DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
VIDEO RELEASE: Governor Hogan Tours Baltimore Convention Center to Review COVID-19 Field Hospital Plans
Also Distributes Boxed Lunches at Greenmount Recreation Center, One of More Than 500 Meal Distribution Sites Across The State
ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today visited Baltimore City to review ongoing efforts by the Maryland National Guard, the Maryland State Department of Education, the City of Baltimore, and the state’s health systems to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The governor was joined by Bernard C. “Jack” Young, Baltimore City Mayor; Maj. Gen. Timothy Gowen, Adjutant General of the Maryland National Guard; Ellington Churchill, Secretary of the Maryland Department of General Services; and Dennis Schrader, Maryland Department of Health’s Chief Operating Officer and Medicaid Director.
(Watch)
Field Hospital at Baltimore Convention Center
As part of the state’s hospital surge plan, Governor Hogan has ordered the establishment of a field hospital and alternate care site at the Baltimore Convention Center. The site, which is being leased by the State of Maryland through the Department of General Services, is being stood up by the Maryland National Guard. Medical care and daily operations will be managed jointly through a partnership with the University of Maryland Medical System and Johns Hopkins Medicine. The governor has requested that FEMA deliver 250 beds and 50 bed packages to support the initiative.
In total, the governor’s public health surge plan calls for adding up to 6,000 hospital beds across the state. The reopening of Laurel Hospital will make another 135 beds available, and a pilot assessment location at FedEx Field in Landover is being developed in partnership with the Maryland National Guard, the Maryland Department of Health, Prince George’s County, and the University of Maryland Medical System.
Greenmount Recreation Center
Later, Governor Hogan and Mayor Young helped hand out boxed lunches at Greenmount Recreation Center, which has become a designated meal distribution site through the Maryland State Department of Education (MDSE). The Maryland National Guard is providing assistance and support at these sites throughout the city.
Following the closure of schools to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, MSDE has established more than 500 meal distribution sites to ensure students’ continued access to nutritious meals. These sites can be found at MdSummerMeals.org.
-###-
World COVID-19 Animated Chart
The below link includes China
https://covid19viz.azurewebsites.net/covid19barchartrace.html?
Democrat Clyburn: ‘This Is a Tremendous Opportunity to Restructure Things to Fit Our Vision’
House Majority Whip Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC) reportedly told Democrats on a conference call last week that the party should exploit the coronavirus stimulus: “This is a tremendous opportunity to restructure things to fit our vision.”
Clyburn’s statement, reported by The Hill, which cited a source on a “conference call featuring more than 200 members of the House Democratic caucus” last Thursday, recalls an infamous statement by Rahm Emanuel, the incoming chief of staff to President-elect Barack Obama during the global financial crisis, who told the Wall Street Journal: “You never want a serious crisis to go to waste … This crisis provides the opportunity for us to do things that you could not do before.”
The quote became relevant again Sunday night into Monday morning, as Democrats blocked an effort to pass an emergency stimulus, reportedly insisting on changes to suit favored social interests.
More
Clyburn’s statement, reported by The Hill, which cited a source on a “conference call featuring more than 200 members of the House Democratic caucus” last Thursday, recalls an infamous statement by Rahm Emanuel, the incoming chief of staff to President-elect Barack Obama during the global financial crisis, who told the Wall Street Journal: “You never want a serious crisis to go to waste … This crisis provides the opportunity for us to do things that you could not do before.”
The quote became relevant again Sunday night into Monday morning, as Democrats blocked an effort to pass an emergency stimulus, reportedly insisting on changes to suit favored social interests.
More
Italian Priest Dies from Coronavirus After Giving up Ventilator to Another Patient
Parishioners bought a respirator for Father Giuseppe Berardelli, from the town of Casnigo in the northern Italian province of Bergamo, after the priest had tested positive for coronavirus. Hearing there was another, younger patient suffering from the disease and who had no ventilator, Father Berardelli gave him his own.
