/Pickup: Plastic bags will be provided for devices being dropped off. Parents and students will remain in their cars.

4. Email Access: Send emails to helpdesk@talbotschools.org to ask questions online, appointments will be encouraged.

5. Disinfecting: Techs will wipe down devices upon receipt and prior to return.

Food Distribution
The next TCPS meal distribution for children ages 2-18 will be PICK UP ONLY from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, April 3, at the following locations: Chapel District Elementary, Easton Middle, Easton Elementary-Dobson, St. Michaels Middle High, Tilghman Elementary, and White Marsh Elementary.

The Friday package will include breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack for Friday and Monday along with the CarePacks weekend food bag.

“I continue to marvel at the number of committed staff and volunteers who make this all happen amid this pandemic,” said Dr. Kelly Griffith, Talbot’s school superintendent.

Mental Health Hotlines

Eastern Shore Crisis Help Line – 888-407-8018
Phone counselors at the Eastern Shore Crisis Response and Resource Helpline work 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist with individuals who are in need of mental health resources.

Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence – 1-800-927-4673.
Available 24/7/365. Victims can also contact our hotline through our Website and from our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Accounts. Emergency Shelter for victims, their children and pets is available. You can still get a protective order, and we can help you remotely. https://mscfv.org/

For All Seasons
Sexual Assault and Mental Health Crisis hotlines
English Hotline: 1.800.310.7273 or 410.820.5600
Spanish Hotline: 410.829.6143

Where to Find More Information
• CDC COVID-2019 Website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• Talbot County COVID-19 Information www.talbotcovid19.org
• Shore Regional Health COVID Information https://www.umms.org/shore/patients-visitors/coronavirus
• Maryland Department of Health Website: https://health.maryland.gov/pages/home.aspx
• Talbot County Health Department Website: https://health.maryland.gov/talbotcounty/Pages/home.aspx
• Talbot County Health Department Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalbotHealthMaryland/
• Talbot County Department of Emergency Services Website: http://www.talbotdes.org/default.asp
• Talbot County Department of Emergency Services Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talbotdes

Bulletin: Talbot Halts New Stays at Short-Term Rentals, B&Bs

April 1, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Talbot County’s short-term rentals and bed and breakfasts may not accept any new guests after March 31 and may not take new reservations.

The Talbot County Council imposed the new restrictions Tuesday afternoon as it amended the county’s declaration of emergency for COVID-19.

The amended order states:

a. No new reservations shall be made until the expiration of this First Amended Declaration or further amendment by Council.

b. No occupancies of short term rental or bed and breakfast properties may begin after March 31, 2020, until the expiration of this First Amended Declaration or further amendment by Council.

Guests staying in Talbot County as of Tuesday may remain through the end of their current booking and may extend their stay “provided that (i) the owner provides the Talbot County Department of Planning and Zoning the names of all such guests and the dates by which all current guests will be vacating the premises, and (ii) that the owner and all guests comply with Governor Hogan’s executive orders, namely prohibition on large gatherings and the stay-at-home order, as well as complying with all other laws, rules, and regulations governing short-term rentals and bed and breakfasts.”

The order does allow new reservations to be made “for guests who are deemed by federal, State, or local governmental authorities as essential personnel needed to help respond to the spread of COVID-19 in Talbot County, including, without limitation, doctors, nurses, emergency first responders, law enforcement, and fire fighters, provided that the owner provides the Talbot County Department of Planning and Zoning the names of all such guests, their status as essential personnel, and the dates by which they will be vacating the premises.”

This story will be updated with the county council’s discussion about the amended order.

Talbot County Stays Home

March 31, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Life in Talbot County has slowed to a crawl under Gov. Larry Hogan’s stay-at-home order issued Monday and officials encourage residents to be patient and vigilant.

“Yesterday was a difficult day as the governor issued his order for non-essential workers to stay home,” said Talbot County Council President Corey Pack. “We are asking people to take this seriously and comply with the governor’s directive. We are not willing to sacrifice even one more life to this infectious disease.”

The Emergency Operations Center remains activated to coordinate support activities and to provide regular informal updates as we move through the COVID19 crisis.

“We are hopeful that being in a rural area will spare us,” said Clay Stamp, Talbot County emergency services director. “But we must recognize that, without everyone adhering to the state and local recommendations, we could see clusters of persons being infected.”

