The weather yesterday was wonderful.  Today’s weather includes the chance all day for showers and/or thunderstorms.  The high will be near 62 degrees today and the low will be about 53.

I keep hearing stories of people “chipping-in” and helping out others in need during the COVID-19 crisis. Well, I happen to live with one.  She has been making masks for many friends and family members all over the country and also working, with her Oakland Civic Club colleagues, to make masks for local instiutions such as Hospice and Dennet Road Nursing Home.  Here she is in our kitchen showing off some of the face masks she and her buddies in Civic have made.  Thanks ladies!

Helping Out During COVID-19 Crisis

The Garrett County Department of Solid Waste & Recycling has announced that, due to the COVID-19 crisis, plastic recycling will be suspended. Limited resources have forced the contracted recycling company to no longer accept the #1 and #2 plastics for recycling. Once the roll-off container currently available at each of the county collection sites is filled, the plastic recycling will be suspended until further notice.

Garrett County Health Department yesterday reported a fourth positive COVID-19 case in the county.  The fourth case is a woman in her 20s who traveled outside of the area. She followed the Governor’s guidelines and has self-isolated since her return, and is currently recovering at home. Total COVID-19 testing numbers for Garrett County residents as of Monday, April 6th, are as follows:

154 – specimens processed

4 – total positive results for Garrett County residents

100 – negative results for Garrett County residents

50 – pending tests results

2 – of the positive cases have recovered and have been released from isolation

1 – of the positive cases remains isolated at home

1 – of the positive cases remains hospitalized

NOTE: The recommendation to wear a cloth face covering was recently added to a growing list of measures the public is asked to take to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Around 68 percent of Americans who observe Easter say their Easter spending will be affected by the coronavirus this year, according to WalletHub’s new Coronavirus Easter Survey, released yesterday. Here’s some key stats from the study:

• Worshippers don’t want to stay home: 56% of Americans who went to church on Easter Sunday last year say they will go to church for Easter this year, if it is open.
• Republicans are more likely to attend services: Republicans are almost three times more likely than Democrats to attend church on Easter this year, if it is open.
• Pandemics make us appreciate family and health more: The coronavirus has made Americans most grateful for their family (40%), followed by health (29%) and then freedom (13%).
• Traditional Easter spending is down: Almost half of Easter-celebrating Americans are skipping out on candy, new outfits and Easter foods this year, in contrast with prior years.
• COVID-19 itself is scarier than financial troubles: 68% of Americans are more worried about the coronavirus than the U.S. economy.
• Many Americans think lockdowns should last: About half of Americans believe that non-essential business, restaurants and travel should not restart for at least 3 months.

Have a great Tuesday folks…

Great weather over the weekend, especially Sunday until mid-afternoon, when some rain came.  Today’s weather will be mostly sunny, with a high near 61 degrees. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. There’s a chance of showers tonight, mainly after 4:00 am, with increasing clouds earlier, and a low around 45.

Speaking of the weather, the sunny and warm weather has certainly created a “bloom” amongst lake-area flora and fauna. Went for a short hike with my wife Sunday afternoon and I almost stepped on a snake on a gravel road near my house.  It was a juvenile garden snake (certainly non-venemous) but our walks ( and slither?) almost intesected!  All good and s/he went on his/her way and got “lost” in the underbrush shortly thereafter.

Here’s a photo from June Harvey, taken last summer from her family’s cabin. They bought it in 1948 so they are entering their 72nd summer on Deep Creek Lake.  Wow!  Thanks June for sharing and congratulations to your faqmily for enjoying 72 years on the lake.  Summer is on the way!

Cabin View from Last Summer

We have published our monthly Cover Story for April.  This month’s edition is titled “Making the Most of Your Time at Home” and it discusses some options and resources for these times of self-quarantine in and around your home at the lake. There’s even instructions, via a link, on how to build your own cloth mask.  Check it out.  I hope you enjoy!

