The St. Mary’s County Health Department confirmed Friday night that two residents at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

CENTREVILLE — Additional positive cases of novel Coronavirus were confirmed in Queen Anne’s County late Friday afternoon, March 27.

As the demand for food has dramatically increased over the past few weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, local farmers are seeing impacts to their operations.

CHESTERTOWN — The Kent County Health Department on Friday morning, in conjunction with the Kent County Commissioners, reported a second confirmed case of COVID-19 in Kent County. The individual was identified as a man in his 70s who lives in Kent and has no known travel history, according to…

Maryland public schools will remain closed for at least four more weeks, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced during a press conference Wednesday morning, with the possibility they may be closed for longer as the state grapples with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

CHESTER — Following Gov. Larry Hogan’s executive order to not meet in large groups and not travel unless for emergency or absolute necessity, churches across the county are finding ways to meet using digital and electronic means.

STEVENSVILLE — The Kent Island Farmers Market, located at Christ Episcopal Church on Maryland Route 8 south in Stevensville for years, moved to the parking lot of the Cult Classic Brewery in Kent Island Shopping Center March 19. The Rev. Mark Delcuze at Christ Church had orders from his supe…

CHESTER — Haven Ministries continues to provide critical essential services for those in need in Queen Anne’s County. The organization just launched a new resource for Queen Anne’s County called “QAC Neighbors Helping Neighbors.” This new Facebook Group will help support the most vulnerable …

QUEENSTOWN — The Queen Anne’s County Department of Parks and Recreation urges residents and visitors to do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community. If you go to a park or trail to exercise, please use common sense and caution. Maintain at least 6 feet of distance between y…

ELKTON —  Maryland and its counties are expected to receive billions of dollars in federal funds as the U.S. Senate unanimously passed — 96 to 0 — a $2 trillion Coronavirus relief and economic stimulus package to aid all Americans and businesses impacted by the rapidly-changing pandemic on W…

Dear Parents/Caregivers and Employees,

CENTREVILLE — With first responders across the country reporting a shortage of personal protective equipment, award-winning quilt artist Teri O’Meara of Centreville has turned her needle to fill a more urgent need. She started out making protective masks for Queen Anne’s County responders an…

CHESTERTOWN — Washington College’s Emergency Operations Group has been made aware that a student who lives off campus has tested positive for COVID-19, the college announced in a news release shortly before 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 25.

CHESTERTOWN — Chester River Health Foundation is asking the community to support its local hospital and health care providers by donating needed supplies.

ANNAPOLIS — Comptroller Peter Franchot is calling on financial institutions, small and large businesses and both individual and corporate consumers to work together on solutions that help Maryland residents and business owners during these challenging and unprecedented times. Businesses and …

ANNAPOLIS — As an initial two-week closure of Maryland public schools neared its March 27 end, State Superintendent of Schools Karen Salmon announced a further four-week shutdown to last through April 24 in response to the spreading novel coronavirus.

With state courts now holding a bare-bones docket amid the COVID-19 outbreak, some inmates are getting sentencing reconsideration hearings to either be released on time served, or serve the rest of their sentence at home.

Several St. Mary's County departments are making efforts to aid the community during the COVID-19 pandemic with the help of the county commissioners, the board announced at their meeting yesterday.

BEL AIR – County Executive Barry Glassman has issued the following weekly update on the COVID-19 coronavirus in Harford County:

The coronavirus pandemic is impeding a plethora of business operations; however, vital industries like the food and beverage industry must find a way to continue. 

DENTON — In today's challenging times, Edward Jones financial advisors are thinking about the health of their clients, their families and their colleagues, what's happening in their communities and the effect of COVID-19 on the markets.

PRESTON — Facing a worldwide spread of the novel coronavirus or COVID-19 that is even now causing illness and death in some cases, many of us are left wondering what can we do in addition to social-distancing to avoid getting the virus? One answer is to strengthen our immune systems. Althoug…

GRASONVILLE — On Sunday, March 22, the faculty and staff of Grasonville Elementary caravanned through the neighborhoods of Grasonville to let the students know that they were missed and the faculty were thinking about them.

STEVENSVILLE — Out for a walk? Put your time to good use. Kent Island Beach Cleanups has announced the KIBCU Cares Challenge.

More than 300 people signed a petition to have St. Mary’s College of Maryland move from letter grades to a pass-fail grading policy.

EASTON — Normally, the beginning of spring kicks off with a big boom in business after the offseason lull at the Hummingbird Inn on North Aurora Street. COVID-19 has made sure that will not be the case this year.

