July 20, 2020

Dear Friends,   While we have made significant strides in our county and community with our handling of this pandemic, it is vital to remember that it is far from over and we must remain vigilant. We do not want to see these trends reverse. As of 9:00 a.m. this morning, we have tested a total of 47,996 residents, with a 3.77% positivity rate and a total of 12.2% of our population has been tested. Positivity rates continue to remain below the state average as the county increases testing. However, we are seeing an increase in cases in residents 35 years old and younger.     It is vital that we hold ourselves personally responsible for the well-being of our community. We must adhere to State guidelines to avoid any reopening setbacks. The positive outcomes of this data is due to our collective action and proactive measures to stay safe and to slow the spread of COVID-19. We are only as good as what our community does. I cannot stress this enough, physically distance, wear a mask, and please stay home unless absolutely necessary. It can save a life. For up to date information on COVID-19 in Howard County, please visit our website here.

Community Updates

COVID-19 in Young Adults The recent increase of COVID-19 cases among younger adults in Howard County is concerning. Data shows that for Howard County residents ages 35 and under, the case count has increased by 111%, between the week of June 21 to the week of July 5, compared to a 33% increase among those 36 and older during the same period. Over the past month and since beginning the re-opening process, we have seen many positive trends that demonstrate our efforts and approaches are working. However, with a virus this aggressive, and with treatments and vaccines still months away, we do not have room to be nonchalant and must remain vigilant. To change the trajectory of this trend among young people, it is critical to follow the common interventions that have been recommended by the CDC and the Maryland Department of Health. Those interventions include avoiding large gatherings, wearing a mask or face covering, frequent hand washing (or use of hand sanitizer), maintaining a physical distance of six feet from others and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.  For more information, visit  https://bit.ly/3jeSwXJ

Virtual Assistance Portal Throughout this public health emergency, we have identified many critical resources and services to support the fundamental needs in our community. The Virtual Assistance Portal allows residents and businesses to easily search for things like rent relief, food assistance, grant programs, and more. As we move through this crisis, our team will continue to create innovative solutions to support Howard County. I encourage you to visit the Virtual Assistance Portal by clicking here.

Waste Water Treatment Plant It was wonderful to join  American Contracting & Environmental Services  for the opening of the Western Regional Park Waste Water Treatment Plant. Fully operational with a state of the art mini-Membrane Bioreactor, this new plant is effectively treating all the wastewater for Western Regional Park, and the surrounding  Gary J. Arthur Community Center , Glenwood Public Library, and Glenwood Fire Department. This new plant will better serve the needs of the surrounding county facilities, who will no longer need to maintain individual septic systems. I appreciate this innovative collaboration to address the evolving needs for the betterment and health of our community.

Fraudulent Unemployment Claims With the increase in new unemployment insurance filed claims over the past several months due to COVID-19, we are seeing more fraudulent unemployment claims filed by importers using stolen personally identifiable information. If your information has been used in a fraudulent unemployment insurance claim, contact the Maryland Department of Labor at ui.fraud@Maryland.gov

Lisbon Food Distribution Our community continues to unite to help one another during this difficult time. I recently joined   Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services ,  Howard County Library System ,  Howard County Public School System , and  The Roving Radish   for one of their meal distributions in Lisbon as they help address food insecurity in our community, while supporting our local restaurants. This is a wonderful example of Howard County coming together and setting the example of never forgetting our neighbors.

