SECOND CASE OF COVID-19 CONFIRMED IN WORCESTER COUNTY

(Snow Hill, MD)- The Worcester County Health Department (WCHD) confirmed the second positive test for a case of COVID-19 in Worcester County on March 21, 2020. The patient is a female in her 20s who lives in Worcester County and is recovering at home. This case is a close household contact of the first positive COVID-19 case in the county, reported earlier this week, and has been in quarantine since known exposure. Worcester County Health Department is conducting a contact investigation of this second case and appropriate close contacts will have arrangements made for testing if indicated.  

If you are experiencing possible COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) contact your primary care doctor for further screening to determine if you should be tested. Unless you are suffering a medical emergency, please do not show up unannounced at an emergency room or other medical facility. You should speak with your healthcare provider, who can alert an emergency room so that its staff is ready with proper protective gear. To protect yourselves and others, wash your hands often, cover cough/sneezes, clean and disinfect surfaces, and stay home if sick. For more information on Coronavirus and prevention tips, visit WorcesterHealth.org or call 410-632-1100 option #8 to connect to our call center (Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm). For COVID-19 information in the State of Maryland, please dial 2-1-1.

SECOND COVID-19 CASE ON EASTERN SHORE OF VA.

(WESR/Shore Daily News)

The Eastern Shore Health District announced that another resident of the Eastern Shore (of Virginia) has tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This case, a male in his 60s, marks the second known case in the Eastern Shore Health District (Virginia). He was a travel companion of the first identified case. The Eastern Shore Health District is currently conducting a thorough investigation of the case and any potential exposures.

“We cannot emphasize enough the importance of social distancing.  As the number of cases continues to grow so will the number of close contacts who may have been exposed to the virus,” said Eastern Shore Health District Director Dr. Richard Williams. The health department continues to conduct surveillance and investigation of any future potential cases. In order to control COVID-19, it is very important for all to follow the health department recommendations.

MD MVA CLOSING INFO

SOMERSET COUNTY CONFIRMS 1ST POSITIVE COVID 19 CASE

(March 21, 2020, Westover, MD) The Somerset County Health Department has received notification that a Somerset County resident has tested positive for COVID-19. This is the first confirmed case in Somerset County.

The woman is in her 60s. She is in good condition and is isolating at home. The Somerset County Health Department with the help of the Maryland Department of Health is conducting a contact investigation and appropriate close contacts will have arrangements made for testing if indicated. If you are experiencing possible COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) contact your primary care doctor for further screening to determine if you should be tested. Unless you are suffering a medical emergency, please do not show up unannounced at an emergency room or other medical facility. You should speak with your healthcare provider, who can alert an emergency room so that its staff is ready with proper protective gear. 

If you have any questions you can call 443.614.6708.  During regular business hours call 443.523.1700.  We cannot share any additional details about confirmed cases, but staff can help answer residents’ questions.

The health department strongly urges the public to take all possible precautions to help prevent the spread of this virus. Take these everyday steps to help protect yourself and the community:

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, your sleeve or your elbow
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth

-(more)-

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using standard cleaning practices
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• If you are sick, stay home and self isolate, except when seeking medical care
• Avoid gatherings of more than 10 people. Stay home unless absolutely necessary.

For information on COVID-19, visit the Maryland Department of Health at www.coronavirus.maryland.gov or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus. Local updates will be shared through the Somerset County Health Department’s website at www.somersethealth.org or through social media on Facebook (@somersethealth), Instagram (Somersethealthmd) or Twitter (@somersethdmd).

Does This Sound Familiar??

A headline from October, 1918 in The Democratic Messenger of Snow Hill.  It was called "Spanish Influenza" and was widespread throughout the nation and here on the Eastern Shore.

Downtown Pocomoke News

Time Machine Preview

This Sunday here at The Pocomoke Public Eye..

1885  ..  A Baltimore newspaper article paints Pocomoke City as "A Wide Awake Town."

