St. Mary’s Has COVID-19 Call Center

UPDATE APRIL 8: Due to diminished need, as evidenced by reduced call volume, the St. Mary’s County Coronavirus Call Center will eliminate Saturday hours beginning Saturday, April 11. Additionally, the call center will have reduced hours on Friday, April 10, due to the Good Friday holiday – the call center will be open from 8 am to noon on that date. The call center will resume normal weekday hours Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm beginning Monday, April 13.

The call center was opened March 12 in response to community demand for further information and questions regarding the rapidly evolving virus. Community members should still consult with their primary care physician with personal health questions; however, for general questions about COVID-19, residents may call the hotline at 301-475-4911.

Language line interpretation services are available during all hotline operational hours for Spanish and other languages, including Punjabi, French, Arabic, Mandarin, Neali, and more.

*****

A call center has been opened for St. Mary’s County residents needing more information about the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Community members can call the center Monday – Friday from 8 am – 5 pm to speak with staff, obtain information about the disease, or get their questions answered at

301-475-4911

Residents should address their personal health questions with their primary care physician. However, the call center may help with other questions about COVID-19.

While the virus that causes COVID-19 is a new respiratory virus, daily precautions recommended to prevent respiratory illnesses are the same:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; if soap and water is unavailable use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
• Avoid close contact (within six feet of distance) with people who are sick
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throwing the tissue in the trash
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

Community members, health care providers, and local business owners are encouraged to visit the SMCHD website for updates and information at www.smchd.org/coronavirus.