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June 5, 2023

Chestertown Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Chestertown

News COVID-19

Spy COVID-19 Daily Update Nov. 2

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Key points for today

• Kent County COVID-19 cases remain at 348.

• The county’s 7-day average positivity rate is 2.08%.

• The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Maryland is now at 146,995, an increase of 850 in the last 24 hours.

• In the last 24 hours, 3 people died as a result of COVID-19, bringing the state’s total to 4,007.

The Spy obtains information for this chart between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Statewide data is updated about 10 a.m. each day; counties may update data throughout the day until 5 p.m. Johns Hopkins updates its data throughout the day.

* Maryland and Cecil County report the total released from isolation.

** For Kent County deaths, The Spy reports its own tally based on the number of state-reported deaths within Kent County facilities and the number of non-facility deaths. For Queen Anne’s County deaths, The Spy reports the total deaths listed on the county’s website. There are discrepancies among state and county statistics concerning total deaths and facility deaths.

Key metrics

• The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients increased by 6 over the last 24 hours.

• There currently are 529 people hospitalized — 396 in acute care and 133 in intensive care.

• Of the 26,814 test results received Nov. 1, the positivity rate was 3.76%; the 7-day positivity rate was 3.94%.

For additional COVID-19 graphics and links to resources, click here.

 Additional information

• A total of 3,479,230 COVID-19 tests have been conducted in Maryland; this number does not represent the total number of patients tested as some patients have been tested multiple times. The state reports 1,813,450 people have tested negative.

• Of the state’s 146,995 cases, 17,252 patients have ever been hospitalized for treatment; 8,201 have been released from isolation.

The graph below shows the total cases, total ever hospitalized, and total deaths statewide.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Reopening Off to Smooth Start

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Kent County’s initial reopening has gone smoothly, officials said this week.

“We haven’t had any significant problems with that at least from the health department end of things,” William Webb, Kent County’s health officer, said Thursday.

“We’re getting a lot of calls about … best practices and what the guidance is for businesses that are looking to reopen. There’s certainly some confusion, especially with retail … because some retail establishments do not know what their fire code maximum is.”

A large number of people were in Rock Hall this past weekend, which is usually the date of a spring bike fest, but there were no problems, he said.

“They had a number of people show up…. Everybody was civil, (but many visitors) didn’t know that the restaurants weren’t open in Maryland.”

Webb said bars and restaurants are eager to start providing outdoor dining service, but the governor has not approved that yet.

“Everybody is anxious to get restarted,” he said.

During Monday’s Chestertown council meeting, Kay Macintosh, the town’s economic development and marketing coordinator, said downtown had been fairly busy over the weekend but there had been no complaints about people violating social distancing and mask requirements.

Macintosh and council members discussed options for allowing restaurants and bars to provide additional outdoor dining spaces once that is allowed by the governor.

Options could include allowing restaurants to place tables in front of neighboring businesses, with permission from those businesses; closing off parking spaces to create additional dining areas set off by wood decking and planters; and providing tables and chairs in public spaces for those getting takeout.

“To help restaurants survive, they will have to have enough tables to make this viable for them,” Macintosh said.

Town Manager Bill Ingersoll said the town had a pretty good framework with its al fresco dining ordinance.

Worship services

The health department also has been working with the county’s faith-based communities, which is an area of particular concern to Webb due to “the high number of high-risk people who go to church services.”

“They have worked really, really hard to support the community and do the right thing and as a health department we want to help them do that,” he said.

Kent’s numbers

The county now has 143 COVID-19 cases and at least 25 deaths. The vast majority of the cases and nearly all of the deaths are related to three outbreaks in the county — two in nursing homes and one among farm laborers. Those outbreaks account for about 88% of the county’s cases.

“We have three fairly substantial nursing homes in the county…. Unfortunately that’s the population that is hardest hit by the virus and even though they have tried very, very hard to keep it out … once it gets in with the residents and the staff it spreads like wildfire,” Webb said.

Although the county’s high numbers are driven by outbreaks, Webb stressed that the county does have cases of community spread and all residents should take precautions.

“I want to encourage all of our citizens to practice social distancing, masking and hand washing,” he said. “Take personal responsibility for helping prevent the spread of this because as we reopen … we know that as things open back up … our case counts are going to go up. Take personal responsibility, stay at home as much as possible and do the social distancing, the hand-washing all of the usual stuff and that’s what’s really going to help us get past this crisis.

