Covid-19 Update - March 30th
Today, the Governor issued a Stay at Home Directive beginning at 8:00pm tonight. This means all Marylanders should remain at home with limited exceptions. Essential businesses can remain open and delivery options for restaurants remain unchanged. States across the country are implementing similar measures to keep everyone safe and flatten the curve. This disruption to our lives is necessary at this time to keep our hospitals below capacity so healthcare providers can care for all of those who need it.
The Governor’s latest Executive Order also bans the gathering or 10 or more people. Any person who knowingly and willfully violates this Order is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding one year or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.
You can see the Governor’s Executive Order here.
Other Useful Information
Unemployment Insurance
We understand that the call lines at are busy, it is recommend that you use the website if you can, an additional server has been added:
https://secure-2.dllr.state.md.us/NetClaims/Welcome.aspx
Also the call center has extended their hours. They are 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
You can see a full FAQ list on Unemployment Insurance here.
Gatherings of 10+ People
According to the Governor’s EO, the order applies to "social, community, spiritual, religious, recreational, leisure, and sporting gatherings" of 10 or more people.
1099/Independent Contractors
We are watching the federal legislation that could expand unemployment benefits to independent contractors. In the meantime, the best thing to do is to send an email to the Dept. of Commerce at fpaaworkflowcoordinator.commerce@maryland.gov. You should receive a response and guidance fairly quickly.
Maryland Business Assistance
The Maryland Department of Commerce is offering three new business assistance programs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic:
Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Loan Fund: This loan fund is only available to for-profit businesses. It offers loans up to $50,000 (not to exceed three months of cash operating expenses) with no interest or principal payments due for the first 12 months. After 12 months, the loans convert to a 36-month term loan of principal and interest payments, with an interest rate at 2% per annum. Businesses must have 50 employees or fewer and demonstrate financial stress or disrupted operations.
Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Fund: This grant program is only available to businesses and nonprofits with 50 or fewer employees. It offers grants up to $10,000, not to exceed 3 months of demonstrated cash operating expenses for the first quarter of 2020.
Maryland COVID-19 Emergency Relief Manufacturing Fund: This incentive program helps Maryland manufacturers to produce personal protective equipment (PPE) which is urgently needed by hospitals and health-care workers across the country.
If you have specific questions about these funds, please email fpaaworkflowcoordinator.commerce@maryland.gov.
Other Information For Businesses
Check out the business express website for questions and information for businesses https://govstatus.egov.com/md-coronavirus-business as well as Labor's website for the layoff aversion grants http://www.labor.maryland.gov/employment/covidlafund.shtml
Childcare Center Updates
Starting March 27 at 5 p.m., child care centers were closed with the exception of those designated for centers for essential workers. A child care provider can sign up to care for essential employees’ children by contacting their licensing specialist and completing an application. Others will have to contact Steven Hicks, Assistant State Superintendent for Early Childhood at steven.hicks@maryland.gov.
Updated Maryland Statistics
Statistics and other helpful information can be found at: https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/
SNAP Benefits
Maryland's SNAP benefit recipients have been granted an six-month extension amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Those with benefits expiring in March, April, and May will now be able to hold on to their benefits until September, October and November 2020 respectively. This also includes households with earned income that, by regulation, cannot normally be certified for more than a six-month period.
Marylanders can get information, apply for DHS programs and services, and check the status of applications online at: http://mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us/dashboardClient/#/home, and by calling the DHS Call Center at 1-800-332-6347 (TTY 1-800-735-2258), Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Ventilators in Maryland
There is not presently a shortage of ventilators in Maryland. There are an estimated 1,040 ventilators available according to the Surge Task Force, but it is possible a shortage may exist in the future. More comprehensive information is available here
Update on Methadone:
With the support of the health department, eligible patients are being given multiple days of dosing in order to avoid crowding at methadone clinics. Eligible patients are those deemed to be responsible enough to handle multiple days of dosing without getting into trouble.
The industry is seeking urgent action by Medicaid authorities to authorize reimbursement for telemedicine, which would enable the clinic operators to stay in touch with patients in their homes. It might be helpful for you to weigh in on this issue with senior management.
This crisis could lead to an increase in fatalities among substance users for a variety of reasons, including multi-day dosing at methadone clinics. Telemedicine support will go a long way to reducing this risk.
HELPFUL WEBSITES
Thank you to everyone for cooperating with the Governor’s directives. Please stay safe and keep washing your hands,
Pamela Beidle