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MAY 22, 2020
SERVING NORTHERN WORCESTER COUNTY
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Ocean City establishments only offering carryout, but are preparing for dine-in service – Page 13
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Bertino replies to AGH on its loss of funding
LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
TUBE TOPS Fish Tales on 22nd Street, bayside, unveiled its new, custom tables made by Revolution Event Design and Production of Baltimore to help keep customers six feet apart. It is just one of the ways Ocean City restaurants are adjusting to social distancing guidelines. See story on page 13.
By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (May 22, 2020) Armed with a prepared statement, Worcester County Commissioner Chip Bertino on Tuesday defended the commissioners’ decision last week to revoke the county’s $175,000 grant to Atlantic General Hospital. Bertino, who joined the other commissioners via their now customary Zoom meeting, offered a detailed rebuttal to criticism of that move from the public and AGH leadership. During the commissioner’s budget work session on May 12, the county zeroed out the grant, and cited as one of its reasons that 40 percent of emergency room visits are from Sussex County, Delaware. The commissioners contended that Sussex County provided no funding to Atlantic General and therefore it was wrong
Letter seeks relief for restaurants By Josh Kim Staff Writer (May 22, 2020) As Memorial Day weekend begins, resort officials, business leaders, the Worcester County Commissioners and state representatives are urging Gov. Larry Hogan to allow outdoor dining for restaurants and bars. “Without the ability to move forward as requested, I fear the Town of Ocean City will be placed in an untenable situation and unnecessary health and safety risks will arise,” Mayor Rick Meehan said in a letter to the
Rick Meehan
governor. Meehan’s letter also asks that outdoor seating, if not already in existence, to be permitted on premises, but at 50 percent capacity and per local zoning office ap-
proval. Last Wednesday, Hogan announced the commencement of phase one of his recovery plan, which lifted the stay-at-home order and reopened certain businesses and per-
sonal services effective last Friday. Restaurants and bars, were not reopened, however, and remain conducting carryout services only. Following Hogan’s announcement, Meehan announced last Thursday during a special council session that his short-term rental ban would be repealed as well, effective that afternoon. This sudden freedom, coupled with great weather, led to a not-sosoft opening last weekend, as people flocked to the resort. See HOLIDAY Page 2
for Worcester residents to shoulder that burden alone. After last week’s meeting, Atlantic General CEO Michael Franklin countered in a public statement that the hospital does receive support from Delaware for critically ill patients. He added that he was disappointed that the county withdrew its support in the Chip Bertino fourth year of its five-year financial pledge. Bertino, however, said Tuesday that Worcester made no such pledge to the hospital. “In February 2017, Mr. Franklin informed the commissioners that AGH would seek a county commitment for a $1 million pledge to be paid over five years,” Bertino See BERTINO Page 3
County to award $330K to resort for WOC service By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (May 22, 2020) When the Worcester County Commissioners discussed adjustments to their proposed FY21 budget on Tuesday, the most notable increase was in funding for the Ocean City and Stockton Volunteer Fire Departments. With the revisions from the budget work session last week, the See COUNTY Page 2
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Ocean City Today
MAY 22, 2020
Holiday arrives with no outdoor dining menu Continued from Page 1 City Manager Doug Miller said during Monday’s council meeting that the city had been “caught off guard,” and some Boardwalk vendors expressed being overwhelmed by the unanticipated stream of people. Photos and videos of the Boardwalk that day show people crowded together. Susan Jones, Ocean City HotelMotel-Restaurant Association, told Ocean City Today that the Boardwalk crowding problem had been perpetuated because no other amusements were open, leaving the beach and Boardwalk as the only place to go. Last weekend was an eye-opener for resort officials, who anticipate and even greater number of people for Memorial Day weekend — the official start date of the resort’s summer season. Though, a bleak weather forecast for this weekend may act as crowd control. The council discussed the issue on Monday, and some members expressed their desire to see more than just outdoor seating reopen. “I’m in a position where I would like our governor to do the 50 percent occupancy indoors where [it] impacts all of our restaurants that do not have outdoor [seating], of course all of
their staff are going to have to maintain PPE regulations and sanitation,” Councilman Mark Paddack said. “I get the steps, I get [going in increments], but it’s time to move on.” “Instead of asking for specific variants … I think we should ask the governor to leave it [the decision to reopen restaurants and bars] up to counties or municipalities,” Councilman Matt James said. “I think what we have going on here and what we have to offer is much different than some of the other counties in the state. I think we probably have much more outdoor dining available than any other county in the state.” Meehan said during a conversation with the governor’s Chief of Staff Matthew Clark last Friday, Clark had indicated that the governor had no intentions of straying from his reopening timeline. As of Wednesday, Hogan has been silent on the issue. “Being realistic, and I’ve said this before and I want to say it again, the governor is sticking to his plan, and we opened phase one on May 15, according to his plan,” Councilman Tony DeLuca said. DeLuca said if key metrics, hospitalization rates, ICU stays and deaths, continued to plateau or decline for 14 days, phase two would likely occur on
