COVID-19

St. Mary’s County Commissioners Approve Restaurant Relief Fund to Support Food Service Establishments Impacted by COVID-19

St. Mary’s County Commissioners Approve Restaurant Relief Fund to Support Food Service Establishments Impacted by COVID-19

The new grant program will have a maximum budget of $779,000. The goal is to provide grants to support restaurants (full meal preparation with on-site dining), food trucks and bars that serve food that are based in St. Mary’s County. Grants may be used for working capital, such as rent, payroll, and job training,...
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Pet Valu Closing All 358 Stores in U.S Due to COVID-19 Impacts, Three Stores Located in So. MD Area

Pet Valu Closing All 358 Stores in U.S Due to COVID-19 Impacts, Three Stores Located in So. MD Area

On Wednesday, November 4, 2020, Chief Restructuring Officer released the following statement. “The Pet Valu U.S. team is proud to have met the needs of our devoted pet lover customers in the U.S. for more than 25 years. However, the Company’s stores have been significantly impacted by the protracted COVID-19-related restrictions. After a thorough...
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Calvert County Hospice Receives $345 from Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum Virtual 5K Run/Walk

Calvert County Hospice Receives $345 from Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum Virtual 5K Run/Walk

Calvert Hospice was so pleased to partner with Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum this year for the Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum Virtual 5K Run/Walk. The original plan was to host a 5K fun run/walk at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum on September 19, but COVID-19 prevented that from happening. The creative team behind...
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Annual Veterans Day Celebration Parade Cancelled, Virtual Celebration to be held Instead on Wednesday, November 11, 2020

Annual Veterans Day Celebration Parade Cancelled, Virtual Celebration to be held Instead on Wednesday, November 11, 2020

While the Annual Veterans Day celebration will look differently in 2020 because of COVID-19 precautions, the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County and the Commissioners of Leonardtown are proud to present a virtual celebration of our nation’s heroes. There will not be a parade or any public events but, beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov....
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Humane Society International Saves Nearly 200 Dogs from Meat Farms in South Korea, Calvert County Humane Society Assists

Humane Society International Saves Nearly 200 Dogs from Meat Farms in South Korea, Calvert County Humane Society Assists

The Humane Society International saved 170 dogs from a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, where the animals were suffering and awaiting to be sold and slaughtered for their meat. Starting near the end of September of 2020, members of Humane Society International flew to South Korea and entered a two week quarantine...
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COVID-19 Testing Site Closed on Thursday, October 29, 2020 Due to Weather

COVID-19 Testing Site Closed on Thursday, October 29, 2020 Due to Weather

Due to inclement weather anticipated from Tropical Storm Zeta, the following walk-up COVID-19 testing sites will be closed on Thursday, October 29, 2020: St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) COVID-19 Testing: Main Office in Leonardtown Harm Reduction Program Office in Lexington Park Normal testing operations are expected to resume on Friday, October 30, 2020....
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Charlotte Hall Library Closed Tuesday, October 27, 2020, After Employee Next Door Tests Positive for COVID-19

Charlotte Hall Library Closed Tuesday, October 27, 2020, After Employee Next Door Tests Positive for COVID-19

The Charlotte Hall Library will be closed Tuesday, Oct. 27. An employee of an organization located next door tested positive for COVID-19.  That person has not been in the library section of the building. The St. Mary’s County Health Department has assessed the situation, and the Library will follow all safety and precautionary steps...
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Equity Task Force Announces Plans for First School-Based Health Centers in St. Mary’s County

Equity Task Force Announces Plans for First School-Based Health Centers in St. Mary’s County

The school-based health centers will initially offer school nursing, behavioral health services, preventive care and health education programming. Future plans for the school-based health centers include specific primary care services, key to improving health outcomes for students who face barriers to accessing health care. Spring Ridge Middle School is located in a federally-designated Health...
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Governor Hogan Announces $250 Million ‘Maryland Strong: Economic Recovery Initiative’