It’s put professional seasons on hold, and wiped out NCAA tournaments and entire spring seasons.

Viewers of the Charles County Government cable TV channel found the following message on their screens at about 3:10 p.m. Friday.

Getting around for some is going to be a little more difficult as public transportation and automotive agencies scale back services amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

CHESTERTOWN — Kent County has its first confirmed case of COVID-19, the Kent County Health Department announced in a news release Tuesday, March 24. The individual is identified as a man in his 20s.

ELKTON — First responders in Cecil County have received protective gear from a federal stockpile, amid the ever-growing number of COVID-19 cases in Maryland and throughout the United States, according to Richard Brooks, director of the Cecil County Department of Emergency Services.

ELKTON — Cecil County Sheriff's Office deputies will respond to complaints of gatherings of more than 10 people, which is forbidden statewide under an emergency order issued by Gov. Larry Hogan, but they will not proactively patrol to enforce the ordinance, according to Sheriff Scott Adams.

A local whiskey and rum maker is turning its skills and equipment toward making widely needed hand sanitizer this week, and plans to get it out to local first responders and medical professionals free of charge.

Delaware schools must remain closed through May 15, Gov. John Carney ordered Monday.

As of Monday, Delaware has 87 confirmed cases of coronavirus, a increase of 31 from Sunday, state officials announced.

EASTON — One of the top locations for Marylanders and Delawareans to go to get their caffeine fixes announced a temporary closure because of the COVID-19 threat.

RISING SUN — You don't need me to tell you that supplies of the new essentials (household disinfectants, staple foods and paper products) are in short supply.

The governor of Maryland has added to the list of restrictions in place during the new coronavirus pandemic, namely that all non-essential businesses must close at 5 p.m. today, March 23.

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan (R) announced an executive order Monday ordering the closure of all “nonessential businesses, organizations, establishments and facilities in Maryland” by 5 p.m.

CHESTERTOWN — The Social Action Committee for Racial Justice is partnering with local groups on an effort to ensure children and the elderly in Kent County have the food they need.

BALTIMORE – While residents in Cecil County and throughout the state are taking precautions to safeguard themselves against COVID-19, some people are stealing or attempting to steal money through coronavirus-based scams, according to the Maryland U.S. Attorney's Office.

CHESTERTOWN — While financial institutions are considered essential community services that are to remain functioning while other businesses close their doors, local banks are still trying to minimize social contact in their branches.

ELKTON — Since being recognized as the most vulnerable group to get COVID-19, the Maryland Department of Aging has set up a special phone line for those 65 and older to receive regular wellness checks.

ELKTON — Of the 288 positive cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Maryland, Cecil County accounts for three of those cases as of press time Monday afternoon, March 23. 

An interview with Credit Card Insider's Associate Editor Sean Messier to give some advice to our readers on what to do and what not do with their credit cards during a pandemic.

EASTON — The U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Jovita Carranza announced changes to help borrowers still paying back SBA loans from previous disasters.

Charles County Government will close its buildings to the public effective Monday, March 23, until further notice. This action is being taken to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and to make every effort to protect the public health and safety of residents and employees.

Joint Base Andrews increased its health protection condition at 3 p.m. on Sunday in response to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a JBA press release.

CHESTERTOWN — Of all the event postponements aimed at keeping the coronavirus outbreak at bay, there is one that every Marylander and American is likely very happy about.

EASTON — Mayor Robert Willey declared a state of emergency on Thursday, March 19, for the Town of Easton in response to COVID-19 pandemic.

STEVENSVILLE — The Kent Island Heritage Society announced Friday, March 20, that the Kent Island Day celebration in May has been canceled in light of the current state of emergency and concerns over the the COVID-19 pandemic.

ANNAPOLIS — All non-essential businesses in Maryland must close at 5 p.m. Monday according to Gov. Larry Hogan, who included the directive in his morning announcement from the State House. 

Gov. John Carney has issued a stay-at-home order and mandated that all non-essential businesses close as the state tries to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

As of Sunday, Delaware has 56 confirmed cases of coronavirus, an increase of 11 from Saturday, state officials announced.

Cecil County has its first confirmed case of COVID-19, officials announced Sunday morning.

CECIL COUNTY - Law enforcement officers in Cecil County are still patrolling the roads, investigating crimes and performing their other duties amid the COVID-19 pandemic - but they are taking several precautions to prevent the spread of the virus while doing so.

CAMBRIDGE — Dorchester County is not confirming online reports of the first coronavirus case in the county.

