The below information is provided by the office of Congressman David Trone and has been edited for space.
The guidance from public health experts, however, remains the same: The best way to protect yourself and your family is to practice good hygiene. Wash your hands, don’t touch your face, cough into your elbow, and keep a safe distance from people who are sick. If you think you are sick, CALL your doctor’s office first.
QUICK HEALTH LINKS
For an immediate, life-threatening emergency, call 911. For all other health concerns, call 211.
CDC
800-232-4636; online at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
Maryland Department of Health
410-767-6500; online at www.health.maryland.gov/coronavirus
Frederick County Health Department
301-600-1029 or 301-600-0312 (after hours); online at https://health.frederickcountymd.gov/
COVID-19 FAQ
What are the symptoms of COVID-19? How does it spread?
Symptoms of COVID-19 primarily include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. These symptoms appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the disease.
COVID-19 spreads between people who are in close contact with one another (about 6 feet) via coughs or sneezes. It may also be spread by touching a surface or object with the virus on it.
People are thought to be most contagious when they are the sickest, although some spread is possible before people show symptoms.
How can I prevent spreading COVID-19?
Prevention starts with practicing good personal health habits:
Wash your hands often with soap and water.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.
Stay home when you’re sick.
Getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids, eating healthy foods, and managing your stress may help you prevent getting COVID-19 and recover from it if you do.
NATIONAL RESOURCES
CDC Coronavirus Information https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
US Health and Human Services (HSS) Statements on U.S. Government Response https://www.hhs.gov/
State Department Travel Advisories
CDC Coronavirus Information for Travel
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) https://step.state.gov/step/
U.S. District Court in Maryland online https://www.mdd.uscourts.gov/
FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS
The Small Business Administration (SBA) can provide small business loans for those impacted by a COVID-19 outbreak. SBA may also be able to assist with export challenges by helping identify alternative markets or providing STEP vouchers to defray costs. Visit https://sba.gov/coronavirus or https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Information/EIDLLoans
FOR FEDERAL AGENCY APPOINTMENTS
If you have an appointment with Social Security Administration (SSA): Online assistance is available here https://www.ssa.gov/locator/
If you have an appointment with the VA: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/n-coronavirus/index.asp
MARYLAND RESOURCES
Maryland Department of Health: www.health.maryland.gov/coronavirus
Governor’s Office: 410-974-3901; online at https://governor.maryland.gov/
Maryland Insurance Administration: 410-468-2000; https://insurance.maryland.gov/Pages/newscenter/NewsDetails.aspx?NR=2020251
FOR EMPLOYEES AND BUSINESSES
Maryland Insurance Administration: 410-468-2000; https://insurance.maryland.gov/Pages/newscenter/NewsDetails.aspx?NR=2020251
Lost business income insurance is subject to the specific terms and conditions of your policy.Contact the broker or agent that sold the policy, the insurance company or the Maryland Insurance Administration with any questions.
Disaster Preparedness Planning for your Business: online at https://mema.maryland.gov/Pages/business.aspx
Financial Assistance for Businesses
The federal Small Business Administration (SBA) may be able to provide assistance through the Economic Injury Disaster Loans program to businesses that have suffered substantial economic injury in an eligible disaster area. The SBA can provide a loan of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses.
Visit: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ and https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-newsroom/press-releases-media-advisories/sba-provide-disaster-assistance-loans-small-businesses-impacted-coronavirus-covid-19
Export Assistance for Businesse
ExportMD Program helps to offset some of the costs of marketing internationally for Maryland’s small and mid-sized companies. Visit:https://commerce.maryland.gov/fund/programs-for-businesses/exportmd-program
The SBA’s Export Working Capital Program can help small businesses obtain working capital advances from lenders on export orders, export receivables or letters of credit. SBA’s Senior International Credit Officers can work directly with an impacted company to explain theprogram and application process. Visit: https://www.sba.gov/content/financing-your-small-business-exports-foreign-investments-or-projects-0
The Maryland Department of Labor Division of Unemployment Insurance (DUI) pays temporary benefits to workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own and meet the program’s eligibility requirements. The program also connects customers through a range of Workforce Development service, including career planning and guidance, training, and employment opportunities. Please visit the website for more information: http://labor.maryland.gov/employment/uibenefits.shtml
FOR FREDERICK COUNTY
Frederick County Health Department Coronavirus updates https://health.frederickcountymd.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=271
Frederick County Health Department, 301-600-1029 or 301-600-0312 (after hours); online at https://health.frederickcountymd.gov/
Frederick County Division of Emergency Management,301-600-6790; online at https://frederickcountymd.gov/2001/Emergency-Management
Frederick County Circuit Court, 301-600-1976; online at https://www.courts.state.md.us/clerks/frederick
Frederick County Public Schools, 301-644-5000; online at https://www.fcps.org/
Hospitals
●Frederick Health, 240-566-3300; online at https://www.frederickhealth.org/
Thank you so much for your resilience. Stay safe and take care of yourself and each other.
— David
