Statewide Toll-free COVID Prevention Line Announced

By Garrett County Joint Information Center Team

As part of Maryland’s ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, several state agencies announced last week that they are working together to facilitate a statewide communication process for citizens to report concerns about potential situations where precautions are being ignored that will prompt follow-up by local health officials and, if necessary, law enforcement officers.

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency, Maryland Department of Health and Maryland Department of State Police are today announcing Maryland’s toll-free COVID Prevention Line.

1-833-979-2266

[email protected]

This is a statewide toll-free number and an email address which can be used 24-hours-a-day to report situations of concern where prevention guidelines are being ignored and the potential for the spread of COVID-19 is high. Callers/emailers may remain anonymous or they can provide their name and phone number in the event additional information is needed from officials.

Information provided on this line will be forwarded to the local health department officials in the jurisdiction of the location or situation described in the call. Depending on the circumstances, teams of appropriate local officials from agencies including the health department, liquor board, and law enforcement will assess the situation and take the appropriate action. 

“It’s very important to give as much information to the person answering the COVID Prevention Line as possible,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens. “Please be very specific. Tell them what business or group you are reporting, not just a town. Let them know if the issue was with staff at a business, or customers.”

Ultimately, individuals violating the Governor’s Executive Order could be charged with a violation of that order, which carries a penalty of up to one year in jail, a $5,000 fine, or both.

“We are still figuring out the logistics of this enforcement effort,” Stephens said. “We do not have adequate staffing to respond immediately to every request.  So we will be prioritizing the concerns and making sure our resources are used efficiently to keep our community safe. That means response to a call is not going to be immediate, and the more information you provide the sooner we will be able to follow up with the complaint.”

It is important for each Marylander to do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the state of Maryland. Following state and local health guidelines will result in a safer and healthier state that can return to normal sooner rather than later.

For medical questions about COVID-19, continue to use the Garrett County Health Department’s COVID-19 Hotline at 301-334-7698.