I want to thank Clint B. for his insightful comments on the “Bear Markets Come and Go” article we posted and I referenced in Daily notes a week or so ago. While all bear markets eventually end, and end “relatively” quickly, there are a number of National, state and local factors that can and likely will come into play with this COVID-19 induced contraction. No one knows for sure what the recovery will look like and when it will come, and there are sure to be some lingering effects from the current situation. While job-1 is taking care of our collective and individual health, the economic future is hard to predict this time around.

Confirmed cases of coronavirus in Maryland have increased to at least 3,609 Sunday, with the death toll now at 67, officials said.  To my knowledge, there are still only three confirmed cases in Garrertt County as I write these Notes.

The Health Department, through the Joint Information Center Team yesterday, made the recommendation for all to wear a cloth face covering in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.  CDC’s studies are showing that people who have no symptoms may still be COVID-19 positive and can unknowingly transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing—even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms. Locations where these transmissions could happen include places such as restaurants offering carryout or drive thru, grocery stores, pharmacies, and medical settings.

Finally, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan on Sunday afternoon issued an emergency order aimed at limiting the spread of the coronavirus in nursing homes, many of which have been ravaged by outbreaks in the state and across the country. Among the measures, nursing home staff who interact with residents will be required to wear personal protective equipment, which includes a face mask, appropriate eye protection, gloves and a gown.

Stay safe, healthy and happy dear readers and have a great Monday…

The weather today will be sunny, with a high near 51 and a low around 34. Breezy, with a northwest wind 18 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Saturday will be mostly sunny with a high near 55 and a low around. 39. Sunday will be scattered showers, mainly after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 57 and a low around 41.

We had storms roll in late afternoon yesterday.

With the new April edition comes the Featured Photo of the Month; check it out —  it’s a neat view of a downtown Oakland feature.

The “Where Am I?” contest is posted, too. Don’t think too hard on this one!

Yesterday we had posted some guidance on “essential” businesses from the County but, as turns out, there were a few inaccuracies. Our apologies for this — the Federal guidance on “essential” businesses and sectors can be found at https://www.cisa.gov/publication/guidance-essential-critical-infrastructure-workforce.

Our friends at Railey Realty are sharing “Zoom Backgrounds” for your online work conferences. It’s just like you’re here at the Lake! There are more than 10 Deep Creek backgrounds to download.

I’m happy to report I have seen our community working together in so many different ways: there have been so many local restaurants donating food to our first-line workers and essential employers. Also, I saw a generous donation to a local assisted living home, Cherry Hill, when a resident shared a sign that said “I’m doing well – send peanuts” and another sign said, “send chocolate”.

Keep these wonderful humans in your thoughts and prayers. Stay well this weekend.

The weather today will be sunny, with a high near 45 and a low around 31. Northwest wind 11 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.

Despite the recent challenges, there’s a new business in town! Check out our “What’s New Around Town” page for more info on this crazy-good barbeque.

Governor Hogan has recently issued a Stay at Home Directive which has raised some questions. During this COVID-19 crisis, the Garrett County Health Department is the lead agency with the Garrett County Government is working to share community resources and recent news.

Also, several agencies and organizations are working to interpret and clarify the Governor’s orders:

Maryland Department of Natural Resources published a few answers:

Can I go hunting?

Limited hunting is allowed if you are seeking food for you or your family, but the social distancing guidelines and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed.

Can I go fishing?

Limited fishing is allowed if you are seeking food for you or your family, but the social distancing guidelines and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed.

Can I go boating?

Recreational boating is prohibited until the governor lifts the executive order or until the State of Emergency has ended. However, if an individual is boating to seek food for them or their family, boating is permitted. Boats used to transport essential employees or goods as defined in the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce are also permitted.

Does kayaking or paddle boarding count as recreational boating?

Since kayaking and paddle boarding are a form of exercise, they are permitted under the executive order. Guidance on social distancing and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed.

I live on my sailboat – can I still be in my boat slip or moored out?

If your boat serves as your residence, you can remain on the vessel.

Can I go to a state park?

