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Volunteers come together to provide food and other items to Worcester Co. students – Page 24
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Md. schools closed 4 more weeks State plan being developed for continuation of learning opportunities for students By Morgan Pilz Staff Writer (March 27, 2020) Maryland public schools, including those in Worcester County, will remained closed for an-
other four weeks, State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Salmon announced on Wednesday. During a COVID-19 update meeting held by Gov. Larry Hogan, Salmon declared schools will remain closed until Friday, April 24, and daycare options would remain open for families with essential worker employees who require the service.
“We do not make this decision lightly, however, with the challenges our state and our country, we have a responsibility to ensure the health and safety of our school communities, and the communities at large,” Salmon said. “I’m working in concert with all local school system superintendents, including multiple calls per week, in order to provide the continu-
ity of learning to all of our students in every jurisdiction across the state of Maryland during this time.” Salmon also said the department is working on providing education services during the extended closures. “We are already working very closely with every school system to address issues affecting their ability See CONTINUITY Page 4
Meehan explains basis for closures Mayor: drastic action only way to ensure social distancing
ELIZABETH BONIN/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Atlantic General Hospital’s walk-in clinic on 10th Street in Ocean City has been repurposed as Worcester County’s main coronavirus testing site.
AGH opens testing site By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (March 27, 2020) As of Thursday morning, Maryland had confirmed 580 confirmed cases of COVID-19, or coronavirus. Most of the cases are oc-
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curring in metro and suburban counties, with 164 of them in Montgomery County, 101 in Prince George’s, 81 in Baltimore County, 72 in Baltimore City, 49 in Howard, 41 in Anne Arundel, 14 in Frederick, 10
in Charles, nine in Harford, seven in Calvert, seven in Carroll, five in Wicomico, four in Cecil, four in St. Mary’s, three in Garrett, two in Washington and two in Worcester. See AGH Page 6
By Josh Kim Staff Writer (March 27, 2020) The COVID-19 pandemic is not a joke, it is not a hoax and it is not just another flu — it is a real and dangerous virus that is projected to kill hundreds, if not thousands of Marylanders if it is not quickly contained. That is why Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan and the City Council chose to make the difficult decision on Sunday to close the resort’s beach and Boardwalk to the public, and restrict access on them to residents, until April 15. “We had observed large numbers of people on the Boardwalk, and pockets of crowds on the beach, throughout the last couple of weeks,” Meehan said. “In the best interest of public safety for, not just our residents, but for those out on the Boardwalk exposing them-
selves during a time when we’re encouraging social distancing, that the only way to avoid that [expoRick Meehan sure] would be to take that drastic measure and close our beach and Boardwalk.” Effective Sunday, March 22, at 5 p.m., the Boardwalk and beach, including beach access points, were closed to all nonresidents until April 15. Residents are allowed to walk their dogs and exercise on the beach and Boardwalk, but are restricted to groups of two adults and children. Exercises, such as a surfing, are also permitted. Boardwalk restaurants may remain open, but must do carry out services, only. Although the mayor holds authority to issue emergency declarations sans a City Council vote, he took the matter to the council and reSee MAYOR Page 2
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Mayor says ‘we are in uncharted territory’ Continued from Page 1 ceived its support in a six-to-one vote. The only opposition came from Councilman Matt James, but not because he opposed the decision overall. “The closure of the Boardwalk to nonresidents is not enforceable,” James said, pointing out that officers did not have the legal authority to go up to people and demand proof of residency. “The Ocean City Police Department, in my opinion, has better things to do.” Nonetheless, he voiced his gratitude to the mayor for allowing the decision to be made collectively. “The group collectively made some tweaks to it, and ultimately I think what was passed implemented what the goal of the group was,” James said. The mayor’s declaration was followed by further restrictions imposed by Gov. Larry Hogan on Monday, who announced that all non-essential businesses, organizations and other establishments were to close effective 5 p.m. “Unfortunately many people are still not taking this [pandemic response] seriously,” Hogan said. “There were crowds of people visiting the cherry blossoms in Washington D.C., and large gatherings on the beach in Ocean City and on the
Boardwalk … Let me repeat once again as strongly as I possibly can — if you are engaged in this kind of activity, you are breaking the law and you are literally endangering the lives of your family, your friends and your fellow citizens.” Currently, the state has 580 confirmed cases of COVID-19, or the novel coronavirus, and four death, as of Thursday, March 26. As reported by NPR, the novel coronavirus is two times more contagious than the flu — the former infects two to 2.5 people versus the latter’s 1.3 people. Every year, about 8 percent of the general population contracts the flu, and the flu typically wanes in warm weather. For the coronavirus, scientists estimate anywhere from 25 percent up to 80 percent of the population would become infected without drastic actions taken by individuals, local, state and the federal government. Additionally, of those already infected roughly 20 percent of coronavirus patients suffer conditions severe enough to warrant a hospital stay, which is 10 times the number of people who go to the hospital because of the flu. Recovery from coronavirus symptoms also takes about two times
JOSH KIM/OCEAN CITY TODAY
On Sunday, March 22, Mayor Rick Meehan and the Ocean City Council made the difficult decision to close the Boardwalk and the beach to the public until April 15. As more and more people test positive for COVID-19, Meehan said the choice was necessary to save lives.
