Wicomico Council considers extending emergency declaration amid coronavirus threat Monday
Rose VelazquezUpdate: 1:50 p.m., March 19
Wicomico County Council will hole a special legislative session to consider extending the County Executive's declaration of emergency at 9 a.m. Monday, March 23.
Any public comments should be sent to Council Administrator Laura Hurley, at lhurley@wicomicocounty.org
The public is invited to listen to the meeting by calling 1+510-338-9438, and then enter the access code: 791-738-130. All members of the public will be asked to mute their phones so you do not disrupt the meeting.
Original: 3:57 p.m., March 16
Wicomico County Executive Bob Culver issued the declaration of emergency in response to the spread of the coronavirus.
The purpose of the declaration is to provide additional powers and resources to county departments so that they are able to handle the evolving situation, according to a March 16 news release.
The announcement comes after Gov. Larry Hogan ordered Maryland restaurants, bars, movie theaters and gyms to close and gatherings of more than 50 people to be prohibited.
As of Monday morning, Maryland has 37 confirmed cases in 10 counties. The Eastern Shore's first case was announced Sunday evening in Talbot County.
"We request the public heed the orders of our public and health officials to limit social contact to reduce the threat of spreading the COVID-19 virus," the Wicomico County release states.
The Wicomico County Health Department will be the county's lead agency in this emergency, the release shows, with support from all other county departments under the coordination of the Department of Emergency Services.
County departments will operate with essential staff only and county offices — including the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center and the Tourism Welcome Center — will be closed to the public.
The release shows the government office building located in downtown Salisbury will have drop-off bins placed in the first-floor foyer where mail and other essential documents can be left for county staff.
More:Coronavirus containment calls for changes to Salisbury city operations: mayor
The Newland Park Landfill and convenience centers will remain open under normal hours so that trash removal can continue. However, the Upper Ferry and Whitehaven Ferry will be closed, according to the release.
The Wicomico County Council will hold its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday, March 17, at 10 a.m. The county says it will be broadcast as usual on PAC-14 and the public can send comments to Council Administrator Laura Hurley at lhurley@wicomicocounty.org.