Tracking Isaias:Tropical Storm Expected To Hit Maryland By Tuesday Bringing Heavy Rains

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — The number or coronavirus cases and deaths continue to grow in Maryland. Hospitalizations and ICU cases were declining in June, but recently began to tick up.

Gov. Larry Hogan transitioned the state into Phase Two of the Maryland Roadmap to Recovery Plan on Friday, June 5, at 5 p.m. Baltimore City and Montgomery County moved into phase 2 on June 19.

Although restrictions have been eased, each jurisdiction can decide how they would like to proceed. WJZ has compiled a complete list of how each jurisdiction is responding.

Read how each county is handling the reopening here.

We’ve created a place where you can find all the information you may need in one place. So whether you need help, want to help or don’t know where to start, we have what you need below.

CORONAVIRUS FACTS:

COVID-19, more commonly known as coronavirus, is a respiratory disease that emerged in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Symptoms include cough, fever and shortness of breath. In severe cases, people have died from the disease.

The new coronavirus spreads person-to-person and can only be detected with a lab test.

There is no vaccine for coronavirus, but several companies and universities are working on a vaccine. Instead, people are asked to wash their hands, cough into their sleeves or elbows and practice social distancing, staying six feet away from other people.

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CORONAVIRUS TESTING:

In Maryland, there are several testing sites where anyone can be tested and others where a doctor’s note is still required.

If you’re showing symptoms or were in contact with a positive coronavirus patient, you’re first asked to call your primary care physician. PCPs will refer you to get tested, if needed. However, most PCPs are asking relatively healthy, younger patients to self-quarantine for 14 days and only call 911 if symptoms get worse or if you have trouble breathing.

Where to get tested: Local jurisdictions, the state, hospitals and some healthcare providers are supplying tests.

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HOUSING:

Renters hit hard by the coronavirus and who live in state-financed properties can now apply for a voucher that will cover four months of their rent. Click here to learn more.

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SMALL BUSINESSES:

Many small businesses and even corporations have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In Maryland, all non-essential businesses reopened Friday, June 5, depending on the respective jurisdiction.

Banks, grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware stores, and big-box stores, like Target and Walmart, were open to customers throughout the pandemic. Across the state outdoor dining is allowed, and indoor dining is allowed at 50 percent capacity. Casinos, gyms, malls and other entertainment venues reopened at limited capacity on Friday, June 19. Although the closures have caused businesses to lose money and in some cases layoff employees, there’s some good news: Maryland officials have grants and funds available to help businesses stay afloat, even paying employees’ salaries in the interim.

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UNEMPLOYMENT

Unfortunately, with so many businesses having to close their doors, they haven’t been able to keep employees. Anyone who has lost hours, temporarily lost their job or was laid off can apply for unemployment insurance. Thousands of Marylanders have reported issues with receiving benefits, in part due to the state switching to a new unemployment application website.

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WHERE TO GET FREE MEALS OR FOOD ASSISTANCE

Every school-aged child can get a free meal at a number of locations around Maryland. As for adults and families, there are also several options for food assistance. Those in low-income households can apply for SNAP, more commonly known as food stamps. You can apply here based on your income. There’s also the Maryland Food Bank and many local groups are collecting food for distribution. Several area businesses, churches and charities have stepped up to feed those in need. If you need help, you can call 211 for information.

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WHAT’S OPEN, WHAT’S CLOSED

Essential businesses like grocery stores, pharmacies, pet supply stores, hardware stores, big box stores like Target and Walmart and even liquor stores are considered essential businesses. Gas stations and places like Wawa, Starbucks, 7-Eleven and Royal Farms also remain open, though they are stopping many grab-and-go options. Daycares, run by the state for those essential workers, are the only ones open. Veterinarians are also open in case of pet-related needs.

Restaurants are allowed to seat customers for outdoor dining, and in some jurisdictions, can open indoor dining at a limited capacity.

State parks and beaches, Ocean City’s beach and boardwalk have reopened as well as golf courses, fishing, boating and other low-risk outdoor activities.

Salons, barbershops, retail clothing and shoe stores, pet grooming, automated car washes and art galleries reopened Friday, May 15. Gyms, yoga and dance studios, libraries, courthouses, county and state government buildings, movie theaters, entertainment and concert venues and other state or federally-owned facilities are all closed to the public. You should check your town or county website for details.

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SCHOOLS & UNIVERSITIES

Students in Maryland are also having to adjust during the pandemic. Colleges and universities moved to online learning and closed campus for the semester.

As for K-12, officials announced they would be closed for the remainder of the year, however distance learning continues.

Although students with computer or tablet access have been able to do some learning with the help of teachers, students without access were given packets of work to complete. However, none of the assignments will be graded.

Every Maryland student does have access to free meals. A list of those meal pickup locations can be found here. 

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HOW TO HELP

Although officials are asking people to quarantine and stay away from large crowds there are still ways to help.

Gov. Hogan launched a site called Maryland Unites so that people could find organizations that need their help. The Maryland Medical Reserve Corps is looking for volunteers to help once the state opens coronavirus testing facilities. Meals on Wheels and the Red Cross also need help.

Howard County General Hospital is accepting donations.

You can also support small businesses during their time in need by ordering food or other items online.

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MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

If you need help and are struggling with your mental health during this pandemic there are resources for you:

 

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