May 29. During Monday’s meeting, DeLuca asked once again for more guidance on reopening pools. The question had been brought up during last Thursday’s special council session. “Semi-public pools are able to open, recreational pools are still closed. Social distancing should be practice at all times when in the water,” County Health Officer Becky Jones told Ocean City Today in a statement. Most condos and hotels are classified as semi-public, but any facility
that charges a fee or has water play equipment would fall under the recreational classification. Pools are still subject to the governor’s executive order limiting social gatherings of more than 10 people. Ocean City Today also requested clarification on carryout regulations, as there has been confusion over what constituted as “off-premises” for Boardwalk restaurants. “Ordering carry-out from a restaurant and sitting off-premises, such as a nearby public space, is allowed,” Jones said.
County will pay for WOC service Continued from Page 1 new budget’s revenue is estimated at $204.3 million and expenses at $203.8 million, leaving the county with a surplus of a little more than $551,000. Harold Higgins, chief administrative officer, reported that he offered Ocean City an additional $184,000 to provide ambulance service to West Ocean City, but that the city had yet to respond to the offer. County Commissioner Joseph Mitrecic countered that the county had moved at the last session to pro-
vide the funding Ocean City said it needed, not to negotiate with them. Higgins responded that he misinterpreted what the commissioners said, and that Ocean City had reduced its original request from more than $400,000 to $330,000, which he reduced to $184,000. “I do not believe the current summer activity will be the same, which is why we made some of the comments we did,” Higgins said. Higgins also reported that when the county offered the Stockton deSee RESORT Page 3
MAY 22, 2020
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Ocean City Today
Bertino: rising fire, rescue costs come first Continued from Page 1 said. “During its deliberations that year, the commissioners voted not to commit county funds to an ongoing pledge drive, but did approve a single $100,000 grant for the capital campaign.” He added that the county gave the
hospital one-time grants in fiscal years 2019 and 2020 as well. Bertino said that the commissioners are still attuned to the public’s healthcare needs as they focus on funding emergency services and the volunteer fire companies. “From fire trucks to ambulances,
protective gear to training, costs are rising,” Bertino said. “A fire truck can cost upwards of a million dollars. The cost of an outfitted ambulance isn’t far behind.” He said volunteer fire companies have been struggling to recruit and retain employees because of intensi-
Resort to be paid for WOC service Continued from Page 2 partment $11,000 in funding for another full-time employee, Stockton Fire Chief and President of the Fire Chiefs Association Tim Jerscheid declined the offer. “He felt that by singling out a full reimbursement for Stockton, that wasn’t fair to the other companies,” Higgins said. Mitrecic expressed frustration that in both cases, what the commissioners had moved for had not been done. “We’ve backpedaled and we’ve changed that,” Mitrecic said. “I don’t think that’s productive. What was made in the motion should’ve been put in the budget.” County Commissioner Ted Elder said he felt it would be unfair to give Ocean City more funding for ambulance services than the other companies, especially since calls in Ocean City and West Ocean City are estimated to decrease this summer. “Ocean City is getting ready to turn a profit on ambulance services to West Ocean City,” Elder said. “There’s no other ambulance service in the whole county that’s making money. They’re breaking even at best.” County Commissioner Joshua Nordstrom reminded commissioners that fully funding an additional full-
time employee for Stockton was requested and prioritized. “It wasn’t about being fair or unfair, it was about the safety of the citizens in the southern end of the county because having one full-time employee in Stockton alleviated pressure at four different companies,” Nordstrom said. Mitrecic clarified that the actual cost for Ocean City to run ambulances to West Ocean City is nearly a million when including equipment. “I don’t that Ocean City is going to make a profit by any means,” Mitrecic said. “I think this is what they’re looking at and they think is a fair number.” He asked the county to give Ocean City an additional $330,000 for runs to West Ocean City and to add back
in the full-time employee for Stockton. “If they choose not to take that money, that’s up to their membership,” Mitrecic said. Other revisions to the budget were reducing the Worcester County Detention Center’s revenue from immigration and customs enforcement by $1 million, reducing jail expenses by $175,750 and adding in two assigned fund balance projects – schematic design fees for Stephen Decatur Middle School and for the Pocomoke Warriors program. The commissioners also agreed to fund three new plant operator positions for a total of $126,407. With Tuesday’s revisions, the budget surplus was reduced to $377,297.