Governor Hogan Announces $250 Million ‘Maryland Strong: Economic Recovery Initiative’

Governor Larry Hogan today announced the $250 million ‘Maryland Strong: Economic Recovery Initiative,’ which will provide funding from the Rainy Day Fund to directly assist restaurants, small businesses, local entertainment venues, arts organizations, and Main Streets across the state. The initiative doubles the state’s total commitment to COVID-19 emergency economic relief for Marylanders to...
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St. Mary’s County Government Updates Pandemic Road to Recovery Following Governor’s Update

St. Mary’s County Government Updates Pandemic Road to Recovery Following Governor’s Update

On October 16, Governor Larry Hogan and Maryland Secretary of Health Robert Neall issued orders updating safe capacity limits for outdoor sporting and entertainment venues, while maintaining face covering requirements and strict public health protocols. The governor’s order limits spectators at outdoor sporting venues to 10% of total capacity, including at M&T Bank Stadium...
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Tuesday, October 20, 2020 Commissioner Meeting Roundup

Tuesday, October 20, 2020 Commissioner Meeting Roundup

The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County held their regular business meeting Tuesday, Oct. 20, in the Chesapeake Building in Leonardtown and opened at 9 a.m. with a Public Hearing for the Office of the County Attorney on the disposition of public property. The Commissioners presented three proclamations for Economic Development Week, Red Ribbon Week...
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Governor Hogan Announces Maryland’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan

Governor Hogan Announces Maryland’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan

Governor Larry Hogan announced the release of the State of Maryland’s initial draft COVID-19 mass vaccination plan, which was submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last week. Read the draft plan. “In anticipation of a COVID-19 vaccine, Maryland stands ready to order, distribute, and administer it effectively and rapidly as...
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NAS Patuxent River Drill Hall Closed for Cleaning After Two Staff Members Test Positive for COVID-19

NAS Patuxent River Drill Hall Closed for Cleaning After Two Staff Members Test Positive for COVID-19

The Naval Air Station Patuxent River Drill Hall will be closed for cleaning from Tuesday, October 20, to Sunday, October 25, following a report that two staff members who have since tested positive for COVID were in the Drill Hall in the days prior to exhibiting symptoms. While there is no indication that infection...
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Calvert Health Urges Citizens to Not Delay Care Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Calvert Health Urges Citizens to Not Delay Care Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Maryland hospitals and health systems are saving lives every day during the coronavirus public health emergency, yet they are still seeing a potentially dangerous trend. Evidence suggests that people with serious health conditions or symptoms may be avoiding hospitals or doctors’ offices out of fear of catching COVID-19 or contributing to its spread. Yet,...
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Charles County Public Schools Phase 2 Planning: Bus Routes and Enhanced Transportation Safety Guidelines

Charles County Public Schools Phase 2 Planning: Bus Routes and Enhanced Transportation Safety Guidelines

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) will begin Phase 2 of its reopening plan on Monday, Nov. 9. The school system is preparing to welcome more than 3,200 students back to schools across the county. Part of Phase 2 planning includes enhanced safety guidelines for students using bus transportation. Safety is a top priority for...
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St. Mary’s County Health Department Offering Free Flu Vaccine to Children at COVID-19 Testing Sites Starting October 26, 2020

St. Mary’s County Health Department Offering Free Flu Vaccine to Children at COVID-19 Testing Sites Starting October 26, 2020

Beginning October 26, 2020, the St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) will offer free flu vaccine to children (ages 3 – 18 years) at its SMCHD COVID-19 Testing Sites, during testing hours listed below: SMCHD Main Office:  Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  21580 Peabody Street, Leonardtown For assistance or accommodations,...
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Elevated Levels of COVID-19 Viral Shedding Detected in Local Wastewater

