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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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: https://www.talbotdes.org/default.asp
• Talbot County Department of Emergency Services Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talbotdes
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