Hiking, biking, and walking are allowed under the executive order but social distancing guidelines and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed. Most state parks are open but some have been closed or have restricted areas. Please choose a park nearest your home to limit travel and be sure to check our website before you leave for the park and read our guidelines for social distancing in state parks. Natural Resources Police and Maryland Park Service rangers are authorized to enforce the governor’s executive order and will close areas and disperse crowds as necessary.

Can you fish in a state park?

Limited fishing is allowed if you are seeking food for you or your family, but the social distancing guidelines and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed.

The officials say that scammers are knocking on people’s doors and offering to test residents for COVID-19. This is not a standard procedure for EMS; officials urge residents not to answer the door if someone they don’t know is at their residence.

Yesterday was cool but the sun came out for a while.  Today’s weather will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 47 degrees. Calm wind becoming north around 6 mph in the afternoon. Mostly cloudy in the evening, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 30.

Today is April Fools’ Day! While our current crisis has us all focused on some very serious issues, I thought I would share some (light) history for the curious among us. On April 1, 1700, English pranksters begin popularizing the annual tradition of April Fools’ Day by playing practical jokes on each other. Although the day, also called All Fools’ Day, has been celebrated for several centuries by different cultures, its exact origins remain a mystery. Some historians speculate that April Fools’ Day dates back to 1582. Now you know…

This came in yesterday from the Garrett County Health Department.  They are doing an excellent job of keeping us informed and also wanted to reiterate some previous points and add some new ones, so here goes.  Please follow these and other communications from County government and the state:

>>Please call 911 only for medical emergencies, not for coronavirus information or questions. yesterday, public safety reported a large number of calls that were not emergencies. Tying up a dispatcher with non-emergency calls keeps them from answering other calls that may be about a life-threatening situation.

>>The Garrett County Health Department has established a COVID-19 Hotline to answer questions about symptoms, and other non-emergency medical questions. Call the COVID-19 Medical Hotline at 301.334.7698.

>>Many are asking what essential businesses can remain open during this state of emergency. The website govstatus.egov.com/md-coronavirus-business helps answer this question and offers many other resources, including new COVID-19 business relief programs.

>>All transient vacation rental units were ordered closed on March 27^th. This category includes individually rented properties such as Airbnb and vacation rental by owner, but does not include hotels or motels. For more information about this issue go to bit.ly/healthorders.

Here’s a photo submitted by Jim Chason showing docks being put in place at the lake thew other day.  A positive image providing some hope for all of us in “isolation” at home.  Perhaps by summer we will be “licking our wounds” but on an upward, healing path as a community and Nation. Thanks for sharing Jim!

Getting ready for summer

Yesterday was quite windy but sunny and nice.  Today will be cloudy, with isolated showers after 2:00 pm, and with a high of 45 degrees. Rain is likely after 8:00 pm with a low around 35.

As of yesterday morning, testing sites located in Garrett County have processed specimens on a total of 113 individuals.  The database of test results for Garrett County residents shows 66 negatives and has held stable at three positives. Of the remaining 44 specimens, most are still pending, but some of these undefined results represent individuals who reside outside of Garrett County.

Accurate COVID-19 information is critical for our Garrett County community. For the most current and accurate information about the situation, please refer to the following, as provided by the Garrett County Health Department.  Note their new FAQ page, as listed and linked below as well:

• Health Department COVID-19 Dashboard: org/covid-19-information/. Local information as well as links to State and National resources.
• Health Department Frequently Ask Questions Page: ly/covid-19-answers
• Garrett County COVID-19 Medical Hotline: 301-334-7698
• Garrett County Government’s COVID-19 Page: org/covid-19

Here’s a link to a strong and clear statement from Maryland Department of Natural Resources that covers use of state parks and related facilities, boating, etc. during the crisis.  It is worth a read for sure.

Sherry at Bear Creek Traders and Perkins asked us to inform readers that both institutions in McHenry are temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 crisis.  Please be sure to support those businesses and all others when they re-open, as they are a core foundational component of the Deep Creek Lake area.  And don’t forget some businesses also have carry-out open at this time, so take a break from cooking once in a while and support our advertisers that make Deep Creek Times possible.