St. Mary’s County has received its first confirmed case of the new coronavirus known as COVID-19.

The Blood Bank of Delmarva is issuing an urgent call for donors in order to maintain its supply of blood during the coronavirus pandemic.

Delaware now has 45 confirmed cases of coronavirus, as state officials say they are seeing evidence of community spread.

WASHINGTON, DC — Three United States senators, including Chris Van Hollen, (D-Md) have introduced a proposal that would make grants -- not loans -- available to small businesses and non-profit organizations rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Delaware now has 39 confirmed cases of coronavirus, an increase of nine from Thursday, state officials announced Friday.

DR.JOSEPH CIOTOLA

CENTREVILLE — Queen Anne’s County Health Officer Joseph A. Ciotola Jr., M.D., announced the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Queen Anne’s County Saturday, March 21, just before 2 p.m.

DENTON — Officials in Caroline County have confirmed the county’s first case of the new coronavirus.

RISING SUN — Any other year March is usually a welcome month at Plumpton Park Zoo.

The St. Mary’s County Health Department has been notified that a St. Mary’s County resident has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the agency announced just after noon on Saturday.

To minimize the spread of COVID-19, effective Monday, March 23, all St. Mary’s County government administrative buildings will be closed to the public until further notice, according to a release.

St. Mary’s County Health Department announced Saturday that it has been notified that a Washington, D.C., resident who works at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital in St. Mary’s County has tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

While restaurants, movie theaters, gyms and malls have been closed this past week in an effort to battle the coronavirus, area golf courses — public and private — have remained open.

EASTON – Maryland commerce officials know the implications on the economy if local businesses are unable to survive or recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

GRASONVILLE — Atlantic Broadband announced Friday, March 20, it is working to ensure that its customers and the public have access to the internet during the COVID-19 outbreak. New services include the following:

CENTREVILLE — Maryland U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur is encouraging all Marylanders to be aware of individuals attempting to profit from the coronavirus pandemic. Coronavirus scams are being perpetrated around the country, including in Maryland.

CENTREVILLE — The Queen Anne’s County Health Department opened a drive-thru COVID-19 testing site at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills Friday, March 20, to help take some of the pressure off local hospitals, specifically University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton and Anne Arundel Me…

CENTREVILLE — Queen Anne's County Public Schools have added two new locations for "grab and go meals," Superintendent of Schools Dr. Andrea Kane notified families in an emailed letter Thursday, March 19.

CENTREVILLE — In response to actions taken to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the University of Maryland Extension, Queen Anne’s County Office is implementing policies to limit in-person transactions and safeguard the health of its employees, stakeholders and the general public.

CHESTERTOWN — Washington College has postponed commencement scheduled for mid-May, Provost and Dean Patrice DiQuinzio posted on the college's web page Friday, March 20.

Shelters and churches, which normally supply food and a place to stay for the county’s homeless, have had to restrategize how they carry out their missions in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

CHESTERTOWN — As the school system here continues to provide meals to students during the state-mandated closure, dinners are being added to the packages.

St. Mary’s College of Maryland readjusted its response to the new coronavirus and announced it would continue with online classes for the rest of the spring semester and cancel the upcoming graduation ceremony.

CENTREVILLE — There are zero confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Queen Anne’s County as of Friday, March 20.

Local food services have been making accommodations to help the community adjust to the spread of COVID-19 in the state, especially after Gov. Larry Hogan (R) on Monday made the announcement that Maryland restaurants, bars, gyms and movie theaters would be closed, with the exception of drive…

According to the Calvert County Health Department website, as of Thursday morning, the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Calvert County was confirmed.

News from the fields, farms and beyond…

The Community Bank of the Chesapeake in Waldorf is adjusting protocol in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

ELKTON — Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera ordered Wednesday the Maryland circuit courts will allow land record filings during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. 

Six brothers and sisters stood outside of St. Mary’s Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Wednesday, holding a sign that spelled out “We love you mom” with each person’s name on the back.

EASTON — We’re on day five of the hostage — I mean school closure — situation. With schools closed because of pandemic precautions, parents everywhere are being bombarded with questions about snacks, screen time and sleepovers.

ST. MICHAELS — Hand sanitizer has been in short supply across America, and Talbot County has fared no differently. Windon Distilling is joining distilleries in Maryland and across the nation in producing safe, effective hand sanitizer for health care institutions, first responders and other …

It was supposed to be “The Year of End Hunger” in Calvert County. However, as it is globally, the coronavirus appears to have claimed 2020 for its own.

