The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) announced today that it is partnering with officials in Allegany, Dorchester, and Montgomery counties to launch a new round of #MasksOnMaryland mask distribution events. On Wednesday, Nov. 18, each of the jurisdictions will host an event to encourage the use of face coverings in public places by providing free face masks to residents.   “Wearing a mask is an easy way to join the fight and help protect those around you,” said MDH Secretary Robert R. Neall. “I urge all Marylanders to please do the right thing by taking this simple, effective step.”  …

WCBC News has learned that Chessie Federal Credit Union is in the process of acquiring Kelco Credit Union, in a deal that would involve two of the oldest credit unions in Allegany County. The acquisition is said to be in the final stages, with Kelco shareholders expected to vote on the proposal in the near future. Chessie began its existence in 1948, then as B & O Federal Credit Union, targeting the workers of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and eventually the Western Maryland Railway.  Kelco focused on serving families associated with the former Kelly Springfield Tire Company.

One of the stories making the rounds about masks is that if you can blow out a candle when you have your mask on, then it’s not effective in stopping the transmission or reception of Coronavirus.  WCBC put the question to West Virginia Health Officer Dr Ayne Amjad… 

Frostburg State University announced last week it would be going to a virtual learning platform for the remainder of the fall semester.  FSU President Dr Ron Nowaczyk was in the studios of WCBC in the earliest days of the pandemic, and had early word there would be a fall surge.  We asked him if the magnitude of the surge here is a surprise, and if there is anything he would have done differently… 

Calvary Christian Academy on Monday announced that in-person instruction will be suspended beginning on Thursday, continuing on Friday, out of an abundance of caution. Administrator Daniel Thompson told WCBC News that the decision was made to go virtual, even though there are no active COVID-19 cases among students or staff at this time….  For information about possible adjustments to the plan and other notifications, the website is calvaryeagles.net.

With COVID-19 vaccine announcements happening very quickly, distribution of the vaccine could happening in the relatively near future.  Major General James Hoyer and the West Virginia National Guard will play a major role in such an operation… 

The increasing rate of COVID-19 infections in Maryland continues unabated, according to the latest numbers from the state health department, with 1,726 new cases reported on Monday, while coronavirus-related hospitalizations in Maryland are approaching 1,000. Seven more Marylanders have died, bringing the total to 4,160.    The state’s calculation of its positivity rate is now at 6.45%, slightly lower than the day before.

Calvary Christian Academy released the following statement on Monday, Nov. 16:   Dear Parents and Students, CCA has no active COVID cases at this time. In light of the circumstances, we are voluntarily taking precautionary measures. This week, the students' will attend school through Wednesday. Thursday and Friday will be virtual education days. Thursday will be Zoom meetings and Friday will be an at-home workday. More details for the week will be coming soon. Thanksgiving week will be vacation days for all students and faculty. On Monday, November 30th the faculty will be returning for a workday. In-person classes will…

The body of a Cumberland man was found near the Blue Bridge Sunday. The body of Jack Wooldridge, 63, was recovered by an EMS crew.  West Virginia State Police, in Keyser, says it appears that Wooldridge fell and hit his head, and succumbed from the injuries.  Wooldridge is said to have been well known in the area, and is believed to have been homeless. The West Virginia Medical Examiner has concurred with the assessment, and a toxicology report has been ordered.

The Cumberland Chapter of Blind Industries & Services of Maryland on Paca Street will be closed for an undetermined period of time, due to possible COVID-19 exposure.  All employees of the facility will be tested for the virus.  For more additional information and updates, call the office number at 301-724-7111.