“To those who speak against the recommendations, I would remind them that real people all over this country are being impacted and their efforts to downplay the threat only serves to potentially place people in harm’s way,” he said. “Again, this is not a drill.”

Meal Distribution

New St. John’s United Methodist Church, 9123 Tilghman Island Road, Wittman, MD will be holding a Pop-up Food Pantry every Friday, starting this Friday 4/4/20 from 10 am-12 pm. The church also maintains an unmanned food pantry outside that offers non-perishables 24/7 to families in need.

Easton Utilities

Easton Utilities understands the importance of supporting our community efforts during this unprecedented time. While we continue to provide the essential services our customers rely on every day, we want to follow the recommendations of federal, state and local agencies to protect the health of the public and our employees.

In addition to the recommended precautions we are currently following, we closed the Drive-Thru yesterday. Below please find our current operational status as of March 30, 2020:

The Customer Service Center, Drive-Thru and Lobby are closed. Customers are encouraged to utilize online bill pay, phone or mail for transactions. Please contact our Customer Service Representative at 410-822-6110 if assistance is needed to set up an online account.

Employees are no longer entering customer homes unless it’s an emergency. For Easton Velocity issues (internet, cable, phone), technicians will work with the customer remotely to troubleshoot problems.

Free Drive-Up Hotspots are available for people to perform essential functions. The wifi name is EU-Public and no password is required. Locations are:

• Talbottown Shopping Center main parking lot (closest to the intersection of Washington and Harrison Streets). Available 24/7.

• Idlewild Park parking lot (closest to basketball courts). Open during daylight hours only.

• Moton Park parking lot (closest to park entrance). Open during daylight hours only.

• Library parking lot (closest to Federal Street). Available 24/7.

As always, we remain flexible and willing to work with customers facing financial hardships during this time. We will continuously monitor and update our policies to ensure we are providing the best possible service to our customers while maintaining the safety of all concerned.

Thank you for your patience and flexibility during this time. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact customer service at 410-822-6110.

Talbot County Library

As the AARP Tax Aide service held at library branches has been cancelled for the season, users of that service may want to use the IRS’s Free File to get their taxes done. IRS Free File provides free tax preparation and e-filing online for those making $69,000 or less in 2019. If you made more than $69,000, you can still fill out and submit your federal taxes online.

Visit https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free for more information.

Talbot County Public Schools

Distance Learning

Beginning Monday, April 6, TCPS will move to a distance learning model in which teachers will be engaging with their students virtually. In order to facilitate this, we have designated the week of March 30-April 3 as a transition week to prepare our teachers for this new model.

We are providing our teachers with professional development for using technology for virtual learning, and providing them with time to develop learning activities that can be supported through our technology.

We will be distributing iPads to elementary students at their schools on Thursday, April 2 from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. and on Friday, April 3 from 8:00 a.m. to noon. TCPS recognizes that not all of our families have access to reliable internet connectivity, so we are also planning for how we can best meet the needs of all students.

Food Distribution for Students

Based on the Governor’s Stay at Home Directive issued by Executive Order on March 30, 2020, TCPS meal distribution for children ages 2-18 will move to PICK-UP ONLY. Beginning Tuesday March 31, meal pick-up will CONTINUE AT THE FOLLOWING SITES ONLY on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9-11 a.m.:

• Chapel District Elementary

• Easton Middle

• Easton Elementary-Dobson

• St. Michaels Middle High

• Tilghman Elementary

• White Marsh Elementary

The package that is distributed on Tuesday will include breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The Friday package will include breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack for Friday and Monday along with the CarePacks weekend food bag.

Where to Find More Information

• CDC COVID-2019 Website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

• Talbot County COVID-19 Information www.talbotcovid19.org

• Shore Regional Health COVID Information https://www.umms.org/shore/patients-visitors/coronavirus

• Maryland Department of Health Website: https://health.maryland.gov/pages/home.aspx

• Talbot County Health Department Website: https://health.maryland.gov/talbotcounty/Pages/home.aspx

• Talbot County Health Department Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalbotHealthMaryland/

• Talbot County Department of Emergency Services Website: http://www.talbotdes.org/default.asp

• Talbot County Department of Emergency Services Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talbotdes

Op-Ed: Lessons for Our Times from Harold Denton by David Reel

March 31, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Governor Hogan’s recent stay in place order for almost all residents of Maryland during a very uncertain time led me to think about another very uncertain time in another March … March of 1979.