ELKTON — Cecil County government continues to work in order to keep the public informed with up to date information as the Coronavirus shuts down schools and slows down like in the county. 

Cars pulled up to the curb at Greenview Knolls Elementary School on Tuesday morning, and folks inside told school officials how many bags they wanted. Volunteers stuffed milk, sandwiches and produce into white plastic bags and set them on the side of the curb. Drivers pulled up, got out, gra…

ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland Department of Agriculture considers farmers markets an essential business and an important source of food for many Marylanders. The department is asking that farmers markets remain open during the current state of emergency.

If your church, organization, business or club has made the decision to cancel, postpone or reschedule an event or activity in relation to the pandemic send an email with all the details to jbellmyer@cecilwhig.com.

Delaware’s number of confirmed coronavirus cases now sits at 30, state officials announced Thursday.

CHESTERTOWN — What would have been the 44th annual Chestertown Tea Party Festival has been canceled. 

ANNAPOLIS — On the heels of Maryland’s first coronavirus death and a reported case of the virus in a 5-year-old girl, Gov. Larry Hogan piled on new statewide restrictions, including the closure of shopping malls and entertainment venues, online-only instruction for colleges until summer, and…

PORT DEPOSIT — With the announcement of the COVID-19 pandemic, there's been a run on many supplies and groceries, especially toilet paper. With indications that some may be hoarding, consternation has been added to an already stressful situation.

BALTIMORE — The Maryland Health Benefit Exchange Friday, March 13, announced a new special enrollment period open to all Marylanders in need of health insurance during the state of emergency for coronavirus (COVID-19) declared by Gov. Larry Hogan.

EASTON — Comptroller Peter Franchot announced the closure of all agency branch offices throughout the state effective at 4:30 p.m., Thursday, March 19. Taxpayer assistance will still be available via email and phone.

CHESTERTOWN — The Washington College student who was hospitalized last week for flu-like symptoms after traveling out of state to an area with confirmed cases of community-transmitted COVID-19 has been released from the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown, the college …

ELKTON — The run on essentials continues, say grocery store officials at the chains in Cecil County, but supplies trickle in; some better than others.

Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced new executive orders Thursday around noon, prohibiting events with 10 or more people and requiring that all indoor malls and entertainment venues to close. He set a deadline for closing at 5 p.m. on Thursday.

Shelters and churches, which normally supply food and a place to stay for the county’s homeless, have had to restrategize how they carry out their missions in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

CHESTERTOWN — As the school system here continues to provide meals to students during the state-mandated closure, dinners are being added to the packages.

St. Mary’s College of Maryland readjusted its response to the new coronavirus and announced it would continue with online classes for the rest of the spring semester and cancel the upcoming graduation ceremony.

CENTREVILLE — There are zero confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Queen Anne’s County as of Friday, March 20.

Local food services have been making accommodations to help the community adjust to the spread of COVID-19 in the state, especially after Gov. Larry Hogan (R) on Monday made the announcement that Maryland restaurants, bars, gyms and movie theaters would be closed, with the exception of drive…

According to the Calvert County Health Department website, as of Thursday morning, the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Calvert County was confirmed.

News from the fields, farms and beyond…

The Community Bank of the Chesapeake in Waldorf is adjusting protocol in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

ELKTON — Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera ordered Wednesday the Maryland circuit courts will allow land record filings during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. 

Six brothers and sisters stood outside of St. Mary’s Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Wednesday, holding a sign that spelled out “We love you mom” with each person’s name on the back.

EASTON — We’re on day five of the hostage — I mean school closure — situation. With schools closed because of pandemic precautions, parents everywhere are being bombarded with questions about snacks, screen time and sleepovers.

ST. MICHAELS — Hand sanitizer has been in short supply across America, and Talbot County has fared no differently. Windon Distilling is joining distilleries in Maryland and across the nation in producing safe, effective hand sanitizer for health care institutions, first responders and other …

It was supposed to be “The Year of End Hunger” in Calvert County. However, as it is globally, the coronavirus appears to have claimed 2020 for its own.

ELKTON — Cecil County government continues to work in order to keep the public informed with up to date information as the Coronavirus shuts down schools and slows down like in the county. 

Cars pulled up to the curb at Greenview Knolls Elementary School on Tuesday morning, and folks inside told school officials how many bags they wanted. Volunteers stuffed milk, sandwiches and produce into white plastic bags and set them on the side of the curb. Drivers pulled up, got out, gra…

ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland Department of Agriculture considers farmers markets an essential business and an important source of food for many Marylanders. The department is asking that farmers markets remain open during the current state of emergency.

