Harford County Coronavirus Response: Rec Centers Closed And More

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — County Executive Barry Glassman has canceled some events and closed certain facilities Friday, one day after Gov. Larry Hogan announced measures to curb the spread of the new coronavirus such as prohibiting gatherings of more than 250 people. One person in Harford County tested positive for the novel coronavirus Sunday, and she remains hospitalized, Glassman reported Friday.

"At this time, we have not received reports of additional cases in Harford County," Glassman said. "Our first and only case remains hospitalized and her family remains under self-quarantine."

In one week, 12 people in Maryland tested positive for the new coronavirus, including the 86-year-old woman in Harford County. She did not travel anywhere once she returned home from overseas other than the hospital, officials said, and she only interacted with the two family members in her household.

"As testing increases, public health officials tell us the number of cases will grow," Glassman said. "Therefore, I have taken the following actions to slow the spread of the virus in Harford County."

These measures take effect Friday, March 13, Glassman said:

• County-owned parks and recreation facilities are closed.
  • This includes activity centers and senior centers and is a change from guidance issued Thursday about only senior centers being closed.
• Parks and recreation programs and activities are canceled.
• County government events are cancelled through March 31.
  • This includes events such as the Harford County Women of Tomorrow Awards, slated for March 19.
• Meetings of county advisory boards are cancelled through March 31.
  • This includes boards like the Dublin Darlington Community Advisory Board, which had been slated to meet March 18.
  • This does not include required meetings, such as Development Advisory Committee meetings, according to Harford County government spokeswoman Cindy Mumby.
  • Those who have questions can call the county department associated with a meeting to check on the status.
• Out-of-state travel for county employees is suspended.
• "I am also recommending that all county groups and organizations cancel large gatherings of 250 or more until further notice," Glassman said.
  • The governor prohibited gatherings of more than 250 people — including social, community, spiritual, religious, recreational, leisure and sporting gatherings — at all locations and venues in Maryland.

"Everyone should practice social distancing: Stand at least 6 feet apart; cover your nose and mouth if you sneeze or cough; wash your hands, and above all, stay home if you are sick," Glassman said, recommendations he said were consistent with state health guidelines.

The county executive will reevaluate how to handle April events, according to Mumby.

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"In the meantime, Harford County government remains open for business," Glassman said. "I encourage you to use our online services as much as possible to minimize visits to county offices, and call ahead to departments if you must meet in person. Online services and contact information is on the county website, www.harfordcountymd.gov."

Said Glassman: "Stay calm, stay informed, and we will get through this together."

Here are the pages for the Harford County Health Department, the Maryland Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.

See Also:

• Upper Chesapeake Restricts Visitors, Cancels Events
• HCPL Suspends Public Programs Through March
• Harford Community College Closes Amid Coronavirus Concerns
• MD Coronavirus: Public Schools To Close, Spring Break Changes
• HCPS Expands On School Closure Guidance
• Upper Chesapeake To Offer Drive-Through Coronavirus Tests