Coronavirus Spurs State Of Emergency For Anne Arundel County

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — A state of emergency will be declared for Anne Arundel County Friday. County Executive Steuart Pittman made the announcement Thursday after Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan's press conference that outlines the steps needed to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus. The Anne Arundel County government will remain open to provide services to county residents and businesses during what's being called a "public health crisis."

“The extraordinary measures that Gov. Hogan announced today may come as a shock to some county residents but I fully support his decisions,” said Pittman in a statement. “Unless we act broadly and decisively to slow the spread of this virus, the capacity of our hospitals to treat critically ill patients could be exceeded, as it has been elsewhere in the world. Local government services are essential, not only to our public health response, but also to help residents during this period. Therefore, we are keeping county government open. I want to thank all public servants and all county residents in advance for their service and their sacrifice. We will get through this together.”

Anne Arundel County Health Officer Dr. Nilesh Kayanaraman and office of emergency management personnel remain in regular contact with the Maryland Department of Health, county agencies, City of Annapolis government, hospitals and health care providers.

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Pittman also directed the office of personnel to create a new telework policy to allow flexibility for most county workers to perform their duties remotely during this crisis. The new guidance is expected to be implemented March 16 to align with the two-week closure of all state schools announced Thursday by State Superintendent Karen Salmon.

The Anne Arundel Department of Health also issued new guidance on public events designed to protect residents and prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The guidance is intended for private and local organizations and community partners in Anne Arundel County and the City of Annapolis.

“Each of us is responsible to take actions that will slow the spread of the COVID-19 disease,” said Kalyanaraman. “These limits on public gatherings are critical to protect the vulnerable and give our healthcare system the time to care for the rapidly growing numbers of those who are getting sick with this disease.”

The department recommends the following for gatherings scheduled through the end of April:

• Postpone or cancel all public gathering of more than 250 people per the governor’s order on March 12
• Postpone or cancel public gatherings that meet anyof the following criteria:
• Are targeted toward or comprised of significant numbers of high-risk individuals (elderly who are 60+, chronic illness, homeless)
• Cannot provide at least six feet of space between attendees
• Offer alternative methods of meeting the gathering’s goals (e.g. live streaming)
• Are not time sensitive

• For public gatherings that do go forward, county officials strongly recommend that organizers meet all of the following criteria:
• Provide at least six feet of space between attendees.
• Make handwashing stations (with soap and water) and/or hand sanitizer readily available, especially in food consumption areas.
• Utilize signage that promotes handwashing.
• Consider live streaming or recording of events so they are available for viewing for those who can’t/shouldn’t attend in person.
• Encourage all participants who are sick (cough, shortness of breath, or fever) not to attend.
• Encourage participants to cover their coughs and sneezes and to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces.
• Develop flexible refund policies and re-ticketing options.