March 13, 2020  Message from Mayor William T. Martin regarding the Coronavirus-19, (COVID-19) Pandemic 

March 13, 2020
Message from Mayor William T. Martin regarding the Coronavirus-19, (COVID-19) Pandemic

Since the initial outbreak of the Coronavirus-19, (COVID-19) the Administration’ planning efforts have included, internal policy review, operational readiness of  City services, operational capabilities of essential personnel and a functional participant at the Department of Operations, Emergency Operations Center . As the spread of Corvid 19 increased, so too did our level of planning.

On March 12, 2020, Governor Larry Hogan announced a series of major actions to protect public health and safety and limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Maryland. The following is a comprehensive list of the actions announced by the Governor:

• “FULL ACTIVATION” OF THE MARYLAND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (MEMA)
• ACTIVATION OF NATIONAL GUARD
• PROHIBITION ON MASS GATHERINGS AND CLOSURE OF SENIOR CENTERS
• CLOSURE OF SCHOOLS (beginning on Monday, March 16, all schools throughout Maryland will close through Friday, March 27, 2020.)
• CLOSURE OF CRUISE TERMINAL AT PORT OF BALTIMORE
• EXTENSION OF PERMITTING DEADLINES (i.e. all licenses, permits, registrations, and other authorizations issued by the state, its agencies or any political subdivision that would expire during the current state of emergency)
• GUIDANCE TO HOSPITALS FOR VISITATION POLICIES
• SUSPENSION OF VISITS TO CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES
• MANDATORY TELEWORK FOR NON-ESSENTIAL STATE EMPLOYEES DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS OF STATE GOVERNMENT
• STATE OF EMERGENCY (The State of Maryland is continuing to operate under a state of emergency, and all levels of government are taking a comprehensive, collaborative approach to keep Marylanders safe.)
• In addition, Harford County Executive Barry Glassman has suspended all activities at the Havre de Grace Community Center on Lewis Lane, including all Parks and Recreation activities

Beginning today, March 13, 2020, the following actions are being implemented by the City of Havre de Grace. These actions will be evaluated daily, and will be lifted based on guidance from the State of Maryland Department of Health and the Governor’s Office.

• Beginning at Midnight tonight (March 14, 2020) – I will suspend all Programs and Use of the Havre de Grace Community Center on Lagaret Lane as well as the Havre de Grace Opera House through the end of the month.

• Havre de Grace City Hall will remain open and operational, and will be implementing measures to protect the safety of City staff, as well as our citizens.
  • • We understand the stress and hardship this is creating, especially with the closing of public schools. Therefore those essential employees that are challenged will be provided the opportunity to tele-work.
    • Citizens will be notified and signage will be posted reminding citizens to use the City’s online bill pay system, or simply call and bills may be paid by credit card over the phone; or use the existing drop box.
    • Citizens will also be notified and signage posted directing citizens requiring building permits, to  contact Ms. Colleen Critzer at 410-939-1800 to discuss and arrange for electronic submission, or drop-off in the drop box located at the front entrance. Any City approved permits can be forwarded electronically, and payment arrangements can be made over the phone.
    • We have installed additional hand sanitizer and will notify and provide guidance to citizens entering City Hall to follow the prescribed health organizations precautions:

• We ask that all City Boards, Committees and Commissions suspend their monthly meetings until further notice.

• The Havre de Grace Visitor’s Center will remain open and operational with City Staff.

• The Havre de Grace Mayor and City Council Meeting will be held as scheduled on March 16, 2020, with a modified seating arrangement

• We will continue to monitor the upcoming April 3rd First Friday, as well as other future City events and activities scheduled in April and beyond, and will evaluate each daily, based on the guidance from the State of Maryland Department of Health and the Governor’s Office.

As this unprecedented event continues to unfold, please know that I will continue to take the necessary steps to protect our employees and citizens.  We are asking everyone to be patient, positive and pro-active as we go about our daily lives. While we make every effort to prepare our City, we are also asking that you take all precautions regarding COVID-19 as well.  By working together, we will get through this pandemic with the least possible impact on our citizens, our businesses and our City.

Our City website continues to be the best resource for you and our citizens. Information on the site includes up to the moment information from the CDC, State and County Health Department.