2004  ..  Pocomoke Middle School announces its Teacher Of The Year.

1943  ..  A funding plan for construction of a new elementary school in Pocomoke is approved by the Worcester County Board Of Education.

ACROSS THE USA
1955  ..  The minimum wage is going up to $1 an hour.

Worcester County Health Department Statement

News

Worcester County Health Department confirms first case of COVID-19 in Worcester County

The Worcester County Health Department (WCHD) confirmed the first positive test for a case of COVID-19 in Worcester County on March 19, 2020. The patient is a male in his 30s who lives in Worcester County and is recovering at home.

Worcester County Health Department is conducting a contact investigation and appropriate close contacts will have arrangements made for testing if indicated.  

 Worcester County Health Department opened a call center Thursday, March 12, 2020, for questions regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19). Callers can reach the center during health department business hours (8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday) by dialing 410-632-1100 option #8. General information on COVID-19 is available 24/7 through Worcester Health’s Public Information Line (410-632-4321) and WorcesterHealth.org. 

 If you are experiencing possible COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) contact your primary care doctor for further screening to determine if you should be tested. Unless you are suffering a medical emergency, please do not show up unannounced at an emergency room or other medical facility. You should speak with your healthcare provider, who can alert an emergency room so that its staff is ready with proper protective gear. 

 “This is a time when we all need to work together. Please do your part in controlling the spread of this virus. Basic prevention strategies such as washing your hands often, covering your cough and sneeze, staying home when you are sick, and practicing social distancing can help us all keep one another safe and healthy during this time,” said Rebecca Jones, Health Officer. 

First COVID-19 case confirmed in Worcester County

View WMDT news article:
https://www.wmdt.com/2020/03/breaking-first-covid-19-case-confirmed-in-worcester-co/

Kidney Donor Needed

(March 19, 2020) Berlin resident Nick Morris, 74, is in dire need of a kidney transplant and is searching for an O-positive donor in the area.

Nick Morris

Morris has been a resident of Worcester County since 1975, and has been an English teacher, college instructor, long-time employee of the Alaska Stand, and lifeguard for the Ocean City Beach Patrol, Assateague Island National Seashore and Ocean Pines.

If your blood type is not a match for Morris, there is still a chance to help someone else through a process called the paired kidney exchange.

Potential donors can contact Morris by phone at 410-629-9068, or 410-641-2310, or via email at m22nicholas@aol.com .

READ FULL ARTICLE:

https://baysideoc.com/berlin-man-needs-kidney-donation/

Worcester County Library News

ALL WORCESTER COUNTY LIBRARY LOCATIONS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO COVID-19 HEALTH CONCERNS.

We are very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.  The library is fine free, so no fines will accrue during this period.  Any held items will remain waiting for our re-opening.

The Library’s Digital Branch is always available!

Using our Digital Resources

While our physical locations are closed, you can still use the Worcester County Library with a computer, tablet, eReader, or smartphone. Your Library account also gives you access to digital and streaming media for kids, teens, and adults.

http://www.worcesterlibrary.org/

Delmarva Discover Center News

Worcester County Health Department News

In response to COVID-19 all Worcester County Health Department buildings are closed to the public in accordance with Governor Hogan’s Executive Order regarding COVID-19 and social distancing. We are still working behind the scenes to protect our community

View information on postponed programs/events:

https://www.worcesterhealth.org/

Marva Dark For Now

ALL MOVIES AND EVENTS POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE 

"Estimated Disaster Economic Injury Worksheet for Businesses"

ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS IN POCOMOKE CITY AND WORCESTER COUNTY- In cooperation with the WORCESTER COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, The City of Pocomoke is encouraging business owners to fill out an "Estimated Disaster Economic Injury Worksheet for Businesses"

View more info and link to worksheet:

https://www.cityofpocomoke.com/news/estimated-disaster-economic-injury-worksheet-businesssee-worksheet-attachment-posted-03172020

