Even as officials turn their attention to planning for a safe reopening for businesses, the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise in Talbot County. The total number of confirmed cases jumped from 13 on Friday to 24 on Monday.
“Our curve is definitely not flattening,” says Dr. Fredia Wadley, Health Officer for Talbot County. “As we test more and more people, you will see the numbers continue to increase.”
Robust testing and aggressive contact tracing are the keys to a safe reopening. Dr. Wadley celebrated the announcement from Gov. Hogan’s office that the state is receiving 500,000 tests from a South Korean company.
“If we can get some of these tests in Talbot County and on the Eastern Shore, we will be better prepared to get our businesses reopened when the number of new cases have declined for 14 days.” Dr. Wadley notes. “This is really encouraging news.”
In the meantime, she says patience is needed as everyone works together to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
“My new advice is old advice,” Dr. Wadley says. “It is even more important than ever to stay home. Remember, wash your hands with soap and water. Observe social distancing guidelines and stay a minimum of six feet away from other people. And now, wear a mask. It’s not new information, but it definitely still needs to be said.”
Patience is in short supply around the county, the state, and the nation these days as the pandemic stretches late into the spring.
“We are all getting anxious to get out and get everything started again,” say Talbot County Council President Corey Pack, “but we must have patience now to avoid problems later. I assure you that we are working together to reopen Talbot County just as quickly and safely as possible.”
Talbot County Public Schools
The next TCPS meal distribution will be 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 21, at all school sites. If you are unable to pick up meals and need emergency delivery, please call Crystal Miller at 443-432-5091.
The TCPS Instructional Technology Help Desk will be open from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, April 21, and noon to 3 p.m. Friday, April 24, at Easton High School and St. Michaels Elementary School. Please email [email protected] for virtual support or to schedule a help desk appointment for iPads or laptops.
TCPS encourages parents to wear masks/cloth face coverings during meal pickups or IT Help Desk visits to help fight the spread of COVID-19. In a recommendation released by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity, and they would recommend wearing a mask or cloth face covering in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Wearing cloth masks, the CDC said, could “help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.”
Help us celebrate the Class of 2020! We are asking our Seniors and their families to share photos of themselves wearing gear and/or holding signs to celebrate their commitments to college, career, or the military to post to the TCPS Facebook page. Photos can be emailed to [email protected].
Dr. Karen Salmon, Maryland Superintendent of Schools, has announced that all schools will remain closed through May 15. TCPS will continue with Continuity of Learning during the coming weeks with both distance learning and by mailing packets to students who lack adequate internet access.
We are looking forward to receiving the 100 hot spots made possible through a grant from the Talbot Family Network, and we intend to utilize funds from the CARES Act for additional hot spots and devices. We are also working on a plan for recovery beyond Continuity of Learning, whether or not we ultimately return to our school buildings. TCPS Counselors and Social workers are reaching out to students and families to ensure that all needs are being met.
A committee has been formed to make an alternative plan if needed for celebrating graduation for the TCPS Class of 2020 so more information about this will be forthcoming in the near future.
“We will continue to remain flexible to adapt to this dynamic and challenging situation, as we focus on meeting the needs of ALL of our students,” said Dr. Kelly Griffith, Superintendent.
Talbot County Library
Join in on the fun during National Library Week! Check out the library’s Facebook page and website daily for posts highlighting staff and services and other fun activities that you can do from home.
Monday, April 20
Get Inspired and Inspire Others with Art and Poetry
Submit your poetry, writing, photography, or pictures of other art forms about any subject that inspires you or could inspire others. Submissions can be sent to [email protected] and will be published on the library’s Facebook page.
Tuesday, April 21
National Library Workers Day
Help us to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library staff and volunteers. Maya Angelou said, “I always felt that if I could get to a library, I’ll be okay.” Library staff and volunteers are the heart and soul of our library. They make us feel supported and welcome. Email us at [email protected] to share a story or appreciation about how library staff and volunteers have helped you.
Wednesday, April 22
Celebrate Reading
We miss seeing your faces at the library! Let us help you find your next great read and keep our library skills sharp. Email us at [email protected] with the names of a few of your favorite authors or books, and we will suggest the titles of two eBooks for you to download from Hoopla.
Creative Fun with Tim Young, 10:30 a.m.
Join the ever-entertaining children’s book author and illustrator, Tim Young, for interactive drawing and writing fun.
Celebrate Earth Day!
Take a picture of your favorite tree and submit to [email protected]. Submissions will be posted to
our Facebook page. Participate in Earth Day 2020 Live by clicking here.
You can find more information for your Earth Day celebrations and projects by visiting the Earth Day Science Reference at the Library of Congress.
Where to Find More Information
• CDC COVID-2019 Website: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• Talbot County COVID-19 Information: www.talbotcovid19.org
• Shore Regional Health COVID Information: www.umms.org/shore/patients-visitors/coronavirus
• Maryland Department of Health Website: health.maryland.gov/pages/home.aspx
• Talbot County Health Department Website: health.maryland.gov/talbotcounty/Pages/home.aspx
• Maryland COVID-19 Website: governor.maryland.gov/coronavirus
Al Sikes says
Especially with the jump in reported cases it would be helpful to have an abstract of sources. Can, for example, people comfortably shop for groceries or are outbreaks of contagion beginning there? We need details.
Alan Boisvert says
I do not understand the lack of patience in Talbot county or Maryland or in the US when people are dying every day. Have we grown that cold? Have we no respect? My God, do your part. Respect yourself, your family and your neighbors and follow Maryland’s directives.