Latest Anne Arundel County Coronavirus Updates

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — The new coronavirus outbreak in Maryland and across the nation has had quite an impact on Anne Arundel County residents, which ranges from school closures to park closures and many businesses being shut down.

The number of cases of COVID-19 continue to increase and additional measures and closures continue to be announced. The governor has declared a stay-at-home order for the state. Anyone who leaves the state is advised to self-quarantine. Residents are asked to stop stockpiling supplies.

All shoppers entering retail stores in Anne Arundel County must wear face coverings after County Executive Steuart Pittman and Anne Arundel Health Officer Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman issued an order for public safety. Also, employees at retail stores must wear face coverings, stores must limit the number of customers inside to allow for social distancing, and end all self-service food.

Here are the latest local updates for Anne Arundel County:

COMMUNITY
Children across Anne Arundel County have been enjoying clever scavenger hunts created by the Chesapeake Conservancy. The activity has allowed families to follow social distancing rules while getting some fresh air. MORE

Health care workers are on the front line of the new coronavirus pandemic, surrounded by the crisis every day while trying to save lives. They're also worried about transmitting the virus to loved ones at home. To ease those concerns, RVS 4 MDS was born. People who own RVs can loan them out to medical professionals to stay in during the pandemic. MORE

Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman has launched #ThankYouThursday for residents. MORE

The American Red Cross has reported a shortage of blood supplies across the country, including in Anne Arundel County. People are allowed to donate during the stay-at-home order. MORE

The United States Army Field Band will perform live on their YouTube Channel. The entertainment begins at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 1 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays. MORE

The Anne Arundel County Public Library system offers a series of special virtual programs and additional resources. MORE

In an effort to help protect the safety of county residents and employees during the new coronavirus pandemic, no more than 10 vehicles are allowed to enter and be present at the county's recycling centers. Motorists will be stopped at each facility's entrance gate to ensure proper social distancing of people. Wait times may exceed one hour at peak times and on Saturdays. MORE

The inventory at the Anne Arundel County Food Bank constantly changes and more food is being distributed during the pandemic. Donations are needed. MORE

Feed Anne Arundel, an initiative of Anne Arundel Connecting Together (ACT), supports families in need while giving an infusion into Anne Arundel County's economy by paying restaurants to prepare the meals. MORE

Annapolis residents have been standing at the end of their driveways and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance together as a way to unite during the pandemic. MORE

Anne Arundel County seniors have access to delivered meals and virtual programs. MORE

A shortage of toilet paper is causing problems for sewers. MORE

Senior citizens in Anne Arundel County who need a ride to the grocery store are able to utilize the county's new Grocery Shopper Shuttle that operates on Tuesdays for seniors only. It will be open to all other people on Thursdays. Space is limited and reservations are required. MORE

A Little Free Pantry has popped up in Pasadena where people can leave donations and others can pick up items they need. There are three across the county right now. MORE

The Anne Arundel County Fire Department has been contacted by numerous residents regarding how stores are managing their entrances and exits in order to limit the number of people inside to help prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. The county fire marshal's office shared in a notice posted on Facebook that the county fire prevention code does not require a minimum number of entrances into a store. MORE

For updates on the coronavirus in Maryland, get Patch news alerts.

SCHOOLS
All public schools have been ordered closed through March 27 while Maryland is under a state of emergency. Students are engaged in eLearning from home. MORE

Anne Arundel County Public Schools will continue to offer free meals to youth through the school closure due to the new coronavirus at 60 sites across the county. Children will receive breakfast, lunch and dinner in a single pickup and adults may not pick up meals for children. MORE

BUSINESSES
Tax filing deadlines have been extended. MORE

Maryland officials anticipate a $250M loss in sales tax revenue. MORE

Taxpayers are being urged by Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot to file electronically as soon as possible. Effective April 15, the agency will temporarily stop processing paper tax returns in an effort to keep essential employees safe amid the spread of the new coronavirus. MORE

All of Maryland's five casinos, along with all of the state's racetracks and simulcast betting facilities, were ordered closed by Gov. Larry Hogan. MORE

Coronavirus-related scams have been circulated across the county. MORE

Tax preparers and residents of Maryland are being targeted in a scam designed to swindle them out of their stimulus check. MORE

Here's a listing of restaurants offering takeout, delivery and curbside pickup. MORE

HOSPITALS
Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis and the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center in Glen Burnie have implemented visitor restrictions at their facilities. MORE

Anne Arundel Medical Center is accepting donations of handmade masks and other supplies. MORE

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have offered guidelines for residents who feel ill. MORE

Health experts say not every person needs to be tested for the new coronavirus. Many people will experience mild symptoms including fever, fatigue and a dry cough, and can recover at home without being tested. Here's what to do if you have symptoms. MORE

Residents with approval from the county health department are able to utilize a free drive-thru testing clinic for the new coronavirus. MORE

CHURCHES
Families of faith are concerned about missing major religious holidays and being unable to gather with their church families, but the Maryland State Police urges the faith community to voluntarily comply with the state's stay-at-home executive order and not gather together for service. MORE

Many churches are offering online worship services and other ways for members to remain connected. MORE

CANCELLATIONS/CLOSURES
Hundreds of people have not abided by the governor's stay-at-home executive order and the police are monitoring the situation, arresting individuals and issuing warnings. MORE

Organizers of the Annapolis Pride parade and festival have postponed the 2020 event due to the new coronavirus. MORE

The Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival originally planned for May 16-17 this year at Sandy Point State Park has been rescheduled for May 22-23, 2021, due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. MORE

Several performances in the community have been canceled. MORE

Eight senior activity center buildings across Anne Arundel County are closed indefinitely effective Thursday. MORE

Annapolis ballfields are closed and programs are postponed or canceled. MORE

Maryland State Park beaches are closed, as are the Ocean City beach and boardwalk. MORE

All private and community playgrounds across the county have been closed to reduce the risk associated with the new coronavirus. MORE

The U.S. Naval Academy has canceled its 2020 Commissioning Week activities and instead will be hosting events online. MORE