longer, and death rates are 10 times greater at a 1 percent death rate, compared to 0.1 percent. Perhaps the most glaring difference is that there is no vaccine or cure for the coronavirus, as there are for the flu. As reported by the New York Times, experts around the world agree that extreme social distancing is one of the most important tactics people can use to stop the spread of COVID-19, and Ocean City has joined
a multitude of cities, states and countries in that effort. “We are in uncharted territory right now, and it’s requiring us to take some measures that we normally wouldn’t even consider, but this is a pandemic that we are facing,” Meehan said. “I think it’s important for all of us to stand together, to work together and to do everything we can to help stop the spread of this virus, to save lives and to hopefully look forward to better times ahead.”
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Despite hardships, businesses push forward Locals take action to help one another and urge OC to fight pandemic together By Josh Kim Staff Writer (March 27, 2020) The novel coronavirus and the state-mandated business closures imposed in its wake have left the local business community trapped in a cloud of fear and uncertainty. “Many owners are truly worried about their employees, many of whom live paycheck to paycheck,” said Susan Jones, Ocean City HotelMotel-Restaurant Association executive director. “While they are filing
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bulk unemployment insurance claims, receiving actual funds isn’t as timely as some would like. Additionally, so many small business owners are also worrying about their financial health — many of them do not claim themselves as employees, so there is not unemployment insurance relief for them.” Jones said local businesses owners are evaluating their financial stability, and some have chosen to close indefinitely until the pandemic abates. “The fluidity of the situation and the minute-by-minute change has everyone anxious, which is why we’ve seen the panic mode with the grocery stores setting in,” Jones said. The American Hotel and Lodging Association found that 44 percent of hotel employees in every state are See DURING Page 5
,JOSH KIM/OCEAN CITY TODAY
T&G Builders & Custom Design will be donating its newspaper and television ad spots to local restaurants and bars struggling from the pandemic shutdown, owner Gary James said.
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Liquor board issues guidance statement Carryout sales permissions, other temporary changes clarified by commissioners (March 27, 2020) In ongoing efforts to provide additional guidance to licensed establishments within Worcester County, the Board of License Commissioners requests that all applicable licensees adhere to the following guidelines to ensure compliance with Gov. Larry Hogan’s Executive Order issued on March 19. • What Class of license may provide carry-out and delivery? Class A, Class B and Class D li-
censed establishments, may make sales of alcoholic beverages for offpremise (packaged goods) consumption only. Licenses approved for only beer and wine may not sell liquor. •What Class of licenses are prohibited from providing carry-out and delivery? Class C Beer and Wine and Class C Beer, Wine, and Liquor are prohibited from providing carry-out and delivery services. • Are Distilleries, Breweries, or Wineries allowed to provide carryout and delivery of alcoholic beverages? Yes. Distillery, Brewery or Winery license holders may provide
carry-out or delivery services for alcoholic beverages that are products produced by the license holder and in sealed containers. • Are there any restrictions on the types of products licensees may offer for carry-out or delivery? Licensees may only offer alcoholic beverages that are manufactured and distributed by wholesalers in sealed containers for carry-out or delivery. • Are license holders allowed to provide alcoholic beverages in cups or other open containers for offpremises consumption? Licensees are strictly prohibited from providing alcoholic beverages in cups or other open containers for off
premises consumption. • Is this a permanent privilege? No. This is a temporary privilege permitted by the Executive Order issued on March 19. This temporary privilege remains effective until the termination of the state of emergency and the proclamation of the catastrophic health emergency. • Sales to minors. Sales to minors are strictly prohibited. A completed Delivery Customer Form must be signed by the customer for each delivery transaction. Visit www.co.worcester.md.us to obtain an application for off-premises permission and delivery customer form.
