PRESS RELEASE
Mayor Gavin Buckley
Public Information Office
160 Duke of Gloucester Street
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Media Contact: Mitchelle Stephenson, 410-972-7724 or mwstephenson@annapolis.gov
City of Annapolis COVID-19 Updates for Sunday, March 15, 2020
ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 15, 2020) - On Thursday, March 12, Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley signed a Declaration of State of Emergency. The declaration enables the activation of the Mayor’s emergency authorities and allows for additional mutual aid resources. As of Monday morning (March 16) at 8 a.m. the Annapolis Call Center will be activated to answer resident questions. Reach the Call Center at 410-260-2211.
For questions about COVID-19, please call the Department of Health Warm Line at 410-222-7256.
Given the spread of the virus and the increasing number of cases in Maryland, the City is moving from a containment strategy (targeted efforts to limit the spread of the virus by specific individuals) toward a mitigation strategy (broad efforts to limit the spread within the population).
We need residents to do their part. Follow the Department of Health guidelines and practice social distancing (six feet apart), wash your hands thoroughly and often, clean and disinfect surfaces and avoid large gatherings. More information on how to protect yourself and your family is available at www.aahealth.org.
“The health, safety, and security for City of Annapolis residents, visitors and City staff are of paramount importance right now,” said Mayor Gavin Buckley. “We can do this if we are unified and working toward a common goal. We need to flatten the curve of this epidemic and make sure that everyone doesn’t get sick at once. I know we can do it because we are a strong community. We’ll get through this together.”
CITY CLOSURES: As a reminder, all City buildings are now closed to the public. All public meetings and City-sponsored public events are canceled. All City permitted events with an estimated attendance of more than 250 people have been canceled or postponed.
FINANCE WINDOW AT CITY HALL
During this time, the payment window at City Hall is closed to the public. You may:
Make a payment online;
Call the office at 410-263-7953 to make a credit card payment;
Mail payment by US Postal Service to “Finance” 160 Duke of Gloucester, Annapolis MD 21401’ or
Put your payment in an envelope and drop in the drop box located to the left of the front door of City Hall at 160 Duke of Gloucester in Annapolis.
If you have questions regarding payments or billing contact the Finance Office at 410-263-7953. Call 410-263-7952 for vendor or general inquiries. If necessary, please leave a voicemail and someone will get back with you.
”PIP” MOYER RECREATION CENTER AND STANTON CENTER/RECREATION AND PARKS:
"Pip" Moyer Recreation Center and the Stanton Center are closed to the public until further notice. All league sports and after school activities are canceled during the City-declared State of Emergency. The recreation center will be thoroughly cleaned during this closure. Stanton Center is closed and will be thoroughly cleaned during the closure. The parks division will remain operational. City parks are open but residents are reminded to practice social distancing.
PERMITS, LICENSE AND RENEWALS THROUGH CITY CLERK:
The City Clerk’s office is operational during the City’s closure for COVID-19, but the Clerk’s office at City Hall is closed to the public. If you need a City of Annapolis-issued license, permit or renewal, please call the Clerk’s office 410-263-7942 for details. Forms are available online and can be submitted by email.
BUS SERVICE:
City of Annapolis transportation services remain fully operational during City closures for COVID-19. Bus schedule changes, if needed due to any staffing shortages, will be published on the City’s website. The counter for purchasing bus passes at the Department of Transportation is closed to the public. Riders of public transportation should practice social distancing. City parking garages are open and fully operational at this time.
BUILDING PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS/PLANNING AND ZONING:
The Permit Counter in Planning and Zoning at Gorman Street will be closed to the public until further notice. The Department will be open and operating via phone and email. Inspections will be ongoing but may be limited due to staffing levels as we work to maintain the public health as well as limit exposure for City staff.
GARBAGE/RECYCLING PICKUP, WATER SERVICE AND PUBLIC WORKS:
All Department of Public Works offices are closed to the public until further notice. Water and other DPW services including garbage and recycling pickup will continue without interruption. Permit processing will continue via phone and email.
STAFF ISSUES AND HUMAN RESOURCES:
The Human Resources office is operational during the City’s closure for COVID-19, but the office on Gorman Street is closed to the public. City employees should check the City employee portal for frequently asked questions. Employees should check with their department directors for leave policies and telework options during the COVID-19 State of Emergency.
POLICE AND FIRE: The Annapolis Police and Fire departments are open and operating as normal during the City’s closure for COVID-19.
OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: The Emergency Operations Center is activated. The Call Center (410-260-2211) is open as of Monday morning at 8 a.m.
ALL OTHER CITY SERVICES: The Mayor’s Office, City Manager, Harbormaster, Purchasing, Economic Development, Environmental Policy, and Office of Law are closed to the public, but are staffed for availability to the public by phone or email. Please consult the City website www.Annapolis.gov for more information.
SCHOOL CLOSURES: All Anne Arundel County Public Schools located in the City of Annapolis are closed, alongside closures in all County Schools until the end of March. Community food distribution information for hot lunches for children is available here. Private schools frequently utilized by City residents, including St. Mary’s and Key School, as well as private preschools, are closed.
OTHER CLOSURES: While private events on private property are left to the discretion of the event host, social distancing is strongly encouraged and it would be the desire of emergency management that social gatherings be canceled to slow the spread of this very contagious virus.
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