HARFORD COUNTY, MD—In his weekly update, County Executive Barry Glassman reiterated that Harford County would begin to enter Stage Two of the Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery at 5 p.m. on Friday:

“Harford County cases remain relatively low, with the Maryland Department of Health reporting a total of 939 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 48 deaths and 3 probable deaths among Harford County residents. Two nursing homes continue to represent more than half of reported fatalities. In addition, Citizens Care & Rehabilitation Center in Havre de Grace reports there are two cases among staff members and testing has been completed for all staff and residents with results pending.

“I continue to work closely with the Harford County Health Department as we monitor key metrics that guide our reopening to the extent permitted by Gov. Hogan. Locally, new cases and fatalities are trending downward; testing is increasing; hospital and ICU capacities appear adequate in case of a surge, and contact tracing is expanding.

“Contact tracing identifies those who test positive, along with anyone they have had close contact with during the virus’ two-week infection period. Public health officials will rely on this important tool to contain the spread of COVID-19 and prevent a second wave in the fall.If you get a call from ‘MD COVID,’ answer or return the call to help yourself and others. Learn more on Maryland’s COVID LinkWeb page.

“At 5 p.m. today, Harford County will safely follow Governor Hogan’s move entering into Stage Two of the Maryland Roadmap to Recovery. This is a gradual step forward for businesses with specifics posted on the governor’s website.Most “non-essential” businesses can reopen with safety precautions. State government agencies such as the MVA will begin returning to normal next week.
Everyone is encouraged to continue social distancing and wearing face masks inside public places. While some employees can return to work, the governor has urged those who can telework to continue doing so.

“Following the state’s plan for gradually reopening public transportation, Harford Transit will start accepting new applications for on-demand service Monday, June 8th. Qualifications and instructions are on our website at http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/213/Harford-Transit-LINK.

“We began accepting applications for our small business and farm relief grants last week and payments have started going out.Applications are online now for our third program that provides $5,000 for businesses of any size -even those without employees -to help pay their commercial mortgage or business rent.All three programs are funded by the federal CARES Act, but administered locally. I would like to thank our staff for working quickly to bring this vital relief to our business community.

“In closing, I also want to thank Harford County’s public health officer, Dr. Russell Moy, who will be retiring in the fall after a 31-year career in public service. As the head of our local health department for the past three years and throughout this crisis, he has been a trusted resource with his rational, data-driven approach to public health. Please join me in wishing Dr. Moy all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

Baltimore County has also announced plans to begin Stage Two on Friday evening.