The weather for today will see Increasing clouds, with a high near 49 degrees and a west wind 14 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. The evening hours will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.

Beautiful Deep Creek Sky

Folks, with everyone hunkered down, we have been getting fewer photos submitted the last few weeks.  If you are out and about, and have a photo from around the lake (or your own homestead) that you think other readers would enjoy, please submit to us at info@deepcreeklake.com. Photos can be of natural or man-made features and of people, pets or wildlife.

Some “mixed” news: Heard over the weekend that Maryland had about 1,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus, with almost 12,000 negative tests conducted. The bad news is we have 1,000 people (at least) with the coronavirus.  On the other hand, assuming those tested feared they were exposed or exhibited symptoms, less than 10% of them actually had the virus (at testing). Maybe that is a good sign?  Maryland officials on Sunday reported that 247 new cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed since Saturday.  Garrett County still stands at three confirmed cases.

As of Saturday, COVID-19 testing sites located in Garrett County had processed specimens on 109 individuals. These individuals reside mainly in Garrett County, but some have been processed on out-of-county residents. Among specimens collected on Garrett County residents, there have been 50 negative results and three positive results. Of the remaining 56 specimens, the vast majority are still pending.

Reminder: For up-to-date information on COVID-19 visit the Health Department’s website at garretthealth.org where you will find links to both Statewide and National resources. You can also call the local COVID-19 Hotline number at 301.334.7698. I think the Health Department and other local organizations are doing a great job of keeping all informed.

The Board of Directors of the Property Owners’ Association of Deep Creek Lake, Inc., announced the election of Bob Sutton as President of the POA on March 26th. Bob has been a resident of Sky Valley since 1971 where for the past many years he has served as the President of the Sky Valley Association.  Good luck Bob!

A newly developed local small business loan program designed to assist Garrett County small businesses through the COVID-19 health crisis has been announced jointly by the Board of County Commissioners for Garrett County and the Garrett County Development Corporation. The goal of the program is to provide small businesses with loans for interim emergency funding (up to $5,000) to help pay legitimate business expenses such as mortgage, rent, utilities, insurance, taxes, etc. in order to remain solvent, continue business operations, or eventually restart the business. There are eligibility requirements. For more information, you can contact Kim Durst at Garrett County Economic Development at kdurst@garrettcounty.org or 301.334.1992.

Have a great and healthy Monday folks…

The weather today will be mostly cloudy, showers likely, mainly after 5pm. High near 58 and low around 48. Saturday will be showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 10am, then a chance of showers. High near 61 and a low around 53. Sunday will be showers likely, mainly between 8am and 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66 and low around 42. Breezy, with a southwest wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 17 to 22 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 36 mph.

This was the morning view for @alexandra.garcia66 yesterday morning:

The Garrett County collection sites will be closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning March 31. The landfill will be operating under normal hours.

There’s a new data tool that is issuing a “Social Distancing Scorecard” for each county in the United States. The “score” is based on the measure of mobility or pings of your anonymized cell phone movements across towers.

The local Chamber and the Garrett County Health Department presented a webinar on the COVID-19 situation — here’s a link to watch and download the slides:  https://bit.ly/39iWRTx

In case you need it, the Garrett County Health Department has a hotline for all things COVID-19 related in our community: 301-334-7698

I saw a report that more than 42,000 Marylanders filed unemployment in the week ending March 21 — compared to less than 4,000 in the previous week.

In the interest of public health and safety due to COVID-19, the Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens has declared that all transient rentals be closed, and not further rented, effective today March 27, 2020, at 5:00 P.M. This means all existing bookings must be canceled until the Governor’s “Prohibiting Large Gatherings” order is lifted. See the letter here.

President Trump declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Maryland and ordered Federal assistance to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (beginning on January 20, 2020, and continuing).

I hope each and every one of you is staying safe and healthy!