More
Attorney General Frosh Joins Coalition Urging President Trump to Prioritize Production of Protective Gear and Testing
“COVID-19 is a deadly virus that has resulted in tens of thousands of infected Americans and hundreds of deaths here in the U.S.,” said Attorney General Frosh. “Those individuals serving on the front lines, treating the sick and protecting public safety, should not be left without the necessary equipment to protect themselves and their families from this deadly virus.”
In a letter, the attorneys general urge President Trump to fully use the Defense Production Act to dramatically increase (1) health care capacity; (2) the supply of personal protective equipment for health care providers, law enforcement, and other first responders; and (3) COVID-19 testing capacity. The U.S. health care system needs more ventilators and ICU beds. Health care workers need personal protective equipment such as N95 respirators, surgical masks, face shields, eye protection, gloves, gowns, sanitizers, cleaning supplies, and thermometers. There is a nationwide need to increase the supply of the reagents and swabs used for COVID-19 testing so that testing can be expanded substantially and, in turn, better-informed medical decisions can be made, public health officials can more effectively tailor their decisions to local conditions, and the coronavirus can be better understood and defeated sooner.
The attorneys general state in the letter, “We are on the brink of catastrophic consequences resulting from the continued shortage of critical supplies. The federal government must act decisively now and use its sweeping authority to get as many needed supplies produced as soon as possible for distribution as quickly as possible.”
In addition to Maryland, the letter was signed by the attorneys general of California, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.
‘This Is Not A Game’: Perdue Farms Workers Walk Out Over Coronavirus Concerns
KATHLEEN, Ga. (CBS Local) — Approximately 50 workers at the Perdue Farms plant in Kathleen, Georgia, walked off the job Monday morning, saying they don’t feel safe working there during the coronavirus pandemic.
Kendaliyn Granville told CBS affiliate WMAZ some workers on the production line were in contact with people who tested positive for COVID-19 and the company should do more to protect workers.
“We’re not getting nothing — no type of compensation, no nothing, not even no cleanliness, no extra pay — no nothing. We’re up here risking our life for chicken,” she said.
Perdue says it is doing “everything we can to take good care of our Associates while continuing to produce safe and reliable food.”
More
Kendaliyn Granville told CBS affiliate WMAZ some workers on the production line were in contact with people who tested positive for COVID-19 and the company should do more to protect workers.
“We’re not getting nothing — no type of compensation, no nothing, not even no cleanliness, no extra pay — no nothing. We’re up here risking our life for chicken,” she said.
Perdue says it is doing “everything we can to take good care of our Associates while continuing to produce safe and reliable food.”
More
Wicomico County Recreation, Parks, Tourism and Civic Center programs and events suspended until further notice
SALISBURY, Md. – In accordance with the Executive’s Office extension of a County Declared Emergency, Wicomico Recreation, Parks, Tourism and Civic Center programs and events are suspended until further notice.
These include Kids Klub After School, Westside Community Center programs, Happy Timers, sports programs and events at the Civic Center.
The following facilities remain closed to the public until further notice:
· Wicomico Civic Center
· Wicomico County Welcome Center
· Beach areas at Roaring Point and Cove Road
· Playgrounds
· Pavilions
· Tennis courts
· Basketball courts
· Pickle ball courts
Day use areas at parks, trails, marinas and boat ramps will remain accessible at this time. Visitors should follow gathering and social distancing guidance from the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/) to ensure a safe environment for themselves and others.
Decisions made by officials are fluid and can be changed at any time.
The Wicomico Recreation, Parks, Tourism and Civic Center department will continue to monitor the situation through regular updates from the Wicomico County Health Department and the Department of Emergency Services. Updates will be shared with the press, as well as posted to department websites and social media outlets.
PRESS RELEASE: Protective Masks
In times like this it is special to be able to tap into skill sets such as these. Our thanks to those who made this a reality.
