UPDATES FOR FOOD SERVICE FACILITIES ABOUT THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) 6/12/2020:

Temporary Food Permit Processing

The Food Control Office will resume processing a limited number of Temporary Foodservice Permits. In order to be issued a Temporary Foodservice Permit, a Public Event must meet certain criteria of operating safely during the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic. Additionally, a Public Event must be able to operate in compliance with current State of MD Executive Orders, MDH Directive and Orders, County Executive Orders, Health Officer Directive and Orders, as well as obtain approvals from any other local regulatory agency required.

Frederick County Health Department is not the decision making authority regarding whether or not an event can take place in compliance with current orders. Questions regarding whether or not an event is permitted to take place in compliance with current orders should be directed to the Maryland State Police at COVID.MDSP@maryland.gov. Verification from Maryland State Police and/or Local Law Enforcement that an event may take place may be required in order to process a Temporary Foodservice Permit.

• Executive Order 20-06-10-01
• MDH 2020-06-10-01  -  Directive and Order Regarding Food Service Establishments
•  MDH 2020-06-12-01  -  Amended Directive and Order Regarding Community, Recreational, Leisure, Cultural and Sporting Gatherings and Events
• Re-Opening Checklist for Retail Food Establishments 
• MD Back to Business Guidance Documents including Restaurants/Bars
• Coronavirus Resources for Businesses                 
• Face Coverings Guidance                                         
• Governor’s Orders including 20-05-27-01

*Facilities requesting to add or expand outdoor seating areas should apply with the permit/ inspections office of their local jurisdiction.

Face Covering Order for all business employees and clients takes effect April 18, 2020.

Guidance for Retail Food Service Industry

Preparing to Re-Open After Closure or Partial Closure

• Best Practices for Re-Opening Retail Food Establishments During the COVID-19 Pandemic (FDA)
• Best Practices for Re-Opening Retail Food Establishments During the COVID-19 Pandemic – Food Safety Checklist(FDA)
• COVID-19 Reopening Guidance (NRA)
• Planning for Reopening Food Service Establishments As COVID-19 Impacts Best Practices and Protocol (AFDO)
• Restaurant and Bar Re-Opening Decision Tree (CDC)

Employee COVID-19 Exposure or Confirmed Positive Test

• What to Do If You Have COVID-19 Confirmed Positive or Exposed Workers in Your Food Production, Storage, or Distribution Operations (FDA)
• Updated Interim Guidance For Employers and Businesses on Management of Critical Infrastructure Workers with Possible Exposure to COVID-19 (MDH)
• Interim Guidance for Implementing Safety Practices for Critical Infrastructure Workers Who May Have Had Exposure to a Person with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19(CDC)
• Food Industry Recommended Protocols When Employee/Visitor/Customer Tests Positive for COVID-19 (IFBA)
• Screening Food Industry Employees for COVID-19 Symptoms or Exposure (IFBA)

Cleaning and Disinfecting Guidance

• Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting / Flowchart(CDC)
• COVID-19 Touch Point Disinfection Recommendations for Retail Foodservice Customer Areas(FCHD)

Best Practices and Guidance

• Stagnant Water and Health Risks
• Best Practices for Retail Food Stores, Restaurants, and Food Pick-Up/Delivery Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic / Summary Infographic (FDA)
• COVID-19 Foodservice Recommendations – Customer Pick-up and Delivery (FCHD)   
• Use of Respirators, Facemasks, and Cloth Face Coverings in the Food and Agriculture Sector During Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic (FDA)
• Information for Retail Foodservice Facilities (FCHD)
• Food Establishments: Making Safe Food Donations During COVID-19 Pandemic (MDH)
• COVID-19 Grocery Store Posters:  Staff Safety / Shopper Safety

Best Practices and Guidance for Flushing of Water After a Shutdown

• The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Maintaining or     Restoring Water Quality in Buildings with Low or No Use
• The United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Guidance for Reopening Buildings After Prolonged Shutdown or Reduced Operations
• Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA) COVID-19 Resources for Building Water Systems 
• The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Water Supply Program COVID-19 Public Water System Compliance Challenges and Helpful Links

Other Agency Sites and Resources

• Maryland Department of Health – Food Safety and COVID-19
• Food & Drug Administration – Food Safety and COVID-19
• CDC – Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource Page
• University of MD Extension Service– Food Safety and COVID-19
• Institute for Food Safety at Cornell University – COVID-19 Food Industry Resources
• Food Industry Association –COVID-19 Resources