“We stayed at home, we have given our health-care community the opportunity to prepare for the increased demand surge, and now it’s time to get back to business and hope that the preparations that we have done are going to be sufficient for whatever may come as a result of this.”

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

UM Shore Regional Health Granted $24,000 from Nora Roberts Foundation To Aid In COVID-19 Response

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The University of Maryland Shore Regional Health has received $24,000 from the Nora Roberts Foundation to aid in COVID-19 response. This grant is part of an overall $168,000 gift from the Nora Roberts Foundation to the University of Maryland Medical System for its acute-care hospitals and freestanding medical facilities.

The funds will be used by individual hospital foundations to support a variety of projects and initiatives related to COVID-19 including employee and patient assistance, meals for the community, personal protective equipment (PPE) and mental health care resources.

“This gift from the Nora Roberts Foundation will be felt across our entire University of Maryland Medical System and the communities we serve and will support our efforts as we continue to respond to the unprecedented COVID-19 challenge. We are incredibly grateful for their support and generosity,” said Mohan Suntha, MD, MBA, president and chief executive officer of University of Maryland Medical System.

The funding will be given to UM Chester River Health Foundation, UM Memorial Hospital Foundation and UM Dorchester General Hospital Foundation and distributed as follows: UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown, $5,000; UM Shore Medical Center at Dorchester, $5,000; UM Shore Medical Center at Easton, $9,000; UM Shore Emergency Center at Queenstown, $5,000.

“Philanthropy is a powerful resource, especially during this crisis,” said Ken Kozel, CEO and president of UM Shore Regional Health. “We are so very grateful to the Nora Roberts Foundation for shifting their focus and prioritizing the immense needs brought on by COVID-19. Their support will undoubtedly benefit our patients, our workforce, and our communities throughout Maryland.”

The Nora Roberts Foundation Board issued the following statement:

“Our sincere thanks to all essential workers, to everyone keeping us safe and fed. We’re so grateful to everyone who’s staying home, for putting responsibility to your community over your own wants and needs.

“And we’re grateful beyond words to the hospital workers, the doctors, nurses, specialists, cooks, cleaners, maintenance workers, and all those who show up every day, despite the risks.

“We’re humbled by your willingness to put yourselves in harm’s way to care for the sick, to save lives, and to be witness to the final moments of those who can’t be saved.

“You’re more than heroes, more than the frontline. You’re children, siblings, parents, and friends. You’re human, and you, individually, matter.”

The Nora Roberts Foundation was created in 2001 by Roberts, a successful businesswoman as well as a best-selling author, as an avenue of support for organizations promoting and encouraging literacy, children, the arts and humanitarian efforts. These areas, particularly important to her and her family, serve as the focus of the foundation.

More information about the UMMS response to the global pandemic can be found on our dedicated COVID-19 information webpage, https://www.umms.org/coronavirus.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Gordman’s Parent Co. Files for Bankruptcy

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Stage Stores Inc., which operates brands including Gordmans and Peebles, has filed for bankruptcy, citing the effects of closing all its stores as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The firm operated Peebles stores that had been rebranded as Gordmans in recent months in Easton and Chestertown.

In a May 10 letter to customers, President and CEO Michael Glazer said Stage had “been unable to obtain necessary financing to continue operating as an independent business.

“We have therefore filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11, as we simultaneously run a sale process for our business or any of our assets and initiate an orderly wind-down of our operations,” Glazer wrote. “We hope our actions over the last several months to reposition the business will attract the right partner who is interested in our off-price concept.

“If we receive a viable bid for the business, we will terminate our winddown of operations at certain locations,” he wrote. “This is incredibly difficult news to deliver and it is a decision that we came to after exhausting all other options.”

Stage is the third large retailer to file for bankruptcy in recent days, following J. Crew and Neiman Marcus.

In its bankruptcy filing, Houston-based Stage said it had between 10,001 to 25,000 creditors and listed total assets at about $1.7 billion and total debts at about $1 billion. Stage reported about $1.6 billion in revenue in 2018.

The firm has about 28.9 million shares of common stock. Axar Capital Management LP holds nearly 15% of the firm’s equity; Glazer holds 6.41%.

