Westminster, MD, Tuesday, March 17, 2020 – Effective Thursday, March 19, 2020, Carroll County Government will implement workplace social distancing measures that will provide for the continuity of mission-critical services to the community while protecting the health and safety of employees and visitors. Continuing until further notice, normal operations will cease, and the county will implement reduced on-site operations and increased remote working arrangements. All visitors should contact the county at 410-386-2400, to ascertain the availability of the service in question and to make an appointment.

In addition, effective close of business today (Tuesday), the Farm Museum, Hap Baker, Piney Run gatehouse and boathouse, Piney Run and Bear Branch Nature Centers, BERC and the Visitors Center are closed.  Piney Run Park will remain open as will other parks.

These are unprecedented times and COVID-19 is a rapidly changing situation. In taking these measures, the county is following the lead of the state leadership as well as state and local health officials.  Due to Governor Hogan increasing state restrictions to further implement social distancing initiatives, the Board of Commissioners has decided to follow his guidelines and implement the next phase of changes for its employees.

The county’s goal is to continue essential services, offer preferred services as long as possible and temporarily suspend non-essential services. Based on whether continued services can be handled on-site or remotely, county commissioner employees will either work on-site, work remotely or receive paid administrative leave.  Some employees may be flexed to work shortened schedules as needed.

As this rapidly changing situation evolves, the county will continue to evaluate and assess its operations and make changes as needed. Other county buildings not previously mentioned and including the main county office building, will remain open for normal business hours, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday; however, visitors are by appointment only. Board of Commissioner Open Sessions will continue based on planned scheduling and will be live-streamed.

Accurate COVID-19 information is vital to our community. For the most current and accurate information about the situation, please refer to the following:

Carroll County Health Department (CCHD):           https://cchd.maryland.gov/covid-19/

Maryland Department of Health (MDH):     https://health.maryland.gov/pages/home.aspx

Centers for Disease Control (CDC):             https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Carroll County Government has developed a dedicated COVID-19 page with important links and updates:  https://www.carrollcountymd.gov/covid19

Anyone feeling ill should contact their health care professional. CCHD continues to operate a hotline, available 8 am – 5 pm at 410-876-4848, 7 days a week. After hours, callers may leave a message or call 2-1-1. All emergencies should continue to call 9-1-1.