The weather today will be mostly sunny with a high near 60 and a low around 47. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Rain, overnight, mainly after 2am.

There was some snow in the Northern-end of the county yesterday. Here’s a screengrab of the State Highway camera at Keyser’s Ridge from Allegany Mountains Weather:

Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations and Sales shared this message from the Director of Human Resources and Employee Relations at the Garrett County Public Schools: Help is needed to provide local students with meals while schools are closed. If you are able to volunteer, contact Jane Wildesen, jane.wildesen@garrettcountyschools.org.

I was able to take a short hike after work yesterday with my wife.  Nice to get out, “make some vitamin D” and get some exercise. Today’s weather will include showers, mainly before 11:00 am with a high near 44 and a low around 34.. East wind 5 to 8 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Garrett College announced yesterday that they have cancelled their Spring 2020 in-person graduation that was scheduled for May 16th.  All graduates will now graduate in absentia.  For more on Garrett College’s efforts relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, go here.  I believe the college has done an excellent job of addressing, responding to and communicating relative to the COVID-19 crisis.

I also heard yesterday that Salem Children’s Trust in Grantsville will be closing June 6th. Salem is a great institution that helps a variety of children, including those “at risk.” I have had the pleasure of teaching a few sessions on entrepreneurship over there and really enjoyed it.  I also know some folks that work there. Not sure what the situation is, as I just heard about it yesterday afternoon on WCBC’s short post on Facebook. I hope that a last-minute “miracle” happens and that they can stay open!

The Maryland Department of Agriculture has declared that any business involved in food distribution, production, processing, sales and supply will be considered essential during the pandemic.  This includes farmers markets. The Mountain Fresh Farmers Market is attempting to develop a plan to keep its vendors and customers as safe as possible at the market (next one is scheduled for 3/28). One option is to set up outside at the pavilion, where the summer markets are held. A survey has been created to see how many customers will be able to attend the market, under what circumstances. Your thoughts and suggestions are welcome. Please, complete this survey to help us understand your needs!

If you are an owner or manager of a small business of under 50 employees, you should check out this site by the Maryland Department of Labor.  They have funding (both loans and grants) available to possibly help you, your employees and your business make it through this crisis. They also have a program for manufacturing businesses. Check it out and spread the word please.

OK, let’s take a walk on the lighter side here folks.  Specifically, I am thinking jelly beans.  According to candystore.com, April is the de-facto “month of the jelly bean.”  Here’s some insight for you directly from candy store.com: “In a normal year, over 16 billion beans are made just for the Easter season. With Easter Egg hunts largely cancelled this year, it’s tough to tell whether fewer jelly beans will be needed. Perhaps more families will conduct their own private hunts around the house. And of course, Easter baskets will still need to be filled.” Here’s more…

Jelly Bean Quick Facts

Yesterday was overcast and drizzly just about all day.  Today will be partly sunny, with a high near 52 degrees and with a northwest wind of 5 to 7 mph becoming calm in the morning. Showers Tuesday evening, mainly after 8:00 pm, with a low around 38 degrees.

A third local case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Garrett County, according to the Garrett County Health Department and Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC). The patient is a man over 60 from Garrett County who had no history of international travel, and no known contact with a COVID-19 case. He did, however, travel within the U.S. to an area known to have COVID-19 cases. All three of the confirmed positive cases in Garrett County traveled together.

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan yesterday enacted an emergency order to close all non-essential businesses across the state, effective yesterday at 5:00 pm. Further guidance and specifics can be found at https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/OLC-Interpretive-Guidance-COVID19-04.pdf

Please check the county website, https://www.garrettcounty.org/covid-19, for the latest virus-related information locally.  I must say that local area organizations, including and especially county government and the commissioners, have done a nice job of sending-out information to the community.