The firm’s 50 largest creditors include Nike, which is owed $3.6 million; Adobe, $2.64 million; Skechers, $2.31 million; Ralph Lauren, $2.138 million; Levi, $2.079 million; and Adidas, $1.879 million. One Maryland firm, FILA USA Inc., is owed more than $940,000.

Stage operated stores under a variety of brands, including Stage Stores, Bealls, Palais Royal, Peebles, Gordmans and Goody’s.

In 2017, Stage bought the Gordmans name, along with 48 stores and one distribution center, and later announced plans to convert all its stores to the off-price Gordmans brand to compete with discount retailers such as TJ Maxx and Burlington.

The rebrand had included the former Peebles department stores in Easton and Chestertown.

Although those changes had seen some success, the pandemic halted any progress in improving the company’s finances.

The firm, in a list of frequently asked questions on its website, wrote:

“Over the last several months, we had been taking significant steps to attempt to strengthen our financial position and find an independent path forward.

“However, the increasingly challenging market environment was made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic, which required us to temporarily close all of our stores and furlough the vast majority of our associates.”

Stage will reopen its 738 stores in a phased approach to liquidate inventory as it seeks a buyer.

About 557 stores will open on May 15, 67 stores are expected to open on May 28, and the remaining stores are expected to open on June 4.

Glazer said the store closing sales would include brand name apparel and home decor merchandise.

The company “will continue to follow health authorities’ recommendations and industry best practices as we reopen to ensure our guests and associates feel comfortable in our stores and facilities,” he wrote. “We will provide additional information about the steps we are taking, which include ensuring appropriate social distancing, the use of face covers, enhanced cleaning and sanitation, modified purchasing and returns processes, and good hygiene and health awareness.

Stage expects “to honor existing customer programs, including gift cards and returns, for the first 30 days after a store reopens,” Glazer wrote. “We will not be issuing gift cards at this time and we encourage you to use them while you can.”

Gift cards, rewards or coupons that expired while the store was closed because of COVID-19 will not be honored.

For questions about products, warranties or rewards, customers in the U.S. should continue to contact the customer service team via phone at 800.743.8730, email or text.

If customers have questions regarding the restructuring process, or for information about which stores will be affected, visit www.gordmans.com.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

COVID-19 Resident Deaths at Autumn Lake at 15

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COVID-19 has caused the deaths of 15 residents at Autumn Lake Healthcare at Chestertown, according to the state’s coronavirus website.

The novel coronavirus has infected 55 residents and 13 staff members at the facility. The data is updated weekly on Wednesdays.

Five residents and one staffer at the Resorts at Chester Manor also have contracted the disease.

The state data does not include Heron Point, where at least three cases — two patients and one staffer — previously had been reported.

In neighboring Queen Anne’s County, four staff members at the Corsica Hills Center have tested positive.

Statewide, about 22 percent of confirmed COVID-19 cases are among residents and staffers at congregate living facilities, such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, state and local facilities, and group homes with 10 or more occupants.

There are 6,268 cases related to such facilities — 4,342 residents and 1,926 staffers.

Slightly more than 60 percent of Maryland’s 1,338 COVID-19 deaths are related to congregate living facilities; 793 residents and 11 staff members have died.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Chestertown Mayor Chris Cerino May 4 COVID-19 Update

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https://www.facebook.com/ChestertownResponds/videos/1355814344607668/

Chestertown Mayor Chris Cerino gives a COVID-19 update in this May 4, 2020, video.

This video is about three minutes long.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Chestertown Reverses Course on Farmers Market; Will Not Open on Saturday

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https://www.facebook.com/ChestertownResponds/videos/534655217248868/

In a video posted April 8 to the town’s COVID-19 Facebook page, Chestertown Mayor Chris Cerino said the town’s farmers market will not open Saturday.

The town had voted 4-1 Monday night to allow 13 vendors to sell fresh produce and food products in the Wilmer Park parking lot, with vendors separated by about 10 feet and a pedestrian flow configuration that attempted to maintain social distancing among shoppers.

After Monday’s vote, the Kent County Health Department told town officials the vendors “were still too densely packed,” Cerino said in the video, and the health department suggested they should be 30-40 yards apart.