Food Distribution Sites DCRS – Grab n Go Ellicott City 50+ Center  9401 Frederick Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042  Every Thursday • 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  DCRS - Lisbon Food Distribution Every Thursday, 6:00 - 7:30pm Lisbon United Methodist Church 15875 Frederick Rd, Woodbine, MD 21797 Howard County Food Bank/COAD Pop Up Pantry: August dates forthcoming 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (or until food runs out) July 24 / Howard Crossing Apartment Homes 8732 Town & Country Blvd. Ellicott City, MD 21043 Columbia Community Care: Monday - Saturday from 11:30 – 1:30pm at  Wilde Lake Middle School, 10481 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia Oakland Mills Middle School, 9540 Kilimanjaro Road, Columbia Lake Elkhorn Middle School, 6680 Cradlerock Way, Columbia Howard High School, 8700 Old Annapolis Road, Ellicott City Swansfield Elementary School, 5610 Cedar Lane, Columbia Roving Radish – serving free/reduced meals on a case by case basis. For more information, please visit their website here. Feed Howard County: Wednesday, July 22 at 4:00 pm Howard Crossing Apts., 8732 Town & Country Blvd. Howard County Public School System: Grab-and-Go summer meals from July 1 through August 14, Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. School-Based Locations: Bushy Park Elementary School, 14601 Carrs Mill Road, Glenwood Cradlerock Elementary School/Lake Elkhorn Middle School, 6680 Cradlerock Way, Columbia Deep Run Elementary School, 6925 Old Waterloo Road, Elkridge Ducketts Lane Elementary School, 6501 Ducketts Lane, Elkridge Hollifield Station Elementary School, 8701 Stonehouse Drive, Ellicott City Howard High School, 8700 Old Annapolis Road, Ellicott City Laurel Woods Elementary School, 9250 North Laurel Road, Laurel Longfellow Elementary School, 5470 Hesperus Dr, Columbia (new site) Oakland Mills Middle School, 9540 Kilimanjaro Road, Columbia Swansfield Elementary School, 5610 Cedar Lane, Columbia Wilde Lake Middle School, 10481 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia Community Locations (weekend meals not provided):  Bethel Christian Academy, Campus 1, 8455 Savage Guilford Rd., Savage Howard County Library System, Central Branch, 10375 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia (new site) Howard County Library System, East Columbia Branch, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia (new site) Elkridge Food Pantry: 2nd/4th Friday of each month, 4:00-8:00pm  5646 Furnace Ave. Elkridge, MD 21075 Additionally, the COAD put together a comprehensive, all inclusive list, with all information which can be accessed here.

HoCo RISE Business Grants, Phase II As Howard County continues to help our small businesses safely reopen, we’re excited to launch two new grants to provide support to our local childcare establishments and the hotel industry. These business sectors help provide jobs, value, and support to our community, and we want to ensure that they too have access to funding during this challenging time. I strongly encourage all childcare centers and hotel providers to apply for this assistance as soon as possible. Applications are due July 31st, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. and residents can apply online here .

Identifying Scams As more residents are conducting services and work online during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant increase of online scams and fraudulent activities. Please use caution when going online and sharing any personal information. If you believe you have been a victim of a scam, please contact the Office of Consumer Protection at (410) 313-6420.

Get Tested While we have surpassed our goal of testing a minimum of 10% of Howard County residents, it’s vital that residents continue to get tested so we can track the spread of COVID-19. If you have attended any large gatherings, are working in close proximity with others, live with older adult relatives or anyone who is in a vulnerable population, are pregnant, or you have underlying health conditions, please get tested as soon as possible. Remember that you may need to get retested if you have experienced a change in your circumstance. We have several locations across our county where residents can easily get tested for COVID-19. If you have trouble receiving a test, please call the  Howard County Health Department  Coronavirus Information line at (410) 313-6284.

Rental Assistance and Eviction Prevention With more than 23,000 renters in the county, the need for housing payment assistance and eviction prevention is paramount. Howard County residents can now apply for assistance to pay past due rent payments to prevent eviction. Our local non-profits will be accepting applications and providing funding assistance directly to residents to ensure that they receive the support they need to stay safely housed. As we continue to battle this virus, we must provide the necessary relief and services to make sure no one falls through the cracks. For more information, please click here.

Damon Foreman Music Academy Music is a universal language that connects all of us - and music educators inspire and encourage a new generation of musicians. The  Damon Foreman Music Academy  is an illustrious institution that shares the joy of music with our community. I enjoyed stopping by the academy and learning more about Damon’s passion for music and education. Please continue to support our small, local businesses and please embrace the arts! They are currently open Monday – Saturday by appointment only. For more information, please visit  https://dfmamd.com

Mental Health Resources This is a difficult time for many in our community, particularly for those who are struggling with isolation, extreme sadness, or a mental health condition. We are here to help one another in our community. Additionally, we have crisis services available to ensure all our residents are healthy and thriving. It’s okay to ask for help so we can all get through this together.