Like a lot of people, my 401K has essentially become a 301K in just a few weeks time!  And, yes, like most folks, I am seriously bummed. So, I thought I would end on this promising note.  Local investment advisor Edward Lytle sent us this piece on bear markets in recent history and the fact that while things can get bad, they will not likely stay bad. Basically, we should relaize that “what goes down” can and should, hopefully, “come back up.” Here’s his piece and for the record, I don’t know Ed nor is he an advertiser, I just thought this was a nice, sound piece with a good (and somewhat positive) perspective that I thought our readers would enjoy.

Bear Markets Come and Go

The longest bull market in history lasted almost 11 years before coronavirus fears and the realities of a seriously disrupted U.S. economy brought it to an end.

If you are losing sleep over volatility driven by a cascade of disheartening news, it may help to remember that the stock market is historically cyclical. There have been 10 bear markets (prior to this one) since 1950, and the market has recovered eventually every time.

Bear markets are typically defined as declines of 20% or more from the most recent high, and bull markets are increases of 20% or more from the bear market low. But there is no official declaration, so in some cases there are different interpretations regarding when these cycles begin and end.

On average, bull markets lasted longer (1,955 days) than bear markets (431 days) over this period, and the average bull market advance (172.0%) was greater than the average bear market decline (-34.2%).

The bottom line is that neither the ups nor the downs last forever, even if they feel as though they will. During the worst downturns, there were short-term rallies and buying opportunities. And in some cases, people have profited over time by investing carefully just when things seemed bleakest.

If you’re reconsidering your current investment strategy, a volatile market is probably the worst time to turn your portfolio inside out. Dramatic price swings can magnify the impact of a wholesale restructuring if the timing of that move is a little off. A well-thought-out asset allocation and diversification strategy is still the fundamental basis of good investment planning. Changes in your portfolio don’t necessarily need to happen all at once. Try not to let fear derail your long-term goals.

Source: Edward Lytle, ERL Financial Services, LLC, Friendsville

Have a safe day dear readers!

Yesterday we had some sun, and my wife and I took advantage and went on a short hike.  Social distancing plus exercise and sun.  Not a bad combination during these times!

The weather for today will include more rain, with a high near 46 degrees and a low around 34 degrees. There will be a southeast wind of 7 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90% with rain mainly during day and early evening hours. I am thinking maybe I should just put the same line in every day: “windy, cloudy and rain.” I say let there be sustained sunshine for us all!

Here’s a nice photo sent in from Thad Stauffer.  It is a scene taken recently of Loch Glade Sanctuary on a cold, foggy morning.  Nice work Thad and thanks for sharing with us.

Loch Glade Sanctuary

Speaking of photos, I had announced my mini-photo contest last Monday.  I took this photo (below) while out in California and offered some Deep Creek Times “bling” to the winner.  The winner of our contest is Denny Long. It was taken from only three feet above the ground and is a photo of a small “wash” of sand heading to the beach at Point Loma peninsula, near their tidal pools. In fact, no one got it right! But, I said you did not have to be correct to have your submission randomly drawn and Denny is the lucky fellow.  For the record, I wanted to send Denny a Deep Creek Times engraved gold and platinum Rolex, but my partner Sarah said Denny would likely much prefer a tee shirt and some other DCT imprinted items, so that is what we will send him. Congratulations Denny!!!

Sand wash in California

On Saturday, the Commissioners formally requested that visitors postpone trips to the lake area: “To further protect our residents, visitors and hospitality employees we request that visitors postpone trips to the mountains, Deep Creek Lake and the surrounding area beginning immediately,” commented Chairman Paul Edwards. “This action is necessary to ensure compliance with social distancing and flatten the curve of this dangerous coronavirus. At this point, the only weapon we have to combat this potentially fatal virus is to take drastic measures. All of us have to work together to outlast and shorten the cycle of this pandemic.”

Also, here’s the full press release declaring a state of emergency in the County as declared by the Board of County Commissioners on Sunday:

Garrett County Declares State of Emergency in Response to COVID-19

March 22, 2020, Oakland, MD – The Board of County Commissioners has issued a Declaration of Emergency effective Sunday March 22, 2020 at 5:00 PM local time. This is due to the public health catastrophe and public emergency as cited in the Governor of Maryland’s Declaration of Emergency issued on March 5, 2020.