“Clearly we are not to be able to accommodate that in that parking lot and as a result the market will not be reopening this Saturday,” Cerino said, noting “the market will be closed for the foreseeable future at least in the format that we’ve all enjoyed so much over the past several years.”

This video is about five minutes in length.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Chestertown Farmers Market Will Reopen Saturday in Wilmer Park

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Chestertown’s Farmers Market will reopen Saturday at Wilmer Park with a baker’s dozen of food vendors.

After much discussion, the town council voted 4-1 Monday to adopt a plan to move the farmers market to Wilmer Park and to restrict vendors to only those selling fresh produce and food products.

The town had shut down the farmers market at its March 16 meeting; a day later, town officials learned that Gov. Larry Hogan had designated farmers markets as essential businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The plan calls for 13 vendors to set up in the parking lot at Wilmer Park. Vendors would be spaced out within the parking lot to maintain a safe distance.

Shoppers would park their vehicles along Quaker Neck Road (state Route 289) or in the Stepne Station parking lot and walk to the entrance of the park’s lot, where hand sanitizer will be provided.

Patrons would proceed in a counter-clockwise direction among the vendors in the parking lot while maintaining a 6-f00t distance with other shoppers.

Customers who walk to the farmers market and enter from the south side of the parking lot would proceed through the parking lot, shopping or going past any vendors in an overflow area, before entering the market from the north.

Councilman Tom Herz worked with Farmers Market Manager Julie King to develop the plan and provided the following diagram.

King said the vendors included those involved in the winter market.

Artisans and crafters who typically participate in the farmers market will not be permitted at this time under the governor’s executive order closing essential businesses.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Trooper Injured, Suspect Shot During Suspicious Vehicle Check Near Chestertown

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A Maryland state trooper and the driver of a suspicious vehicle are being treated for injuries sustained during an apparent assault and trooper-involved shooting in Queen Anne’s County early Saturday, according to a state police press release.

The trooper is a uniformed patrol trooper assigned to the Maryland State Police Centreville Barrack. The suspect is an adult male believed to be from Queen Anne’s County. Both are undergoing treatment at the University of Maryland R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore.

At this time, the preliminary investigation indicates that shortly before 3 a.m. Saturday, March 4, the trooper was on patrol when he located a suspicious vehicle at the end of Rolph’s Wharf Road (300-block) near Chestertown, according to the press release. The trooper called in a description of a 2001 Chevrolet truck.

Minutes later, the trooper called for backup. As troopers and deputies responded to the area, the trooper on the scene did not respond to calls on his radio. When units arrived, they found the trooper lying in a ditch and saw the suspect vehicle was not at the scene. Evidence indicated the trooper may have been injured when he was dragged by a vehicle.

A lookout for the vehicle was broadcast and the vehicle was spotted by Queen Anne County Sheriff’s Office deputies. The driver of the vehicle refused to stop and a pursuit ensued in the area of Woods Road and Pondtown Road. The vehicle was eventually stopped. Deputies and troopers took the suspect into custody and found he had what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the upper torso. Troopers administered immediate emergency care and EMS units responded to the scene. The suspect was flown by a Maryland State Police helicopter to Shock Trauma.

Investigators from the State Police Criminal Enforcement Division and crime scene technicians from the Forensic Sciences Division are on the scene and assisting with the investigation. The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit responded and will be leading the ongoing investigation, as is procedure in a trooper-involved shooting. State Police Internal Affairs Unit investigators are also conducting an investigation which is also procedure following a use of deadly force by a trooper.

A motive for the suspect’s actions is not known at this time. Further information will be provided when it becomes available.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Covid-19: The View from Cross Street with Jennifer Baker

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While Jennifer Baker appears hatless in her interview with the Spy this morning, she wears two hats in real life. The first is being the co-owner of Chester River Wine and Cheese in Cross Street with her husband, John, and the second being the former president of the Downtown Chestertown Association.

We talked to Jennifer about both subjects to get her perspective on what this means for her businesses and her fellow merchants in the community. She also highlights the importance of supporting local businesses with such innovative programs like Historic Chestertown Main Street’s gift card program.

This video is approximately four minutes in length. Due to a weak internet signal, the first part of our conversation will contain momentary video image freezing. For more information about Chester River Wine and Cheese, go here. For the Downtown Chestertown Association go here, and for more information about Main Street’s gift card program, please go here. 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.