Baltimore County Health Officer Issues Notice for Faith-based Institutions

Emphasizes Role in Helping to Mitigate, Contain and Prevent the Spread of COVID-19

Baltimore County Health Officer Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch has issued a health notice to faith-based institutions calling for their help in the ongoing effort to decrease the spread of COVID-19.

“With the flu season right around the corner it is more important than ever for residents to adhere to the recommendations of national, state and local health officials,” said County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “Our faith-based organizations are some of our most valuable partners in helping to drive home that message.”

“Faith-based institutions have a long-standing tradition of serving as anchors in communities and a focal point for the distribution of information and guidance,” said Health Officer Branch. “We are relying on these institutions to emphasize to their parishioners and their neighboring communities the importance of safeguarding against the coronavirus.”

In addition to sharing safety messages with parishioners, the order also called for faith-based institutions affiliated with educational facilities to encourage those facilities to follow practices and protocols outlined in their reopening plans, noting that institutions that operate outside of plans are subject to closure.

The issued Health Officer’s Notice is below.

The Baltimore County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) promotes well-being among individuals and families by providing quality health, housing and social services. Along with an administrative unit, HHS is comprised of the Departments of Health and Social Services.

From the Desk of Gregory Wm. Branch, M.D., MBA, CPE, FACP

RE: Mitigating COVID-19 Outbreaks Among Faith-Based Institutions

October 16, 2020

The Baltimore County Department of Health is aggressively working to mitigate, contain and prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Faith-based institutions can help in this effort by consistently encouraging your parishioners, educational affiliates and community members to safeguard themselves and others against this pandemic.

It is vital that you continue to emphasize how important it is to:

• Wear face coverings while inside public venues and outside when social distancing is not possible;
• Avoid large gatherings;
• Maintain a distance of at least six feet from others;
• Wash hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available; and
• Stay at home if you do not feel well.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Maryland Department of Health, and the Baltimore County Department of Health all advise against participating in gatherings, ceremonies and special events that involve large groups. Additionally, please ensure that all educational organizations affiliated with your institutions are observing protocols included in their plan for reopening. Operating outside of their plan can result in the closure of the educational facility.

Working in tandem with Baltimore County faith-based organizations and the communities you serve will help to ensure a safer, healthier Baltimore County for everyone. We hope you will reach out with any questions or concerns you may have. The number for our COVID-19 Hotline is 410-887-3816 and is available seven days a week to serve you.