If your church, organization, business or club has made the decision to cancel, postpone or reschedule an event or activity in relation to the pandemic send an email with all the details to jbellmyer@cecilwhig.com.

Delaware’s number of confirmed coronavirus cases now sits at 30, state officials announced Thursday.

CHESTERTOWN — What would have been the 44th annual Chestertown Tea Party Festival has been canceled. 

ANNAPOLIS — On the heels of Maryland’s first coronavirus death and a reported case of the virus in a 5-year-old girl, Gov. Larry Hogan piled on new statewide restrictions, including the closure of shopping malls and entertainment venues, online-only instruction for colleges until summer, and…

PORT DEPOSIT — With the announcement of the COVID-19 pandemic, there's been a run on many supplies and groceries, especially toilet paper. With indications that some may be hoarding, consternation has been added to an already stressful situation.

BALTIMORE — The Maryland Health Benefit Exchange Friday, March 13, announced a new special enrollment period open to all Marylanders in need of health insurance during the state of emergency for coronavirus (COVID-19) declared by Gov. Larry Hogan.

EASTON — Comptroller Peter Franchot announced the closure of all agency branch offices throughout the state effective at 4:30 p.m., Thursday, March 19. Taxpayer assistance will still be available via email and phone.

CHESTERTOWN — The Washington College student who was hospitalized last week for flu-like symptoms after traveling out of state to an area with confirmed cases of community-transmitted COVID-19 has been released from the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown, the college …

ELKTON — The run on essentials continues, say grocery store officials at the chains in Cecil County, but supplies trickle in; some better than others.

Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced new executive orders Thursday around noon, prohibiting events with 10 or more people and requiring that all indoor malls and entertainment venues to close. He set a deadline for closing at 5 p.m. on Thursday.

EASTON — Mid-Shore business leaders are exploring how technology can help keep their employees safe and their businesses running as the coronavirus, or COVID-19 sweeps the nation, including the Eastern Shore, with one case now reported in Talbot County.

CENTREVILLE — Queen Anne's County Public Schools began providing two meals for students each day on Monday, March 16. On Wednesday, March 18, schools began to provide three meals per day at the same locations, according to Dr. Andrea Kane, superintendent of schools.

EASTON — Following Gov. Larry Hogan’s announcement that the state primary election would be postponed until June 2, the Maryland State Board of Elections sent out a statement on March 17 to help answer voters’ questions.

CENTREVILLE — With the state in the grips of the coronavirus pandemic, some area grocery stores have announced hours of operation specifically for senior citizens to stock up on essential products.

ANNAPOLIS — Caring for and protecting patients, families, employees, and the community during the COVID-19 pandemic is most important to Luminis Health. In order to do that, the health system is putting measures in place that further restrict visitors to its facilities.

ANNAPOLIS — Gov. Larry Hogan announced the first COVID-19 death in Maryland, a Prince George’s County resident in his 60s who suffered from an underlying medical condition:

CHESTERTOWN — On the surface, it was business as usual at the most recent Kent County Commissioners’ meeting — aside from “social distancing” practices and a lack of public attendance.

Newark Natural Foods alerted customers Wednesday that someone who tested positive for coronavirus was in the store two days last week.

CHESTERTOWN — In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Kent County Commissioners and the county’s five incorporated municipalities have instituted policies to limit exposure to the virus.

ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland Department of Health's Primary Care Program is updating health care providers on the state of the COVID-19 or Coronavirus in the state every weekday, and are attempting to answer questions as the severity of the public health emergency is ever-changing. 

CHESTERTOWN — Amid policy changes instituted on the federal, state and local levels due to COVID-19, Kent County area libraries, theaters, churches and gathering places have closed to the public or canceled events.

ROCK HALL — Following the closure of all Maryland public schools, per an order by state Superintendent Karen Salmon on Thursday, March 12, Kent County Public Schools are closed from Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27.

STEVENSVILLE — Kent Island Farmers Market is moving temporarily from Christ Church on Route 8 to parking lot of Cult Classic Brewery, 1169 Shopping Center Road. Hours remain the same, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays.

CENTREVILLE — The Centreville Town Council will hold its regular meeting on March 19 at the Liberty building, however, due to the county and town policy during the coronavirus pandemic, no public access to the building will be permitted. This will be the first video recording of Town Council…

As positive coronavirus cases continue to climb in Maryland, public and private institutions are taking precautions such as canceling events, closing buildings to the public and restricting services.

Events, meetings or activities listed below are rescheduled or canceled. To add an event, email social@thekentcountynews.com or call 443-480-1912.