Dr. Hoffman: What we know about the COVID-19 pandemic
There’s a lot to report here. Today, I’ll try to impart some of the latest facts about the COVID-19 (aka “coronavirus”) pandemic, although things are moving really fast.
In fact, they’re moving so swiftly that you may have noticed this newsletter is coming to you a few days early. As you know, I strive to keep all my readers informed on the latest health news, so in an effort to make sure you’re getting the most up-to-date information, we’ve tightened the production of my weekly newsletter to provide the shortest turnaround between when I write my article and when you receive it. As such, in the coming weeks, you may notice that you receive the newsletter earlier in the week, or even more than once per week, as the developments in our knowledge demand. I hope you’ll bear with the deviations from our usual schedule, and that you find these newsletters helpful and informative in these unpredictable times. I also encourage you share this newsletter with your loved ones to keep them informed.
Without further ado, here’s the latest news on COVID-19:
How severe is it? Very. I posted a special podcast Sunday with Dr. Leo Galland, a highly-respected veteran integrative practitioner who believes we should prepare for the worst. He estimates that within months, the majority of Americans will contract coronavirus infections, and the death rate will be around 1%—more in the frail elderly and those with predisposing conditions like diabetes, hypertension, lung disease, or with deliberate immune-suppression due to chemo or radiation, or medications like steroids and biologics now used for autoimmune conditions or to prevent organ transplant rejection. That means that the death toll could rise into the millions.
He, and other health experts, believe it’s just a matter of simple math. The transmissibility of COVID-19 has been calculated to be 3.58, which means that every individual who is infectious has the ability to transmit the virus to 3+ individuals. The concern is that at least 10% of carriers may remain asymptomatic and are “silent spreaders”. So just sequestering ill people won’t halt the transmission of the disease. That’s why governments are stampeding to initiate total lockdowns to stanch the spread.
Let’s do the math. Rounding off to a transmission rate of 3, stating with one errant spring breaker or returning Mardi Gras celebrant, and you get 3 additional infections. 3—>9—>27—>81—>243—>729 . . . you see where this is going.
Hence the need to break the chain of transmission by social distancing, frequent and thorough handwashing, and keeping surfaces clean.
Of course, we must temper doomsday scenarios with some valid counter-arguments...
There's a good analysis here
In fact, they’re moving so swiftly that you may have noticed this newsletter is coming to you a few days early. As you know, I strive to keep all my readers informed on the latest health news, so in an effort to make sure you’re getting the most up-to-date information, we’ve tightened the production of my weekly newsletter to provide the shortest turnaround between when I write my article and when you receive it. As such, in the coming weeks, you may notice that you receive the newsletter earlier in the week, or even more than once per week, as the developments in our knowledge demand. I hope you’ll bear with the deviations from our usual schedule, and that you find these newsletters helpful and informative in these unpredictable times. I also encourage you share this newsletter with your loved ones to keep them informed.
Without further ado, here’s the latest news on COVID-19:
How severe is it? Very. I posted a special podcast Sunday with Dr. Leo Galland, a highly-respected veteran integrative practitioner who believes we should prepare for the worst. He estimates that within months, the majority of Americans will contract coronavirus infections, and the death rate will be around 1%—more in the frail elderly and those with predisposing conditions like diabetes, hypertension, lung disease, or with deliberate immune-suppression due to chemo or radiation, or medications like steroids and biologics now used for autoimmune conditions or to prevent organ transplant rejection. That means that the death toll could rise into the millions.
He, and other health experts, believe it’s just a matter of simple math. The transmissibility of COVID-19 has been calculated to be 3.58, which means that every individual who is infectious has the ability to transmit the virus to 3+ individuals. The concern is that at least 10% of carriers may remain asymptomatic and are “silent spreaders”. So just sequestering ill people won’t halt the transmission of the disease. That’s why governments are stampeding to initiate total lockdowns to stanch the spread.
Let’s do the math. Rounding off to a transmission rate of 3, stating with one errant spring breaker or returning Mardi Gras celebrant, and you get 3 additional infections. 3—>9—>27—>81—>243—>729 . . . you see where this is going.