This declaration on the local level provides additional powers and resources to our County Departments to deal with the COVID-19 situation. The Garrett County Health Department is the lead agency in this emergency and is supported by all county departments under the coordination of the Department of Emergency Services.

We request the public heed the orders of our public and health officials to limit social contact to reduce the threat of spreading the COVID-19 virus.

“This is not a response rooted in panic but this a global situation that is now beginning to directly impact our community,” said County Administrator Kevin Null. “This declaration will provide access to state and federal resources we will need to manage this situation.”

The Garrett County Emergency Operations Center is activated.

Note that the Garrett County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated to offer an inter-agency strategic response to this global pandemic at the local level.

“This EOC team is essential for managing a potential public health emergency and will provide a coordinated effort to mitigate risk and disruption for all Garrett County citizens,” said Garrett County Board of County Commissioners Chair Paul Edwards. “We are well prepared here but the reality is that COVID-19 is here and we have to stay diligent in limiting the spread.”

In addition to the items listed in the included declaration, the Board of County Commissioners have made the following changes in county government operations to protect the public and employees and to reduce the threat of further spread of the COVID-19 virus:

• All county departments will operate with essential services only. All county offices will be closed to the public effective, Monday, March 23, 2020.

• The Garrett County Landfill and collection sites will remain open, with limited hours, to allow for trash removal to continue. Specific operating hours for the Landfill and collection sites are to be determined.

Please do not call 911 for COVID-19 questions. Our health department’s COVID-19 call center can be reached at 301-334-7698.

For the video of the briefing, please visit https://youtu.be/4PKJm2BDTDA

Please check the county website, https://www.garrettcounty.org/covid-19, for the latest information.

About Garrett County Government: The County is governed by an elected Board of County Commissioners (the “Board”), whose three members serve four-year terms and must live in the District which they represent. The Board may exercise only such powers as are conferred by the General Assembly of Maryland. The County is administered under a line organizational method, with the County Administrator responsible for overseeing the financial planning, annual budget process, personnel management, and direction and management of operations within the organization. END OF RELEASE##

Obviously, the commissioners are taking the current pandemic very seriously, as we all should. I know that the first two confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been announced in Garrett County. West Virginia has also announced a few, and there have been a few deaths in Maryland to-date.  As a result, I thought I would offer some layperson thoughts (bear with me as I offer an opinion or four here) to complement all we have been hearing at the National, State and County levels.  Here’s a few thoughts for your consideration. Nothing earth shattering to be sure, just some shared thinking:

•  This is serious, so don’t go out into “a crowd” unless you absolutely need to.  If you do go out to get provisions, be quick and use gloves and wipes/alcohol rub if you touch things that have been touched by others (including gas pumps, shopping carts, ATM buttons and anything in a public restroom, including the sink).  I have been amazed at some of the behaviors I have seen (and heard about).
•  Take care of those in need.  We all know someone that may need some assistance (or reassurance) during this period. They may need someone to shop for food for them, or just someone to talk to to know they are not alone.  A phone call or text/email to an elderly, infirm or “shut-in” relative, friend or neighbor can go a long way. Take five minutes and do it. Try to reach out to one person a day if you can.
• Use this time to reconnect with family and enjoy simplicity. It is OK to slow down and “just” read or play a game with members of the family if you are sequestered indoors. Get back to the basics and make lemonade out of our recent lemons. Do something you don’t usually do.
• Get out and make some vitamin D! I have heard that Garrett County folks (me included) tend to be vitamin D deficient. You can consider taking supplements and/or also go outside for even a few minutes and take a walk (or even sit). It will feel good, get the heart pumping a little and break the cycle of staying indoors. Obviously use judgement and get a doctor’s OK if you need one.