‘Continuity of learning’ plan in development Continued from Page 1 to provide educational services to all of their students,” Salmon said. “It also should be noted that we will be diligent in providing educational services to our students with disabilities. “Local superintendents have provided me with their plan for the continuity of learning during this additional closure period,” she continued. “My staff at the Maryland Department of Education has been reviewing the plans and determining what supports and resources the state can provide where needed.” More information will be made available in the coming days regarding a statewide plan, she added. Salmon said her department will reassess the situation following the end of the next four weeks of school closures. In addition, childcare and daycare facilities will remain open primarily
for children of essential workers such as pharmacists, food and agricultural workers, healthcare employees, communications, bank employees and energy sector workers. Hogan approved of the decision, and acknowledged that the decision was not easily made. “I just want to take a moment to speak directly to Maryland’s parents, teachers and students,” he said. “I know how incredibly difficult and confusing this last couple of weeks have been for you. Teachers want to know when they’ll be able to get back to their lessons and when they’ll see their students again … and the students want to know when they’ll get back to their normal lives and when they can see their friends and classmates again. “There’s a lot of confusion and fear and anxiety and uncertainty right now,” he continued. “It’s challenging, [but] I just want all of you to know
that there’s nothing more important to us than your health and well-being and education. I want you to know a tremendous group of people – your superintendents, people in your local school system and the State Board of Education – a whole lot of people working across the state … I want to thank them for all their efforts [because] we’re all in this together and we will get through this together.” The Worcester County Board of Education could not be reached for comment at the time of publication. Worcester County Public Schools Superintendent Lou Taylor sent a message out to parents, teachers and students regarding the announcement late Wednesday night. “We know that this news is disappointing to our students, staff and faculty who have been anxious to get back to the normalcy of everyday life, but we wholeheartedly agree that keeping our students, staff, and the families of Worcester County safe and healthy must be the priority at this time,” Taylor said. “I want to reassure you that our school system leaders have been hard at work to prepare in the case of a continued closure.” For instance, Taylor was proud of the recent work done by the schools to help feed students during the school closures and provide school counselors via online services, which will continue to do so. “I hope you will join me in thanking those food service workers and school counselors whose hard work have made these services so successful in meeting our students’ needs,” he said. More importantly, Worcester County educators will work on creating an online program in the meantime. “Our school system plans to shift from enrichment and extension activities to a more structured learning program using our online learning
management system, Schoology,” Taylor said. “Dependent upon a modification to our current school year calendar by the Board of Education, we anticipate students beginning online learning in the following phases: dual enrollment and advanced placement students will begin classes on Monday, March 30; high school students will begin Wednesday, April 1, and both elementary and middle school students will begin on Monday, April 6.” Students who left their laptops at school will be able to make arrangements with the school’s main office to retrieve them. Taylor thanked everyone for their patience. “We are truly a family here in Worcester County, and this crisis has only made our connections more meaningful,” he said. “As we move forward today, know that we are thankful for your patience and understanding as we all embark on this journey of digital learning together.” Baltimore County elementary school teacher and Maryland State Education Association (MSEA) President Cheryl Bost released the following statement following the announcement: “This is a tough decision, but the right call for the safety of our students, educators, and state. It’s heartbreaking to know that so many children will miss out on field trips, art projects, athletics, performances, and the everyday enjoyment of being with friends and learning new things together. We must make sure that food insecure children receive meals and that all school employees, including hourly employees, continue to receive their pay so that they can support their families. Educators have stepped up since the first day schools were closed and will continue to do all we can to support our students as we work together to overcome this crisis.”
