Covid-19/Coronavirus Information

The goal of this page is to provide you with links to several resources to help you navigate Covid-19.  We will add new information and links as we are made aware of them.  If you have any questions with any of the content or suggestions for additional content please contact us at Bill@dorchesterchamber.org. 

There are posters and forms that can be helpful for your organization and some are required.  Here is the link to our current list for you to view and download.  We will print copies for free for our members.  Just let us know which ones you need.  If you find other signs you feel will be helpful let us know and we will get them added.

We continue to follow the efforts of Congress to pass another Covid relief Bill. We will provide updates as soon as they are available. 

MARYLAND STAGE THREE BEGINS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 AT 5:00 PM:

As part of the state’s initial entry into Stage Three, Governor Hogan announced the following additional safe and gradual re-openings:

INDOOR THEATERS. Indoor theaters where live performances occur or motion pictures are shown may open to the general public at 50% capacity, or 100 people per auditorium—whichever is less—with appropriate health and safety protocols in place.

OUTDOOR VENUES. Outdoor venues where live performances occur or motion pictures are shown outdoors may open to the general public at 50% capacity, or 250 people—whichever is less—with appropriate health and safety protocols in place.

RETAIL AND RELIGIOUS FACILITIES. Capacity for retail establishments and religious facilities may increase from 50 to 75 percent.

Click Here for the governor’s order.

Click Here for reopening guidance for theaters.

Click here to watch the press conference

Governor Hogan has issued an executive order requiring face coverings for everyone over 5 years of age in the following conditions:

1. indoors at any location where members of the public are generally permitted public

2. outdoors and unable to consistently maintain at least six feet of distance from individuals who are not members of their household

3. obtaining healthcare services, including without limitation, in offices of physicians and dentists, hospitals, pharmacies, and laboratories

4. engaged in work in any area where:

   1. interaction with others is likely, including without limitation, in shared areas of commercial offices; or

   2. food is prepared or packaged

Click here for full order.

The Small Business Administration and Treasury Announced a New EZ and Revised Full Forgiveness Applications for the Paycheck Protection Program.

Click here to view the EZ Forgiveness Application

Click here to view the Full Forgiveness Application

The Small Business Administration has reopened its Economic Injury Disaster Loan program to all small businesses. Click here for more details and access to the application

Click Here to view the June 10th executive order. Click Here for Summary of his press conference.

Businesses that adopt all safety guidelines are encouraged to take the ‘Back to Business’ pledge. Click here for the pledge.

Here is the link to Governor Hogan’s Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery  

There is an Retention Tax Credit program also defined by the Cares Act that may help some small businesses.  Click here for more details on that program.

For more information about the disease and to stay current on issues around the US and other Countries the Center for Disease Control (CDC) offers a lot of good information.

• This link will take you to the Covid-19 home page:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• They have great recommendations for preparing to re open: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/reopen-guidance.html
• The Maryland Department of Health also provides helpful information and has a good FAQ document.  They can be found at this link:  https://phpa.health.maryland.gov/Pages/Novel-coronavirus.aspx

Here is a link to a list being maintained by Dorchester County Tourism for status of restaurants, lodging and shops in the County:  https://visitdorchester.org/visitor-info-during-the-pandemic/ If you have any additions or changes to the list please reach out to the Chamber or Tourism and we will work to get it updated.

If you have any questions or suggestions for additional information for us to share with our members, please let us know.  Working together as a community we will get pass this and become stronger for it.