That’s it for today folks.  Be safe and healthy and happy Monday dear readers…

Yesterday stayed overcase but was warmer.  Friday’s weather will be cloudy with rain and the possibility of thunderstorms. We’ll have a high of about 64 degrees and a low around 30.  Saturday is forecast to be rain-free and partly sunny, with a high around 42.  Sunday will stay around the same temperature but there is a chance for rain and then snow showers.

Attention SGHS Parents and Students! SGHS and Garrett County Public Schools are brainstorming educational options during this school closure as they await further guidance from our State Superintendent, Dr. Salmon and MSDE. In an effort to be proactive, they need accurate information regarding student access to internet and devices. They are asking that you take this short survey as soon as possible. Just. Do. It.

Heard that In accordance with Governor Hogan’s emergency actions to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are closing Maryland Park Service playgrounds at all parks. Also heard that New Germany State Park’s EGGstreme Easter Egg Hunt scheduled for April 11th has been canceled. At this point so much is closed and so many events/gatherings have been cancelled/postponed  that it is safe to assume any event you are interested in may have been cancelled, so contact the event organizer in advance.

The Garrett County Health Department asked us to spread the word that County WIC benefits are still being dispersed, some rumors to the contrary. While the office is closed, teams are working behind the scenes to get payments out. For all individuals who have appointments from now until the end of April, WIC will be extending certification periods for at least 30 days. Food benefits will be issued for a minimum of one month up to as long as three months. Please contact the WIC office at 301.334.7710 with inquiries or questions and please help spread the word.

Also, according to the daily Update from Garrett County Health Department: There are no confirmed COVID-19 cases in Garrett or Allegany County as of Thursday, March 19th at 10:00 am. There are 107 confirmed cases in Maryland, with the nearest cases in Frederick County. In Pennsylvania the nearest confirmed cases are in Washington County and in West Virginia there are confirmed cases in Jefferson and Mercer Counties.

I went to WalMart around lunchtime Thursday and there were a considerable amount of people shopping (and a lot of children that were off from school).  Drove by Lowes parking lot on the way to WalMart and it was packed too.  I am guessing some folks either have cabin fever and/or are planning some stay-at-home projects during this down-time period.  WalMart also had some depatments/shelves that were bare, including wipes/sanitizer, eggs and milk.  So, if you are planning on coming up here, you may want to get at least some provisions before you leave on your trip. If you live in Garrett County, actively manage your supplies and don’t wait until you are completely out to replenish. Here’s a few photos that I took:

Empty sanitizer shelves

No eggs to be found

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has a number of Youth Fish Rodeos scheduled for coming months.  While the dates for Garrett County are still a “go” at present, here’s the listing with contact names and numbers to confirm closer to the event dates. Since all of ours are in May, they may be on or they may be off, depending on the status of the virus, new cases and government decree.  You can put these dates in your calendar now for the kids or grandkids, but be sure to check closer to May.

Good things to come to all…

Today’s weather will inlude showers in the morning hours and also after 5:00 pm and will be mostly cloudy all day.  Gee, there’s a shocker! The good news is the rain will be minimal – not a downpout – and the temperatures will be moderate, with a high near 64 and a low around 54, though gusty in the evening.

While some restaurants are completely closed, other local eateries are open for take-out.  Here’s a list for you to see what is available.  It is changing continually, so be sure to check-back from time-to-time.  Please consider take-out as a way to support our local small business owners as they try to weather the COVID-19 closure storm.  Here’s the link to the list.

Well, spring is just around the corner and so is fishing.  While some stocking efforts were suspended, there’s still plenty of fish in streams and the lake and it could likely be a fun, enjoyable activity for all, with the obvious advantage of being outdoors and not near crowds.  Here’s the latest fishing report from the Department of Natural Resources.

I’ll close out this edition of Daily Notes with some positive news related to COVID-19.  It appears likely that ultraviolet light kills or at least limits the “spread” of the virus.  Since we are about to enter a period of increased sunlight and UV exposure due to seasonal changes, that may bode well for the containment of the virus.  That’s the short summary/interpretation and here’s a link to the full report. Check it out.

Stay positive and be healthy…