I don’t know where you were in March 1979 but I vividly recall where I was. I was working and living in Harrisburg Pennsylvania when the nearby Three Mile Island nuclear power plant experienced a partial meltdown.

While the immediate scope of this catastrophe was on a much much much much smaller scale than the current coronavirus pandemic, there are some eerie similarities.

Harold Denton

The initial response from Met Ed (owner and operator of TMI) was denial as to the severity of the incident, delayed responses which made a bad situation much worse and great confusion about next steps to address the problem. All of that, coupled with silent, serious and invisible health threats from radiation; 24-7 media coverage that was frenzied, long on conjecture and short on facts; and communication breakdowns at multiple levels caused widespread fear and panic among the citizenry of south central Pennsylvania.

It quickly reached a point where then President Carter (himself a nuclear engineer) called the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and told them he wanted someone on the ground at TMI immediately who could report back to him on exactly what was going on. The answer from the NRC was succinct “Mr. President, his name is Harold Denton. He is on his way.” Denton left Washington in the middle of a meeting so quickly, his son had to drive to Harrisburg the next day to deliver clean clothes to him.

Denton was later referred to by Pennsylvania Governor Thornburgh as THE hero of TMI.

At first glance, Harold Denton was an unexpected hero. He was a career bureaucrat, had a casual, almost rumpled appearance and spoke quietly.

Governor Thornburgh was right.

Denton who had a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering was indeed a hero to everyone who experienced those harrowing times. When Denton stepped off the helicopter that whisked him from Washington DC directly to TMI, he was met immediately by the senior management of Met Ed. They told him they appreciated him coming by (like it was some kind of social get together), that everything was under control, that the worst was over and they would keep him posted on what they were going to do next. Denton quickly dismissed all the happy talk from Met Ed. He knew instinctively they were wrong and he knew exactly what needed to be done. Denton calmly told them that under federal law he had sole authority to take full control and management of the power plant; which he did…on the spot.

From that point forward, Denton was everywhere. He was at the staging area across from the power plant, inside the power plant, attending public town hall meetings, talking to the media horde that came to Harrisburg from around the world, meeting with the Governor and standing beside President Carter when he toured the control room of the stricken reactor. Most importantly, Denton spoke directly to the public, acknowledging they had every right to be confused and scared. He explained what he knew when he knew it, using understandable layman’s terms.

In retrospect. Harold Denton rose to the occasion by displaying outstanding leadership skills and outstanding crisis management skills. He was candid, never pointed fingers, never assigned blame and never lost focus on doing the right thing during a time of great uncertainty and great public duress.

During these current uncertain times and going forward, Harold Denton’s actions serve as a great model for elected/appointed officials at all levels of government (and from both political parties) on how to address a problem by working together for the common good.

David Reel is the Maryland Director for Quantum Communications

COVID-19 Cases Continue to Rise, Two Test Positive in Talbot County

March 28, 2020 by Spy Desk 1 Comment

On Saturday, Talbot County Health Officer Dr. Fredia Wadley reported two new cases of COVID-19 in Talbot County, neither of whom has been hospitalized.

One is an individual in their 70s who has visited New York and is suspected of being infected there. The second is an individual in their late 20s with no known contact source or travel history. The contacts of both individuals were notified late Friday afternoon and have been ordered to quarantine themselves and report any symptoms.

Gov. Larry Hogan has asked all individuals coming into the state from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to quarantine themselves for 14 days. Dr. Wadley reports that she will provide quarantine letters to any individuals arriving in Talbot County from a high COVID-19 incidence area. Fines can be assessed if the quarantine is broken.

The Talbot County Council took the additional step of asking hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and vacation rentals to voluntarily suspend bookings.

“As new cases are reported, people have become more and more concerned about those who may be new or visiting our area,” says Council President Corey Pack. “It’s very important that we all remind each other about the importance of social distancing in a kind and gentle way. We are simply asking people who have traveled from areas experiencing high infection numbers to separate themselves for 14 days.”

