Health & Fitness

MD Coronavirus: Drive-Thru Tests And Confessions, Neighbors Help

From the ordered closure of theaters, bars and restaurants to how to help local businesses, here are updates on coronavirus across Maryland.

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From the ordered closure of theaters, bars and restaurants to how to help local businesses, here are updates on coronavirus across Maryland.
From the ordered closure of theaters, bars and restaurants to how to help local businesses, here are updates on coronavirus across Maryland. (Alexis Tarrazi/Patch)

MARYLAND — The week began with the governor's ordered shutdown of casinos, racetracks, bars, restaurants, gyms and movie theaters after new coronavirus cases in Maryland doubled. Since then coronavirus cases have risen to 190 statewide and three deaths have been caused by the virus — a Montgomery County woman in her 40s, a Prince George's County man in his 60s and a Baltimore County man in his 60s, all of whom had underlying medical conditions. Maryland remains under a state of emergency with all public schools closed through March 27, and Gov. Larry Hogan said the closures may last longer.

Hogan closed all enclosed shopping malls and entertainment venues across the state on March 19. Events of more than 10 people in close proximity are now prohibited.

Maryland is continuing to operate under a state of emergency. See the governor's coronavirus page for a list of ongoing state actions.

Find out what's happening in Perry Hallfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

See the Maryland Department of Health's coronavirus page for more information and resources.

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

Find out what's happening in Perry Hallfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Here's a recap of the sweeping changes that have taken effect.

March 21 Headlines

Medical Volunteers Sought, MD Coronavirus Cases Near 200

Labs confirmed 41 new cases of new coronavirus in the past day, rising from 149 Friday to 190 on Saturday, according to the Maryland Department of Health. As the number of coronavirus cases escalates, Hogan said residents can help out by giving blood, and the Maryland Responds Reserve Medical Corps is recruiting active and retired health care professionals, medical students, and other volunteers.

Pasadena Business Owner Donates Masks During Coronavirus Pandemic

Hospitals across the country are running low on face masks and other personal protective gear needed to keep healthcare workers safe from the new coronavirus. Rick Levin, co-owner of Pasadena Boatworks, recently surprised the Maryland Health Department with a donation of more than 14,000 masks.

March 20 Headlines

Mom, Daughter Willing To Help Others Shelter During Coronavirus

A Crofton mother and daughter are picking up needed prescriptions safely and pursuing the highly sought-after and desperately needed toilet paper at the grocery store for those who need help.

Distillery Makes Hand Sanitizer Instead Of Liquor: Coronavirus

A distillery in Rockville is turning its high-proof alcohol into hand sanitizer amid shortages stemming from the coronavirus pandemic.

Coronavirus Drive-Through Testing In Anne Arundel County

Chesapeake ERgent Care in Gambrills has one of Anne Arundel County's first drive-up coronavirus testing sites, if a test has been ordered by a doctor. Residents can't simply drive up and ask to be tested.

Hikes, Virtual Wine Tasting: Coping With Social Distancing In MD

Life has been upended by the coronavirus with offices and schools closed, and families trying to figure out how to lower stress and keep kids entertained. There are ways to cope.

March 19-17 Headlines

Coronavirus Postpones Maryland Primaries From April: Hogan

Gov. Larry Hogan is postponing the April primary to June 2, while the District 7 congressional election will take place by mail. Other states have postponed their elections and more governors are expected to follow suit in the days ahead, Hogan said.

Coronavirus Inspires Bowie Priest To Offer Drive-Thru Confessions

The Rev. Scott Holmer of Bowie, Maryland, is offering drive-thru confessions to lower the risk of spreading the coronavirus to parishioners.

High-Risk Shoppers Get Special Grocery Store Hours: Coronavirus

For 70 years, Boarman's Old Fashioned Meat Market has catered to Howard County customers seeking an array of hand-cut meat, prepared foods, fresh produce and eggs, dairy items and more.
To accommodate for "high risk customers" age 65 and older, Boarman's sets aside two to three hours in the morning for only those customers to shop and grab what they need.

Kevin Durant, MD Native, 1 Of 4 Nets With Coronavirus: Report

Prince George's County native Kevin Durant is one four Brooklyn Nets players to test positive for the new coronavirus, according to the website The Athletic.

Other Top News:

Meal Sites, New Cases And More:

March 16 Updates

MD Governor Orders Restaurants, Bars, Gyms, Theaters To Close

Gov. Larry Hogan on Monday ordered closures he described as "unprecedented" to protect residents from the spread of the new coronavirus. The governor ordered the closure of bars, restaurants, movie theaters and gyms across the state, effective at 5 p.m. Monday. Drive-thru, carryout and food delivery service can continue at restaurants. Food and beverage service providers in health care facilities may remain open, according to the executive order.

MD Casinos, Racetracks Ordered Closed By Gov. Hogan

All of Maryland's five casinos, along with all of the state's racetracks and simulcast betting facilities, have been ordered closed by Gov. Larry Hogan in an effort to combat the coronavirus.

MD Grocery Stores Cut Hours For Coronavirus Cleaning, Restocking

With shoppers flocking to stores to stock up on peanut butter, toilet paper and frozen pizza, some Maryland grocery store chains have adjusted store hours to allow staff more time to restock and clean store shelves.

PG County Coronavirus Response: Schools, Libraries, Courts Close

Prince George's County employees will deliver meals to senior citizens, shut down libraries, schools and court services, and distribute sack lunches to children at multiple schools in the next two weeks.

How To Help Montgomery County Businesses During Outbreak

As people stay at home, locally owned businesses are taking a financial hit. Montgomery County leaders say if you want to help, order food or alcohol online or through a mobile app. Or, buy gift certificates from beauty salons, gyms, and yoga studios to use it at a later date.

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