(4/25) The Maryland Department of Health reported April 25 that ten COVID-19 cases have been confirmed within the Emmitsburg zip-code area. The state, along with Pennsylvania, began to list cases by zip code in mid-May.

Mayor Briggs stated at the April 23 briefing, "If you are concerned about the nine cases in our zip code, it's self-accountability. Avoid interaction with others. Do what we all have been told to do. Stay in place, self-distance, wear a face mask in public places."

[The number of COVID-19 cases in the 21727 zip code area had increased by one on the heels of Emmitsburg's publicly streamed briefing held on April 23, at which time only nine had been confirmed. For updates on these numbers, please go to the Maryland Department of Health website at coronavirus.maryland.gov.]

"County Executive Jan Gardner held a tele-conference with the county mayors on April 24). Distribution of (state) funds (by the county) is still being finalized, but it seems the town will be at least reimbursed for personal protective equipment, staff overtime, and comp time, for the period of March 1 through May 31." Briggs added.

The mayor expressed concern over Vigilant Hose Company's "cancellation of their fundraisers," adding, "It's putting a terrific burden on our volunteer service... We want to keep our foot on the pedal here and make sure they get some reimbursements, or all reimbursements, so they can conduct their services to our community."

Commissioner Davis said, "All non-profits are suffering right now. That includes your churches, your veteran organization, your Lions Club... because we have cut out all the fundraising, and we really don't want to compete with the restaurants right now for doing any kind of (fund-raising) food sales, or things like that."

On Tuesday (April 21), I did speak with Phyllis Kelly, manager of the Emmitsburg Food Bank. The food bank supply remains stable. We do have a backup plan if that does become unstable and they need restocking," Briggs said.

The town office will continue to be closed to direct contact with the public. Town offices will be open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, closed on Fridays, "But there will be a staff member who will be monitoring the phones on Friday," he said. The mayor said the current plan is to re-open the town office (to the public) "if allowed," on May 11 at 8 a.m.