As the number of cases in Maryland continues to rise, Talbot County Director of Emergency Services Clay Stamp says Talbot County is ready to respond. “As more people are tested, we will likely see an increase in the number of cases in Talbot County,” Stamp explains. “We have spent the past two weeks preparing, and we have the capacity in our healthcare system to handle new cases. We are prepared.”

Food Distribution Update

Union Baptist Church at 233 Glenwood Ave., Easton, MD 21601 is having a drive-thru food distribution on Tuesday, March 31, 2020. The distribution will begin at 9 a.m. and end when food runs out. Talbot County residents only. Proof of residency may be required.

Line up on Glenwood near entrance to church. DO NOT get out of your car. You will need to complete form given on site and a picture of form will be take to limit contact. Please clear your trunk so food can be loaded without you exiting your vehicle.

Call the Talbot Food Resource Line with questions at 410-770-5515 or email talbotlct@talbotcountymd.gov.

Key Points for March 28

In the past 24 hours, Maryland added 218 new cases, increasing the total number to 992 in the state of
Maryland. Two of the new cases are in Talbot County.

Officials are preparing for a sharp increase daily for the next two weeks.

Home daycare providers can be licensed to provide shelter to the children of essential personnel. The Maryland
State Department of Education website lists those already approved.

Daycare centers not providing services to essential personnel have been ordered to close, effective March 27.

County Council: Close Non-essential Business; Returning Residents Need to Self-Quarantine

March 28, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

With the ongoing concerns surrounding the spread of the Coronavirus/COVID-19, the Talbot County Council is asking everyone who is present in Talbot County to please take the directives from President Trump, Maryland Governor Hogan and the Talbot County Council seriously. Please close non-essential businesses and do not gather in groups larger than ten (10) persons.

We urge any visitors and any individuals returning to their homes here in the County to take the precaution of self-quarantining for at least fourteen (14) days to prevent the spread of the virus into this community. As you may know, President Trump and Governor Hogan are specifically requiring that all individuals coming to Maryland from, or that have recently visited the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut, to quarantine in place and limit contact with others for at least fourteen (14) days.

In addition, Talbot County is urging all short-term rental license holders and all hotels and bed and breakfasts to immediately suspend all future rental operations. We are asking that all such short-term rental owners and all hotels and bed and breakfasts to place a copy of this letter requesting that visitors self-quarantine for fourteen (14) days on the doors of their properties until the Governor lifts the state of emergency here in Maryland.

For those in the area, local restaurants are limited to carry-out, drive-thru and delivery services. Some local grocery stores and pharmacies are offering delivery/pick up services.

Please continue to take extra precautions to limit contact with others.

• Social distancing – Maintain a minimum of six (6) feet between persons.
• Sanitizing – Wash hands carefully and frequently. Clean areas and surfaces with sanitizer.

For additional information on State and local Orders, Proclamations and resources, please visit
www.talbotcovid19.org. For information relating to this letter, please contact the Department of Planning and
Zoning at 410-770-8030.

We appreciate your assistance in keeping the citizens of Talbot County safe and healthy during these
extraordinary times.

County Council of Talbot County

COVID-19 Preparations in Full Swing at UM Shore Regional Health

March 28, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (UM SRH) is intensely engaged in planning to care for our community in the event of an influx of patients needing hospital care as result of the possible impact of COVID-19.

Fortunately, as of this moment, in all UM Shore Regional Health locations, the overall number of hospital admissions and emergency department visits are down, largely due to messages from the community and media that have helped to direct concerned people to the appropriate community provider settings and reduce unnecessary hospital volumes.

Planning for a potential surge of patients at the hospitals began more than a month ago and continues to evolve on a daily basis.

“As part of University of Maryland Medical System, Shore Regional Health is actively preparing for the presence of COVID-19 in our communities,” said Ken Kozel, UM SRH president and CEO. “Every day, our medical and nursing staffs and team members in every aspect of our health care system, are working together to plan for various contingencies in the event of a surge of patients who need hospitalization.”

Key developments to date are as follows:

• Enacted system-wide (UMMS) and regional (UM SRH) incident command structures in mid-February staffed by appropriate personnel to coordinate resources and direct actions for the entire organization in relation to COVID.