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During times of crisis, all must do their part Continued from Page 3 projected to have lost or lose their jobs in coming weeks. Maryland is projected to lose 13,640 in direct hotel operations jobs and 42,361 hotel-supported jobs. “Every hotel in the state and in the country has been affected by this,” said Amy Rohrer, president of the Maryland Lodging & Tourism Association. “There are hotels that are choosing to temporarily suspend operations altogether for the time being. Of the hotels that are operating, many of them have laid off 80 to 90 percent or more of their staff, and some of them are even operating at single digit occupancy levels.” Nevertheless, businesses are adapting to the limitations imposed by the governor, and are attempting to make the best of the situation. Joe Wilson, Coastal Realtors president, said with the governor’s latest executive order issued on Monday, March 23, all home tours would be conducted virtually via FaceTime or other video call apps. ACME Markets has also taken measures to mitigate the spread of the virus, such as plexiglass barriers at registers and signs marking areas six-feet apart to encourage social distancing.
LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Restaurants and bars, such as OC Wasabi on 33rd Street, are adapting to Gov. Larry Hogan’s executive orders requiring them to conduct carryout and delivery services, only.
Additionally, ACME has implemented special store hours for older, pregnant, sick, disabled and immune-compromised customers — Monday through Friday from 7-9 a.m., and requests customers who do not fall into those categories to shop at a different time. Furthermore, the store has enacted product purchase limitations for essential goods like toilet paper and cleaning products, Communications and Public Affairs Manager Dana Ward said. “The safety of our customers and our associates are our top priority,” Ward said. “We are just asking the public to help us help them.” Resort area business owners are also rallying to help each other and to help the community at large. Gary James, T&G Builders & Custom Design owner and Shamrock Realty president and broker, is offering his companies’ paid-for ad space to struggling small businesses. James said he had been about to approve advertisements for his business when he suddenly remembered his time as a small retail business owner. “Small businesses, we live on cash flow and when cash flow is immediately cut off, it’s a hardship,” James said. “Rather than try to promote more business for myself … we decided to take our ad space in the newspaper and also our TV commercials, and devote them to helping local businesses.” A local financial adviser, who asked to remain anonymous, will also donate a full page of ads to local restaurants for a month. “Years ago, many years ago, we had a very difficult time in our family and the Ocean City community really rose up and supported our family,” the business owner said. “At times like this, we really become like family. These are our friends that own these businesses, and I want to support them — they need it … [and] it’s time for all, who can, to give back.” Heather Marinelli, owner of grocery delivery company Salt Air Serv-
JOSH KIM/OCEAN CITY TODAY
Realty agencies, such as Shamrock Realty, also faced state-mandated closures. Joe Wilson, Coastal Realtors president, said the company would look into doing virtual tours.
ices, is waiving delivery and grocery percentage fees to help customers in Ocean City, West Ocean City, Ocean Pines, Fenwick and Bethany. “I know during this time it’s very hard for people, for various reasons, to go to grocery stores,” Marinelli said. “Whether they’re concerned for their health, whether they’re busy with their kids being home from school, whatever the case may be … I want to help so that it makes their lives a little easier … [and] I want to make sure that I’m doing my part for the people of Ocean City and the Delaware beaches.” Rohrer said hotels throughout the state were preparing rooms for first responders and healthcare workers. She also expressed her confidence that the hotel industry would survive the pandemic. “The health and safety of all of our employees and all of our guests are of the utmost importance, and that comes first,” she said. “But when the
travel bans are lifted and the crisis fades, we know that our industry will come back and that people will be eager to travel. We just have to do everything possible to mitigate the affects of the virus and look forward to the day when this is behind us.” The COVID-19 pandemic has struck fear into the hearts of many who are uncertain of the future, but James, Marinelli, Rohrer and many others emphasized the importance of remaining mentally tough and lending a helping hand to one another. “We’re all in this together, and if we support one another in any way we can — we’re going to survive this,” James said. For Marinelli’s grocery delivery services visit saltairservices.com, email saltairsvcs@gmail.com or call her at 302-228-0800 For updates from the Coastal Realtors Association visit https://coastalrealtors.org/COVID19.
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