Hence the need to break the chain of transmission by social distancing, frequent and thorough handwashing, and keeping surfaces clean.
Of course, we must temper doomsday scenarios with some valid counter-arguments...
There's a good analysis here
To the Citizens and Guests of Berlin
To the Citizens and Guests of Berlin:
This is the second public statement issued by the Town of Berlin regarding the evolving situation as a result of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) epidemic. I anticipate that there will be at a minimum, weekly public statements from the Town of Berlin in the immediately foreseeable future.
Effective today, Monday, March 23, 2020 the Town of Berlin is closing our public parks (Henry Park, Heron Park, and Stephen Decatur Park). Berlin Police will continue to patrol our town parks and public places to reinforce this ban during the current health emergency.
We continue to be in regular contact with the Worcester County Health Department and the Maryland Department of Health to seek their advice and guidance. I feel fortunate that we are in the State of Maryland where state government is proactively responding to this health care crisis. They have and continue to provide thoughtful, credible actions and communications to Maryland communities and citizens.
Greta Thunberg says she may have coronavirus and is isolating with her father after displaying symptoms
Greta Thunberg says she may have contracted coronavirus and has self-isolated at home with her father.
The teenage climate activist said she appeared to have been infected along with her dad, actor Svante Thunberg.
Both began having symptoms after a recent train tour of Europe together and so have been in isolation for the last weeks, she said.
They were travelling in Europe before lockdowns were imposed by many governments across the continent in a bid to halt the spread of the virus.
More
The teenage climate activist said she appeared to have been infected along with her dad, actor Svante Thunberg.
Both began having symptoms after a recent train tour of Europe together and so have been in isolation for the last weeks, she said.
They were travelling in Europe before lockdowns were imposed by many governments across the continent in a bid to halt the spread of the virus.
More
State Looks To Help Small Businesses With Relief Package
OCEAN CITY — Stemming the spread of the COVID-19 virus remained the focus of Gov. Larry Hogan’s actions announced on Monday, but the governor and his staff also announced an expansive $175 million relief package to help the state’s small businesses weather the storm.
The federal U.S. Small Business Administration has already ramped up programs for businesses struggling or expecting to struggle as a result of the crisis and Maryland is rolling out an aggressive program of its own to the tune of around $175 million. During his press conference on Monday, Hogan acknowledged his executive orders will strain nearly every facet of the economy and characterized the state’s efforts as fighting “twin battles.”
“We know that the steps we’ve taken to protect the health and well-being of all Marylanders have made a significant impact on our business community,” he said. “Today, in addition to funding through the U.S. Small Business Administration, we are making new financial assistance programs available to help our businesses continue to operate during this unprecedented crisis. These programs will offer the kind of much-needed support our businesses need right now and help them to pay bills and retain their workforce as much as possible.”
More
The federal U.S. Small Business Administration has already ramped up programs for businesses struggling or expecting to struggle as a result of the crisis and Maryland is rolling out an aggressive program of its own to the tune of around $175 million. During his press conference on Monday, Hogan acknowledged his executive orders will strain nearly every facet of the economy and characterized the state’s efforts as fighting “twin battles.”
“We know that the steps we’ve taken to protect the health and well-being of all Marylanders have made a significant impact on our business community,” he said. “Today, in addition to funding through the U.S. Small Business Administration, we are making new financial assistance programs available to help our businesses continue to operate during this unprecedented crisis. These programs will offer the kind of much-needed support our businesses need right now and help them to pay bills and retain their workforce as much as possible.”
More
Millions could die and hospitals will be totally overwhelmed if America ends the coronavirus lockdown early
A health expert on Monday warned that coronavirus will 'spread widely, rapidly, terribly and millions could die' if Donald Trump lifts lockdowns in the United States early.
Tom Inglesby, a director at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, tweeted his fears after the president said he will reconsider the nation's social distancing policy within a matter of days.