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fied training mandates. “The volunteer companies have begun paying emergency medical technicians so that when an ambulance rolls up to emergency, a welltrained, qualified professional is on the scene,” Bertino said. “This is not inexpensive.” The commissioners have increased grant amounts, funded scholarships for new recruit training, increased retirement compensation for service of 25 years or more and raised allocations for ambulance runs. “Directing financial resources to other essential health care concerns within our county in no way diminishes the high regard AGH is held, nor overlooks the vital contribution it makes to our county,” Bertino said. He also said Sussex County’s funding had no effect on his decision to support zeroing out the hospital’s grant. Finally, Bertino said creating the FY21 budget has been especially difficult because of the uncertain economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. “Despite our best intentions, there will be disappointment, Bertino said. “For me, in this landscape of questionable revenue projections, it is best that the limited funding available be directed to our emergency responders in EMS, to EMTs and volunteer fire companies.”
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PAGE 4
Ocean City Today
MAY 22, 2020
Nursing home records eight covid-19 deaths By Elizabeth Bonin Staff Writer (May 22, 2020) All eight of Worcester County’s coronavirus-related deaths have been at the Berlin Nursing Home. It has recorded 19 staff cases and 45 resident cases. Worcester County has reached 181 cases and eight deaths, according to the Maryland Health Department. This is an increase of 54 from last week. According to the Worcester County Health Department, most of the deaths have been women in their
80s. One of the deaths was probable – the individual was never tested. There are 98 cases in the Berlin and Ocean Pines 21811 zip code, 16 cases in the Toni Keiser Ocean City 21842 zip code, 17 in the Snow Hill 21863 zip code and 49 in the Pocomoke City 21851 zip code. A zip code must have at least eight cases to be listed. Ninety-six people have been re-
leased from public monitoring. Worcester has conducted 1,717 coronavirus tests. As of Thursday, Maryland had 43,531. As of Wednesday morning, there was one coronavirus patient in the intensive care unit at Atlantic General, three in the med/surg unit and zero in the medical intensive care unit, which was created specifically for patients with coronavirus, according to Toni Keiser, vice president for public relations. The hospital has released 11 patients so far. This week marked the
hospital’s first patient off a ventilator. As of Thursday, next door Wicomico had 844 cases and Sussex County has 3,960 cases. According to Toni Keiser, vice president for public relations for Atlantic General Hospital, said that although the hospital is saving lives throughout the pandemic, it is seeing a potentially dangerous trend – the number of patients coming in for emergency treatment is declining. “Evidence suggests that people with serious health conditions or symptoms may be avoiding hospitals
MAY 22, 2020
PAGE 5
Ocean City Today
Non-coronavirus medical care safe out of fear of catching covid-19 or contributing to its spread,” Keiser said. “Yet, delaying or avoiding care can lead to complications, long-term health problems, and, in some cases, death.” She reiterated that with Gov. Larry Hogan’s lifting of the restriction on medical procedures, it is safe to seek out non-coronavirus care. “It is critical, as we continue to respond to the needs of covid-19 patients, that community members experiencing non-covid health concerns seek out the medical treatment they need,” Kesier said. “We stand ready to ensure our community has access to medically necessary treatment that will prevent their health from worsening during this difficult time.”