Water Safety The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on our indoor and outdoor pools, leading more residents to seek out natural bodies of water to swim in this summer. Howard County paramedics have responded to three potential drownings in the past month alone. We want to ensure our community has the information and resources to keep their families safe when recreating this summer and beyond.

Heat Safety As we reach higher temperatures this week, it’s important that all residents are taking proper precautions to stay safe. We must remember those in our community who are more vulnerable in extreme weather. When you go outside to enjoy this beautiful weather, please continue to follow the extreme heat safety tips, along with CDC guidelines for COVID-19, to keep everyone in our community safe. Stay hydrated, take frequent breaks in air condition or shaded environments, and NEVER leave children or pets unattended in a parked car. Additionally, if you're planning to cool down in a pool or natural body of water, please be sure to review swim and water safety guidelines with your family and children. Let's stay safe and healthy this summer.

HoCo Farmers' Markets There are currently six Farmers’ Markets now open by pick-up and walk-thru service this season. At these markets, you can find delicious farm fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, healthy products and more. Please continue to physically distance and wear face coverings when visiting our amazing Farmers’ Markets this season. For more information, click here.

Moratorium on Utility Services Governor Hogan extended his order prohibiting electric, gas, water, sewage, phone, cable TV, and internet service provider companies from shutting off any residential customer’s service, or charging any residential late fees. This order will help protect the health and safety of utility employees and our residents during this catastrophic health emergency. It now remains in effect through August 1st, 2020. For more information, read the Governor's Emergency Order here.

Take the Census! Nearly 25% of Howard County residents have NOT yet taken their Census. We lose nearly $18,000 in federal funding for every person who doesn’t complete the Census. This is critical funding which can help our healthcare system with vaccines, hospital beds, emergency services, and more. This year is the first time the Census questionnaire can be completed online, making it even easier than ever for residents to respond. If you have not taken your census yet, I encourage you to do so RIGHT NOW. If you have completed your census, encourage five of your neighbors to do the same. It takes only five minutes to complete.

Government Updates

Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS)

Senior Health Insurance Virtual Programs If you missed last week’s MEDICARE 101 virtual workshop, no worries, our Department of Community Resources and Services' Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) is offering another Medicare focused virtual workshop, MEDICARE 102, tomorrow July 22nd. In Tuesday’s workshop, participants will learn about Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Medicare Supplement Policies (Medigap Plans), what you should consider when deciding if a Medicare HMO or PPO is the right choice for you and about how the different Medigap plans cover your portion of the costs of Original Medicare, how they are priced and when is the best time to enroll. If you are new to Medicare, I encourage you to call 410-313-7392 today to enroll. For a list of other great VIRTUAL offerings OAI has going on this month, check out OAI’s website or email aging@howardcountymd.gov for questions. From social engagement to exercise, cooking and lifelong learning classes, there is something to keep every older Howard County resident active and engaged while at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Department of Corrections Howard County has a long-standing contract with ICE to house individuals in ICE custody. The Detention Center does not accept any individuals held solely on administrative or civil immigration charges. Individuals are never detained solely because of their immigration status. The Detention Center only accepts ICE detainees under certain conditions. We understand there are questions regarding the use and operations of the County's Department of Correction's Detention Center. We have compiled a list of commonly asked questions from residents, with answers, which can be found HERE . Our Department of Corrections remains dedicated to providing safe, secure and humane conditions at its Detention Center for all persons legally under its authority.

Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS)

Join HCDFRS In case you missed it, our Department of Fire and Rescue Services  (HCDFRS) is currently accepting applications for Trainee Class 34. If you have or will have a National Registry Paramedic Certification or Provisional National Registry Paramedic Certification by January 4th, 2021, HCDFRS encourages you to apply. If you are interested in joining HCDFRS, apply today be clicking  HERE . Completed applications are DUE by 11:59 p.m. tomorrow, July 21st.

