County Commissioner Terry Baker praises Meritus staff, upgraded to good condition

Washington County Commissioner Terry Baker was listed in "good" condition Monday at Meritus Medical Center, an upgrade from his previous status of "critical."

In an exchange of text messages with a Herald-Mail Media reporter, Baker reiterated his earlier praise for the staff at Meritus.

"The Meritus staff has been absolutely wonderful," he wrote. "I would like to thank the unit manager, nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, dietician, the people who cook and deliver the meals, and chaplains. They are all just incredible! So professional but also provide loving care to their patients. They all seem to know what we are going through and it means so much. I just feel so fortunate to be at Meritus!"

On Monday, the hospital near Hagerstown reported having 228 patients, 39 of whom were being treated for COVID-19.

Of the 39 COVID patients, 34 were not vaccinated.

In an exchange of texts on Friday, Baker wrote that he "did not get (the COVID) vaccination but will."

Baker, 65, is vice president of the Washington County commissioners.

Each of the other four commissioners — President Jeff Cline and commissioners Charlie Burkett, Wayne Keefer and Randy Wagner — said they have been vaccinated.

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Baker, a former Clear Spring assistant mayor and town council member, formerly taught trades at Washington County Technical High School.

He first won election to the Board of Commissioners in 2006 and served as its president for two terms, from 2010 to 2018.

In July, Baker filed as a candidate to represent District 1C in the Maryland House of Delegates. Keefer also is running for the Republican Party's nomination to that post.

Mike Lewis covers business, the economy and other issues. Follow Mike on Twitter at MiLewis.