The Worcester County Health Department said that as Maryland moves toward recovery, residents and visitors should remember healthy habits. “Wash your hands frequently, continue with social distancing and wear a face covering wherever required,” the department said in a statement. “’Phase One’ doesn’t mean we are out of the woods yet. I’s okay to enjoy the outdoors and visit business as they reopen. But do so safely and with minimal contact while following all executive orders from Governor Hogan.” To treat patients, Atlantic General is asking for plasma donations from coronavirus survivors. This is for a Mayo Clinic study through the Blood Bank of Delmarva.
Coronavirus cases in Worcester County timeline: March 19 – Worcester County confirms its first case of coronavirus, a man in his 30s. March 21 – A woman in her 20s tests positive. March 30 – A third positive case diagnosed out of state is confirmed. April 1 – A woman in her 20s tests positive. April 2 – A man in his 40s tests positive; health department releases three cases from public monitoring. April 4 – A man in his 40s and a woman in her 60s test positive. April 5 – A man in his 60s and a woman in her 30s test positive. April 6 – A man in his 40s tests for a total of 10 positive cases in Worcester; four total cases have been released from public monitoring. April 9 – Six more people test pos-
itive. April 13 – Five more people test positive. April 15 – An out-of-county resident tests positive. April 16 – Three more people test positive for a total of 25 cases; nine individuals have been released from public monitoring. April 20 – Worcester counts a total of 33 cases; 11 individuals have been released from public monitoring. April 21 – One more person tests positive; 13 individuals have been released from public monitoring. April 24 – Five more cases diagnosed; 18 cases have been released from monitoring. April 25 – Two cases are diagnosed. April 26 – Two cases are diagnosed for a total of 48. Continued on Page 6
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Ocean City Today
MAY 22, 2020
Coronavirus cases in Worcester County timeline:
LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
VISITORS RETURN The Ocean City Boardwalk was bustling with activity last Saturday. A majority of the people followed the social distancing guidelines. Wearing masks outdoors is not required, but the town does suggest a face covering for personal safety.
Continued from Page 5 April 27 – Five people test positive. April 28 – One person tests positive; 23 cases have been released from monitoring; a woman in her 80s has died. April 29 – Worcester has 55 confirmed cases. April 30 – Six people test positive for a total of 61 cases; 26 cases have been released from monitoring; a second case dies. May 3 – Worcester counts 75 cases; 29 have been released from monitoring; a third death is probable. May 4 – Five more people are diagnosed. May 5 – One more person is diagnosed; 40 have been released from monitoring May 6 – Five more cases are confirmed; three more people are released from monitoring May 7 – Ten more people are diagnosed for 96 total; 47 total have been released from monitoring May 8 – Two people are diagnosed; one is released from monitoring May 9 – Four people are diagnosed; three are released from monitoring; another death is
recorded May 10 – Four people are diagnosed; one is released from monitoring May 11 – Seven people are diagnosed May 12 – One person is diagnosed May 13 – 11 people are diagnosed for a total of 125; eight people are released from monitoring May 14 – Two people are diagnosed; seven people are released from monitoring May 15 - Four people are diagnosed; four are released from monitoring May 17 - Six people are diagnosed; sixteen people are released from monitoring; six people total have died May 18 - 27 people are diagnosed for a total of 164; four people are released from monitoring May 19 - two more people are released from monitoring May 20 – Five people are diagnosed; one more person is released from monitoring; eight people total have died May 21 – 12 more people are diagnosed for a total of 181; three more people are released from monitoring for a total of 96
Weekly local, statewide and nationwide covid-19 update By Josh Kim Staff Writer (May 22, 2020) Here is what has occurred locally, statewide and nationally in regards to the coronavirus pandemic, since last Thursday. Local May 14, 2020 — The Ocean City Mayor and Council held a special council session, during which Mayor Rick Meehan lifted his short-term rental ban, which had originally been slated to end on May 22. City officials also asked County Health Officer Becky Jones for clarification on hotel reopenings and carryout technicalities. Shortly thereafter, the Worcester County Commissioners followed suit and lifted the county rental ban. May 18, 2020 — Meehan sent a letter to Gov. Larry Hogan urging the governor to allow restaurants with outdoor seating to reopen this weekend. He also made a request for restaurants with no outdoor seating to be permitted to create outdoor seating at a limited capacity. May 20, 2020 — As of Wednesday morning, Worcester County had 169 confirmed cases of covid-19, seven deaths and one probable death. State May 19, 2020 — Hogan announces