Elevated Levels of COVID-19 Viral Shedding Detected in Local Wastewater

Local wastewater monitoring for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has detected elevated levels of viral particles in the sewer systems serving several locations in St. Mary’s County. “These viral particles are shed by individuals who have COVID-19 and can be detected in sewage,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer. “Rising...
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Board of Education Approves Phase 2 Re-Opening of Charles County Public Schools Starting November 9, 2020

Board of Education Approves Phase 2 Re-Opening of Charles County Public Schools Starting November 9, 2020

UPDATE: Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) will begin Phase 2 on Monday, Nov. 9. In order for teachers to prepare for hybrid learning, instructional changes were made for the week starting Nov. 2. Outlined below are the changes and what they mean for CCPS students and virtual learning. Friday, October 30: Last day for...
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Historic Sotterley Hosting Farmer’s Market at St. Mary’s County Regional Airport on Sunday, October 25, 2020

Historic Sotterley Hosting Farmer’s Market at St. Mary’s County Regional Airport on Sunday, October 25, 2020

Back by popular demand, Historic Sotterley is proud to once again host a Farmer’s Market in partnership with the St. Mary’s County Regional Airport (also known as Captain Walter Francis Duke Regional Airport). This market will take place on Sunday, October 25th from 9:00 am—1:00 pm. The Farmer’s Market will once again feature fresh...
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Annual Boo Thru Safe Candy Giveaway to be Hosted on Halloween at the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department

Annual Boo Thru Safe Candy Giveaway to be Hosted on Halloween at the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department

On Saturday, October 31, 2020, from 7:00 p.m., to 9:00 p.m., citizens can drive through the haunted Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department, which will be free and safe for the whole family! Candy and Fire Prevention Goodie bags will be provided by staffing on the scene.
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CDC COVID-19 Halloween Guidelines and Suggestions

CDC COVID-19 Halloween Guidelines and Suggestions

As many people in the United States begin to plan for fall and winter holiday celebrations, CDC offers the following considerations to help protect individuals, their families, friends, and communities from COVID-19. These considerations are meant to supplement—not replace—any state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations with which holiday...
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Maryland Lawmakers Announce More Than $280,000 in Federal Funding to Expand Digital Education Resources During the Pandemic

Maryland Lawmakers Announce More Than $280,000 in Federal Funding to Expand Digital Education Resources During the Pandemic

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, and Congressman Andy Harris announced $280,450 in federal funding to expand educational resources and digital access in libraries and museums across Maryland. “Libraries and museums serve as a vehicle for educating individuals of all ages while also preserving our nation’s history,” said...
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St. Mary’s County Working to Supplement Volunteer Emergency Services, Response Time, and Staffing

St. Mary’s County Working to Supplement Volunteer Emergency Services, Response Time, and Staffing

The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County, St. Mary’s County Health Department, the Volunteer Rescue Squads and the St. Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services are committed to providing emergency medical service response to our citizens during the pandemic. The Department of Emergency Services is working toward supplementing the county’s volunteer EMS services. The county...
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Governor Hogan, Attorney General Frosh Announce $11.7 Million to Provide Legal Services to Residents Facing Eviction and Homelessness

Governor Hogan, Attorney General Frosh Announce $11.7 Million to Provide Legal Services to Residents Facing Eviction and Homelessness

Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh and Governor Larry Hogan today announced that $11.7 million in general funds will be directed to the Maryland Legal Services Corporation to provide legal services to families facing eviction and other housing security issues. As many national and local studies establish, counsel in eviction cases often means the...
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Commissioner John O’Connor Brings up St. Mary’s County Medical Response, and Mutual Aid Issues During October 6, 2020, Meeting

Commissioner John O’Connor Brings up St. Mary’s County Medical Response, and Mutual Aid Issues During October 6, 2020, Meeting

The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County held their regular business meeting Tuesday, Oct. 6, in the Chesapeake Building in Leonardtown and opened by presenting four proclamations. The recognitions included National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Case Management Recognition Week, Domestic Violence Prevention Month, and National 4-H Week. Commissioner John O’Connor brought up the recent concerns...
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