Inglesby tweeted a thread aimed at 'anyone advising the end of social distancing' .
He wrote: 'COVID would spread widely, rapidly, terribly, could kill potentially millions in the yr ahead with huge social and economic impact across the country.'
More
Tom Inglesby, a director at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, tweeted his fears after the president said he will reconsider the nation's social distancing policy within a matter of days.
Inglesby tweeted a thread aimed at 'anyone advising the end of social distancing' .
He wrote: 'COVID would spread widely, rapidly, terribly, could kill potentially millions in the yr ahead with huge social and economic impact across the country.'
More
Neutralize COVID-19 hysteria with faith and kindness toward neighbors
'Don't let this crisis go to waste!'
Ray Comfort, in his book “Spurgeon Gold: Pure and Refined,” describes Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the 19th-century preacher who ministered in the streets of London during the cholera pandemic of 1854. Spurgeon’s words, says Mr. Comfort, were pure and refined. They were rhetorical and theological gold. Spurgeon, “had the ability to take the hammer of eloquence and nail a particular truth, to pull back the veil of the eternal and give us a fleeting glance.”
Mr. Comfort continues. “Gold holds its market value. Heaven’s everlasting streets are paved with it … Gold is not meant to sit on the shelf of a rich man. If it does, then it becomes worthless. Its real value will be seen in its being spent on the cause of the Kingdom.” In other words, the gold of truth earns its value only through the spoken word and the active life of men of virtue and valor. The gold of integrity must be “spent.” It cannot be hoarded. It only earns its value if it is invested.
As COVID-19 hysteria sweeps across our nation, the tens of millions of us who still claim to be followers of Christ might do well to consider, not only these words from Ray Comfort, but also the words and actions of Charles Spurgeon of some 150 years past.
Keep reading...
Ray Comfort, in his book “Spurgeon Gold: Pure and Refined,” describes Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the 19th-century preacher who ministered in the streets of London during the cholera pandemic of 1854. Spurgeon’s words, says Mr. Comfort, were pure and refined. They were rhetorical and theological gold. Spurgeon, “had the ability to take the hammer of eloquence and nail a particular truth, to pull back the veil of the eternal and give us a fleeting glance.”
Mr. Comfort continues. “Gold holds its market value. Heaven’s everlasting streets are paved with it … Gold is not meant to sit on the shelf of a rich man. If it does, then it becomes worthless. Its real value will be seen in its being spent on the cause of the Kingdom.” In other words, the gold of truth earns its value only through the spoken word and the active life of men of virtue and valor. The gold of integrity must be “spent.” It cannot be hoarded. It only earns its value if it is invested.
As COVID-19 hysteria sweeps across our nation, the tens of millions of us who still claim to be followers of Christ might do well to consider, not only these words from Ray Comfort, but also the words and actions of Charles Spurgeon of some 150 years past.
Keep reading...
Mom Shares Son's Hilarious Journal Entry About Her Homeschooling Skills
Kids and parents are both facing the task of online homeschooling as the Coronavirus outbreak shuts down schools across the world, and some parents are taking to social media to share how things are going.
For this family in Kentucky, it's "not going good."
More
PRESS RELEASE Budget Public Hearing
March 24, 2020
The annual budget hearing that was postponed from March 23, 2020 will be held on March 27, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. Due to the present health crisis with the COVID-19, it will be held by Webinar. The below are the instructions as to how to participate.
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
- When: Mar 27, 2020 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
- Topic: County Executive Public Hearing on Proposed Operating Budget for FY 2021
https://zoom.us/j/110838803?pwd=KzhOUTVsWVVCbVlRZjdyalg2enlIQT09
Password: 386602
Or iPhone one-tap :
US: +16465588656,,110838803# or +13126266799,,110838803#
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 646 558 8656 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782
Webinar ID: 110 838 803
International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/ael5okTnxs
It can be viewed on PAC14 and questions can be emailed to budget@wicomicocounty.org
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)