By: Dan Woomer
The Coronavirus is occurring in the midst of our flu season. Through the flu comes every year, and many end up with exposure, symptoms, and recover, the flu itself should not be taken lightly. If you feel yourself coming down with the flu - take care of yourself. Stay home. Call your doctor and tell them how you are feeling. Follow their instructions. Drink lots of water and Orange Juice. Get at least eight hours of sleep. Eat balanced meals, including at least one hot meal. Note - a cup of coffee or a hot tea does not count as a “hot meal.” However, a cup of hot soup does count. If medications are prescribed, take them as directed. Remember - Stay home, rest, drink lots of fluids, eat, and take your meds.
Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water regularly throughout the day. FYI - Washing your hands in cold water works as well as warm water. It is the soap and lather that release the bacteria and virus from your skin and the running water that rinses them away.
To keep yourself informed about what is happening nationally, in the state of Maryland and here in Anne Arundel County, access these following “Official” accurate and reliable information sources.
The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention:
COVID-19 Facts - https://www.annapolis.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15753/CDC-Guidance---COVID-19-Facts?bidId=
How to Protect Yourself - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fabout%2Fprevention.html
Symptoms and Testing - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/index.html
What To Do if You Are Sick - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fabout%2Fsteps-when-sick.html
How to prepare and take action for COVID-19 - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html
Cases and the Latest Updates - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/index.html
Current Situation Summary - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/summary.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fsummary.html
Criteria to Guide Evaluation and Laboratory Testing for COVID-19 - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-criteria.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fclinical-criteria.html
Maryland:
Latest information updates from the Maryland Governor’s Office - https://governor.maryland.gov/coronavirus/
Maryland Corona Virus Updates and Situation Reports (for Medical Personnel) - https://health.maryland.gov/laboratories/Pages/Novel-Coronavirus.aspx
If you need help on a constituent or legislative issue, Senator Pam Beidle and her staff will be teleworking and available by email at pamela.beidle@senate.state.md.us. Senator Beidle and her staff will also be monitoring their office voicemail so if you cannot email please can call the Senator’s office at 410.841.3593 and leave a voicemail, they will respond as soon as possible.
Anne Arundel County:
Corona Virus Updates, Closures and other Information - https://www.aacounty.org/coronavirus/
The Anne Arundel County Health Department has a COVID -19 Health line - Their phone number is: 410.222.7256. This health line is operated answered by an actual employee who can answer your questions about this virus. The Health line is operational: Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 10:30 pm, and Saturday – Sunday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Senior Citizens - For information about senior center closures, in need of daily meals, or would like to be added to the County daily call list, call 410.222.4257, or email at info_and_assistance@aacounty.org.
Meals for Children - Anne Arundel County Public Schools will serve free meals to children ages 2 to 18 at 52 sites across the county from Monday through Friday. Children will receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a single pickup. Adults may not pick up meals for children. For a complete list of sites go to https://www.aacps.org/mealpickup.
Resources for Businesses and Employees - The Maryland Department of Labor has compiled a resource guide for Employer & Worker assistance, Taxes & Financial Assistance, and Licensing & Permitting. Go to: https://businessexpress.maryland.gov/coronavirus , or email ssl.assistance@maryland.gov, or call 410.767.2352.
For those facing financial hardship, the Anne Arundel County Sheriff will not be enforcing eviction notices during the crisis or suspending water service. BGE is also suspending service disconnections and waiving new late payment charges at least until May 1st, and will be working with customers on a case-by-case basis to establish payment arrangements and identify energy assistance options. BGE assistance programs are in place to help customers through temporary or extended financial hardship. For more information go to the BGE Assistance website at: https://www.bge.com/MyAccount/CustomerSupport/Pages/AssistancePrograms.aspx.
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). To learn more about SBA's Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to COVID-19, and for updates from the City of Annapolis visit https://www.annapolis.gov/1631/COVID-19-Business-Resources.
If a business experiences a temporary or permanent layoff, the Labor’s Division of Unemployment Insurance’s Bulk Claim Services can open unemployment insurance claims for all affected employees. Businesses should contact a Claims Representative by emailing dluibulkclaims-dllr@maryland.gov, or calling 410.767.3252.
Federal Tax Deadline for Businesses Extended - To assist businesses affected by the economic impact of COVID-19, business-related tax filing deadlines have been extended to June 1st. The June 1st extension applies to certain business returns with due dates during the months of March, April and May 2020 for businesses filing sales and use tax, withholding tax, and admissions & amusement tax, as well as alcohol, tobacco and motor fuel excise taxes, tire recycling fee and bay restoration fee returns.
Business taxpayers who file and pay by the extended due date will receive a waiver of interest and penalties.
ALL NOTE - If the IRS extends its April 15th filing deadline for corporate and individual income tax returns, Maryland will conform to the decision of the IRS. The agency has set up a dedicated email address: taxpayerrelief@marylandtaxes.gov to assist businesses with extension-related questions. Business owners can also call the Comptroller's Ombudsman at 410.260.4020.
Insurance - The Maryland Insurance Administration has put together an FAQ addressing insurance-related questions about coronavirus. Go to: https://insurance.maryland.gov/Pages/newscenter/NewsDetails.aspx for more information.
AND ONE MORE THING - CYBER SECURITY WARNING
They are unscrupulous people who are trying to take advantage of us during the pandemic we are working through. Already reports are in that apps are out advertising you can “track” the virus, and get updates about the virus. These app contain malware designed to steal your personal and financial information. DO NOT download and install any app. Get you information on the Coronavirus from the sources listed above - OR - official government websites. If you get an email that includes such an app, DELETE THE EMAIL IMMEDIATELY!
Stay safe, stay healthy & God bless us all.