May 19, 2020
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Governor Hogan issued an emergency order today authorizing the state’s hundreds of licensed pharmacists to directly order and administer COVID-19 tests. Additionally, he directed the Maryland Department of Health to allow appointment-free testing at some VEIP stations throughout the state starting Thursday.
"This is a needed, encouraging step to increase testing and better understanding the scope of the virus,” said County Executive Calvin Ball. “As we continue to expand contact tracing operations, we will be able to better identify those who may have been exposed and should be tested. This critical progress provides another opportunity for residents to access testing and move us closer toward a safe, effective reopening."
Drive-thru, appointment-free testing will be available beginning on Thursday, May 21, at the Timonium Fairgrounds in Baltimore County and continue on Friday, May 22, at the Glen Burnie VEIP site in Anne Arundel County, as well as the Hyattsville VEIP station in Prince George’s County. Testing will become available at the Clinton VEIP site next week. People who suspect that they may have been exposed to COVID-19, even if they are not yet symptomatic, can access a test at one of these sites without a prior doctor’s order or a scheduled appointment. Testing will be provided at no out-of-pocket cost.
Governor Hogan has issued an emergency order authorizing the state’s pharmacists to directly order COVID-19 tests. Additionally, the order authorizes pharmacies to collect specimens for COVID-19 tests onsite, provided that it is carried out safely by qualified personnel in accordance with all CDC guidance. Pharmacists must adhere to all test result reporting requirements. This order coincides with new federal guidelines expanding options to pay for pharmacists to offer COVID-19 tests for Medicare beneficiaries. Read the order.
Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) is hosting the following Pop-Up Pantries. In addition to food distributions, there will be free dog and cat food as well as cat litter available. Anyone in need of food is eligible. No ID is necessary. One bag per family.
Wednesday, May 20, Noon – 3 p.m.
The Seasons Apartments
9640 Barrel House Road
Laurel, MD
Friday, May 22, Noon – 3 p.m.
Chatham Gardens
3332 North Chatham Road
Ellicott City, MD
Feed Howard County will be distributing microwaveable meals on the following dates and locations:
Wednesday, May 20 at 4:00 pm
Howard Cross Apartments - 8732 Town & Country Blvd., Ellicott City
Restaurant - Jaxon Edwin
Thursday, Mary 21 at 4:30 pm
Elkridge Volunteer Fire Dept. - 5700 Rowanberry Drive, Elkridge
Outside the Community Hall Entrance
Restaurant - Absolutely Perfect Catering
Saturday, May 23 at 12:00 pm
Selbourne at Dorsey House - 5320 Dorsey Hall Drive, Columbia
Restaurant - Tino's