PUBLIC NOTICE REGARDING THE MAYOR COUNCIL MEETING FOR MARCH 16, 2020 AT 6:30 PM

Monday, March 16, 2020 at 6:30PM,  Mayor & Council Meeting, IMPORTANT MESSAGE: Due to the restricted access of City Hall, Monday's Council Meeting will be live-streamed via the City's Facebook page.  For questions and comments during the meeting, please email the City Clerk at michelle@pocomokemd.gov. Every effort will be made to make participation run smoothly. Thank you for your understanding.                                                        

Worcester Rec & Park Programs Closed

The Worcester County Recreation Center is closed to the public through March 27 at minimum, and all programs and activities are cancelled.  This closing is an effort to help control the spread of the COVID-19.

All county parks will remain open for passive activities until further notice.

Registration for upcoming programs can be made by going online at www.WorcesterRecandParks.org or by mail. 

If you have any questions or need to speak with Recreation & Parks Staff, please call 410-632-2144, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or email recandparks@co.worcester.md.us

We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Time Machine: 1942, 2004, 1969, 1919.

March, 1942

The Daily Mail(Hagerstown, Md.)

Second paragraph name correction. Should have read William G. Kerbin.

September, 2004

The News Journal (Wilmington)

Footnote: While the petition drive was successful a 2005 referendum resulted in the annexation effort being overturned. 


April, 1969

Evening Capital (Annapolis)

Footnote: The property encompassing the estate has been developed as the Glen Riddle new homes community in recent years.


July, 1919

 Democratic Messenger

                                                                  

1964  ..  The lights of Broadway are shining on "Hello Dolly," "Funny Girl," and "Fiddler On The Roof.".

1954  ..  NBC's "The Tonight Show" debuts on NBC with host Steve Allen.  

The Time Machine is a weekly feature I've enjoyed researching and compiling on The Pocomoke Public Eye since 2011.  I have fond memories of growing up in Pocomoke City and welcome reader contributions we can share about things you've read, remember, or were told relating to our Pocomoke/Eastern shore area...a sentence, a paragraph, or more all fine. Just email it.

PUBLIC NOTICE REGARDING CITY HALL AND COVID-19 ILLNESS

As a precaution against COVlD-19, public access to City Hall is restricted through Friday, March 27, 2020.

All bills can be paid: online at www.cityofpocomoke.com or via the dropbox
outside City Hall or by telephone at (410) 957-1333 or (410) 957-2521.

For questions regarding permits or Code Enforcement, please call (410) 957-1633.

For information regarding all City services and events, please visit www.cityofpocomoke.com .

AII City services will continue to operate normally.

Time Machine Preview

This Sunday here at The Pocomoke Public Eye:

1983  ..  

1849  ..  The most disastrous hurricane in memory  sweeps through Worcester County.

1924  ..  Travelers will depend on Pocomoke City residents for directions to Crisfield.

1960  ..  (Picture) Seven Pocomoke firemen pose for this picture.

Time Machine Preview

This Sunday here at The Pocomoke Public Eye..

1942  ..  132 Worcester County men face an ultimatum: "work, fight, or go to prison."

2004  ..  A petition drive aims to bring to referendum plans to annex land off of Stockton Road in Pocomoke.

1969  ..  Fire destroys a Worcester County mansion on the estate where famed racehorse Man O'War trained.

1919  ..  (Ad)  The two big T.F. Hargis stores in Pocomoke have lots to offer for vacation needs.