appointment free testing to those who may have come into contact with covid-19, symptomatic or not. Testing will roll out gradually beginning on Thursday. May 20, 2020 — As of Wednesday morning, Maryland had 42,323 confirmed cases, 2,004 deaths, 173,007 negative test results, 2,993 patients released from isolation and 1,410 people currently hospitalized. National May 14, 2020 — Another 3 million Americans filed for unemployment the week before, bringing the total count to 36 million. May 15, 2020 — The House passed a $3 trillion stimulus package, but it is unlikely to receive Senate approval. May 18, 2020 — Drug manufacturer Moderna said it saw promising results in early coronavirus vaccine trials. Following the drug trial announcement, the Dow Jones Industrial jumped by more than 900 points. May 19, 2020 — Carbon emissions plunge by 17 percent following global lockdowns. The decrease in greenhouse gases, however, is expected to be temporary. May 20, 2020 — As of Wednesday morning, the United States has 1.5 million confirmed cases of covid-19 and 90,340 deaths.
MAY 22, 2020
PAGE 7
Ocean City Today
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The Ocean City Council approved a firework contract on Monday, stating the city needed it more than ever after months of hardship caused by covid-19.
City signs firework contract, date and locations up in air By Josh Kim Staff Writer (May 22, 2020) The Ocean City Council signed a fireworks contract Monday evening, but when and where the displays will take place remains up in the air. “Much of what we do is governed by what a gathering is,” he said, referencing the covid-19 large gathering restrictions, “but we have to make some decisions on Fourth of July fireworks,” City Manager Doug Miller said. “We have a contract with our provider that we will have a fireworks show at the cost of $55,000. Now knowing we are in the middle of covid-19, July 4th may or may not go, but the provider has offered two dates.” Those dates were Aug. 7, and the other Sept. 5., and if the city signed the contract, it would be required to put down a non-refundable deposit of $13,750 to purchase the fireworks. The fireworks would take place on the beach and at Northside Park on 125th Street, but live music planned for the event have been canceled. There were several issues the mayor and council had to discuss — timing, show viability and finances. Regardless of the date of the actual show, the city would need time to obtain Coast Guard permits to launch fireworks over the water. Additionally, city officials also had to decide whether it wanted to risk losing the $13,750 in the event that Gov. Larry Hogan did not loosen, or perhaps tightened, social gathering restrictions. Nonetheless, several councilmembers expressed their desire to see the contract signed. “I think we should move forward with the fireworks,” Councilman Matt James said. “The beach, Boardwalk
and parks are all open, it’s up to people to maintain distance and like it’s been said many times, if you’re at risk, it would be best if you didn’t go out. Those people know who they are, and we should let everybody else enjoy the fireworks and the Fourth of July celebration.” Mayor Rick Meehan, however, disagreed, noting how crowded the beach and Boardwalk gets during the firework display. “Down at North Division Street … it is one entire mass of people, you cannot even walk out onto the beach,” Meehan said. “There are so many people, and when they are over [the fireworks] the mass exodus of people just pouring out of there — if there’s anything contrary to social distancing that would be it.” Councilman Mark Paddack countered that the event would take place six weeks from Monday, and reiterated James’ point of personal responsibility. Special Events Superintendent Frank Miller reminded the council that there were two contingency dates, and said if none of those dates worked there would be a possibility of moving the fireworks to New Year’s Eve. “Regardless, of which date we decide to do, with the exception of New Year’s Eve, we need to start working on permits now, because the Coast Guard requires that we put in the Fourth of July date, as well as the two contingency dates, in one permit application,” Miller said. Councilman Dennis Dare opposed having fireworks on the Fourth of July, regardless of the restrictions, with a preference for the Sept. 5, date. “I think we should set an example See FIREWORKS Page 8
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