Duties include:

monitoring the rapidly changing state, national and global, COVID situation
real time monitoring of staff availability, supplies and bed capacity in all three hospitals
preparing to maximize surge capacity in all three hospitals
participating in planning efforts undertaken by local government and health officials in all five counties
keeping in daily contact with those officials

• Postponed all elective, non-emergent surgeries and procedures, beginning March 18 to managing a potential increase in patient volume. This action was designed to provide additional capacity for UM SRH hospitals to treat those patients in greatest need.

• Revised visitor policy, effective March 19, prohibiting all visitors into the hospitals unless they have a special exception.
In partnership with UMMS, created a fully staffed 24/7 Nurse Hotline to answer COVID-19-related concerns. That number is 1-888-713-0711.

Penny Pink, executive director, UM Shore Medical Center at Dorchester ,and team members debrief after the tent drill held Friday morning, March 27, outside the hospital’s Emergency Department.

• Erected tents adjacent to the three hospital emergency departments and the Emergency Center at Queenstown. (While not in use today, these tents could serve a variety of purposes should the need arise; in particular, they may be used to expand Emergency Department triage capacity in the evaluation and treatment of patients for fever and upper respiratory symptoms.)

• Consolidated laboratory and imaging services at certain locations to maximize efficient use of resources and deployment of staff.

• Ceased all elective/non-urgent imaging at all facilities, effective March 25. Only critical imaging is being performed. (Critical imaging services include; trauma, oncology, infection, ischemia, acute bleeding, and acute neurologic changes. Other requests are reviewed on a case by case basis by our radiologists.) Affected patients are being contacted directly regarding cancelled appointments and rescheduling options.

• Shore Regional Health has identified its surge expansion plans at all inpatient and emergency facilities. As of March 25, the system has the ability to double inpatient capacity and quadruple ICU capacity across the system if needed.

• On Friday, March 27, conducted a drill at UM Shore Regional Health’s four emergency departments to test and evaluate the functionality of the triage tents in the event of a surge in patients requiring hospitalization.

“Today Shore Regional Health conducted a drill to test and evaluate the operational effectiveness of the triage tents located at our four emergency departments,” said William H. Huffner, MD, senior vice president, Medical Affairs and chief medical officer. “As a routine aspect of our operation as a health care system, emergency drills enable us to identify the strengths and weaknesses of emergency plans, and this one was very useful in that regard. Our medical and nursing care providers and a wide range of support personnel worked together to put our strategy for the tents in use and ensure that in the event of a patient surge, our plans can be operationalized seamlessly.

“We also are in close and continuous contact with our state and county health departments, emergency management officials and a host of community organizations that are all working in concert to help minimize the spread of the virus and to assist vulnerable populations in need of food, shelter and transportation during this time,” said Kozel. “I am infinitely grateful to have the support of highly capable, dedicated and focused teams at UMMS and here at Shore Regional Health, and going forward, I am confident that our preparations will help us face the demands of COVID-19.”

The public can help reduce the severity of this pandemic by:

Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick and practice social distancing
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw it away immediately.
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Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence Offers Help to Domestic Violence Victims

March 28, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

We have all heard the pleas from our political leaders, our actors and athletes, our schools, our neighbors, even our favorite local businesses: Stay Home and Stay Safe. Unfortunately, for victims of family violence, home may not be the safest place. Being stuck home with an abuser increases the risk for all kinds of abuse, including physical, emotional, health/medical, economic and isolation. Combine this with the confusion of having courts closed, and victims can feel trapped.

Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence wants all victims of domestic violence to know that they can get help during this time of uncertainty, that that they can still get protective orders, and that we are here for them.

· Our Hotline WILL NOT close. It is available 24/7/365. Please make sure to share this number with anyone that can use it: 1-800-927-4673. Victims can also contact our hotline through our Website and from our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Accounts.

· We can provide Emergency Shelter for victims and their children, and pets on a case-by- case basis (Call the Hotline)

· You can still get a protective order, and we can help you remotely.

· MSCFV Case Managers are still available to help clients through the phone and email – reach out to your case manager just to check in. If you don’t know their number, call 410- 690-3222 during business hours.

· Our legal team is still working on our clients’ cases even while the courts are closed. If

you have new legal challenges, reach out to your case manager.

· Other services are available on a case by case basis through case managers, so call them.

If you are experiencing domestic violence and want help, we are here. You are not alone. Please call our hotline at 1-800-927-4673.

For more information on getting help, including protective orders, during this time of quarantine, visit www.mscfv.org

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