Coronavirus Call Center

The Worcester County Health Department has opened a call center for questions regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19). Callers can reach the center during health department business hours (8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday) by dialing 410-632-1100 option #8. General information on COVID-19 is available 24/7 through Worcester Health’s Public Information Line (410-632-4321) and  https://www.worcesterhealth.org/

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource and Information Page

View WBOC's special page:

http://www.wboc.com/story/41871428/covid19-resource-and-information-page

Coronavirus Information Resources

Check for updated information at http://www.wboc.com/story/41871428/covid19-resource-and-information-page

(WBOC)

Below is a list of national and local resources with further information about COVID-19 and the efforts being taken to prevent its spread:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Comprehensive page provides full details about COVID-19, its signs and symptoms, how it spreads and the latest updates on the number of cases in the U.S. Additional information is provided for community, schools, businesses, healthcare professionals, health departments, travel and laboratories. 

Map: Watch the Corona Virus Cases Around the World: This interactive map shows the spread of the COVID-19 virus around the world since late January. Health officials in China first announced they were treating dozens of cases of an unknown illness on Dec. 31 and reported the first known death from the coronavirus on Jan. 11. The data used to compile this map comes from Johns Hopkins University, which first shared its dashboard of cases, deaths and recoveries for affected countries on Jan. 22.

CBS News COVID-19 Full Coverage: The latest updates on COVID-19 and its spread around the world. 

CNN Podcast: Fact vs. Fiction: Join CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta for the latest news about the coronavirus. He'll make sense of the headlines, speak with the experts and give you all the information you need to stay safe and healthy.

U.S. Department of Education COVID-19 Information and Resources for School Personnel. A must-read for school personnel who are trying to keep their students and staff safe from COVID-19.

Delaware Division of Public Health Coronavirus Disease Information Page: The latest information and updates about DPH's effort to educate the public about COVID-19 and efforts to prevent its spread. 

Delaware Division of Public Health's COVID-19 Information Line: Call the information line at 1-866-408-1899, TTY at 1-800-232-5460 or email dphcall@delaware.gov.  Anyone who has returned from a country with a level 2 or higher travel alert - China, Italy, Iran, Japan, and South Korea - in the past 14 days and has developed symptoms such as coughing, fever and shortness of breath, should contact the Division of Public Health at 1-866-408-1899. Any returning travelers, again within the last 14 days, from these countries who do not have symptoms are also asked to call DPH at 1-866-408-1899 so that it can provide guidance on self-monitoring for symptoms and what to do if you do develop symptoms.

Maryland Department of Health COVID-19 information page: Information and regular updates about COVID-19 in Maryland and the efforts being made to prevent its spread. Also provides guidance for people who recently traveled abroad, including to China, which is Ground Zero for COVID-19. 

Virginia Department of Health COVID-19 information page: The latest updates about the number of cases of COVID-19 in the state, along with information about the disease and how to prevent its spread. 

Peninsula Regional Health System's COVID-19 information page: Outlines PRHS' efforts to ensure that all of its facilities are prepared in the event of an outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus in our region. 

Salisbury University's COVID-19 information page: The latest updates on what SU is doing to keep the campus community safe and information on how to prevent contracting COVID-19. There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the SU community reported by the Maryland Department of Health or Wicomico County Health Department. If this situation changes, the latest updates will be found on this page. 

University of Maryland Eastern Shore COVID-19 Updates: The latest information about what UMES is doing to keep the campus community safe from COVID-19 and prevent its spread.

University of Delaware Coronavirus updates page: Provides updates about UD's ongoing response to the COVID-19 situation.

Time Machine: 1897, 1953, 2009, 1908.

October, 1897

Chicago Daily Tribune

June, 1953

Daily Press (Newport News, Va.) 

August, 2009

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Daily Times (Salisbury)

December, 1908

Baltimore Sun

1959  ..  

Salisbury Times

1982  ..  Odyssey II Video Game

The Time Machine is a weekly feature I've enjoyed researching and compiling on The Pocomoke Public Eye since 2011.  I have fond memories of growing up in Pocomoke City and welcome reader contributions we can share about things you've read, remember, or were told relating to our Pocomoke/Eastern shore area...a sentence, a paragraph, or more all fine. Just email it.