Hands-Only CPR Learn how to help save a life and be the difference with HCDFRS this August by signing up today for one of its upcoming Hands-Only CPR and/or "Stop the Bleed" virtual classes. According to the American Heart Association, about 70 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in homes. Which means, if you are called on to give CPR in an emergency, you will most likely be trying to save the life of someone you love. Be the difference for your parent, spouse or child, and register today for HCDFRS’s August 19th or August 25th Hands-Only CPR virtual class. Severe bleeding is the most common cause of preventable trauma death and no matter how rapid emergency first responders arrive, immediate responders (a.k.a. bystanders) will always be first on scene. A person who is severely bleeding can die from blood loss in as little as five minutes. Through the "Stop the Bleed" initiative, HCDFRS aims to reduce the impact of hemorrhage in victims of traumatic injury and improving mass casualty response. Learn how you can quickly “stop the bleed,” by registering today for HCDFRS’s August 5th " Stop the Bleed " virtual class. For questions, contact HCDFRS at handsonlycpr@hcdfrs.org (for Hands-Only CPR) or outreach@hcdfrs.org (for Stop the Bleed).

Howard County Health Department

Why do you wear a mask? Masks are a critical tool for slowing the spread of COVID-19, but they are also a symbol of our commitment to the health and well-being of our community. As your County Executive, father, husband, brother, son, friend and community member, I wear a mask because it’s the right thing to do for the protection and prevention of COVID-19 in our community. We must all do our part to help keep our community and loved ones safe by wearing our masks.  Why do you wear a mask? Let HCHD know by emailing askhealth@howardcountymd.gov ; be sure to include your face covering selfie, name and reason for wearing.

HCHD Reopening Starting today, Monday July 20th, HCHD has reopened its main office located at 8930 Stanford Boulevard in Columbia for limited in-person services by appointment only. These critical services, not easily accessible virtually, include: Maryland Children’s Health Program consultations, clinical testing and screening, and some environmental health services. To schedule an appointment, please call 410-313-6300. Telemedicine services will continue to be offered for many programs. For more information, visit www.hchealth.org. Steps have been taken to ensure social distancing and other health/safety protocols are being followed. Visitors will be pre-screened before entering the building, required to wear a face covering at all times and hand sanitizing stations will be accessible at all building entrances. Groups are asked to include no more than two people to help limit the number of guests in the main lobby. Only those people receiving services should enter the building at their designated appointment time.

How to Wear Face Coverings Recent studies have shown that a significant portion of individuals with COVID-19 lack symptoms – “asymptomatic,” and that even those who eventually develop symptoms – “pre-symptomatic,” can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the CDC recommends that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings when around people outside of their household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Together, we can do our part to keep our community, friends and family safe and stop the spread. To learn more, visit the CDC's “Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19” website .

Department of Housing and Community Development

If you are a Howard County resident in need of financial assistance to pay past due rent payments to prevent eviction, I encourage you to apply today for housing ​payment relief aid from one of the county’s participating providers. To be eligible to apply, you must be a Howard County resident, be able to provide proof of home address and supply evidence of loss of income due to COVID-related job loss, reduction in hours and/or medical illness. The maximum assistance per household is three months of housing expense. To learn more and/or to apply, visit our Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) “COVID-19 Housing” Information website .

MIHU Program With less than two weeks go to, there is still time to apply for DHCD’s July Moderate Income Housing Unit (MIHU) program open enrollment program. Held quarterly, our MIHU program creates affordable homeownership opportunities to allow more families to call Howard County home. Now through Friday, July 31st, eligible individuals and families can apply directly online for MIHU’s July open enrollment period. Applications can also be submitted by mail to 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 224, Columbia, MD, 21046. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, applications may not be submitted in person at this time. Also, due to the pandemic, DHCD had to cancel its in-person MIHU renter and homeownership informational workshops this July. However, presentations from each informational workshop are available online .

Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) Together with our Departments of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) and Public Works, I will be hosting a VIRTUAL Community Informational Meeting this Thursday, July 23 rd to discuss the future of the former Columbia Flier Building. The County will be developing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the sale and redevelopment of the site located at 10750 Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia and is seeking community input to help inform the RFP selection. Virtual meeting attendees will hear about the history and condition of the site and will be provided with an overview of the RFP timeline and process. To register to participate in the meeting, set to take place from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., should click HERE . Following County staff presentations, there will also be a brief question and answer period during which attendees can ask questions about the presentation. Attendees are also welcome to email questions prior to the virtual meeting, or after, to jdelmonico@howardcountymd.gov. To learn more about this project and for additional information about the sale of the former Columbia Flier Building, can be found on DPZ’s website . Following next Thursday’s virtual meeting, DPZ will be launching a digital survey to collect community input. The survey will be available through Thursday, August 6th.

DPZ has also launched its planning process for our next General Plan, “HoCo By Design.” The General Plan is the comprehensive long-range plan for all of Howard County and establishes policies on how and where the County will develop and grow in response to evolving economic, environmental and social conditions. While General Plans are updated approximately once every 10 years (the last update, PlanHoward 2030, was adopted in 2012), in response to community concerns about current land use regulations, the County has accelerated the update. "HoCo By Design" is currently scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2021. To learn more about the "HoCo By Design" planning process, project status, opportunities for involvement and/or to share what makes Howard County a special place for you, visit  www.hocobydesign.com  today.

Department of Public Works On Tuesday, August 4th, our Department of Public Works (DPW) will be hosting a VIRTUAL public meeting to present plans for a stream restoration project along Rogers Avenue in Ellicott City. The project will start approximately 500 feet north of Oak West Drive on Rogers Avenue and extend downstream and will involve the restoration and stabilization of approximately 1,200 linear feet of a tributary to the Sucker Branch. The purpose of the project is to reduce stream bed and bank erosion and to protect the surrounding infrastructure. To learn more about this meeting and how to participate, click HERE .

CONGRATS to Jeffrey Dannis, Operations Division Chief for the County’s Alpha Ridge Landfill , who has been named to the US Composting Council’s 2020 Mentee-Mentor Program . Now in its sixth year, this program connects mentors with professional business experience in the compost manufacturing and collection industry to participate with a mentee, a Young Professional college graduate or industry employee over the age of 21 and under 40. Among his many job duties, Dannis currently manages the operations of the Landfill’s composting facility and its HoCoGro products . Earlier this year, we announced the Landfill’s HoCoGro compost had been awarded the US Composting Council’s “Seal of Testing Assurance” (STA). This certification signifies that the HoCoGro compost produced at our landfill meets all federal, state and local regulations and permitting to which the STA Certified Compost products are subject. Our HoCoGro compost is the only compost in Maryland produced by a local jurisdiction with this distinction.

Department of Public Works - Construction Report Below are details regarding new, upcoming, completed and/or delayed Capital Projects and/or maintenance projects that have been announced. Ellicott City Valley Road Storm Drain Improvement (Capital Project Capital Project D-1158) – Project to improve a storm drain system near 3605-3621 Valley Road. During the project, the northbound lane of Valley Road at the project site will be closed for approximately six weeks during work hours, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., to allow for the construction of the storm drain. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late November. To learn more about DPW Capital Projects currently underway, visit  https://bit.ly/2V6K5B6 . Searchable by project category and street name, from this site you’ll find additional project details, including news releases about the project. You can also contact DPW’s Customer Service Office at 410-313-3440 or email  publicworks@howardcountymd.gov  for further assistance. If you have questions or are interested in finding out about a State road (numbered roadway) project in your area, visit the Maryland State Highway Administration’s  website  and search by “County” to learn more about State road projects in Howard County.

Department of Recreation and Parks (HCRP)

When visiting a County Department of Recreation & Parks (DRP) park, playground and/or other amenity, please remember to take the necessary precautions to help stop the spread of COVID-19. This includes practicing physical distancing, wearing a face covering when possible and avoiding large gatherings. For the latest information on what Recreatoin & Parks’ facilities, amentieis and programs are open, as well as additional Recreation & Parks announcements, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/rap or following the Department on Facebook or Twitter .

Summer Camps For a list of currently operating DRP indoor and outdoor summer camps, as well as childcare services, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/rap . All DRP summer camps were reorganized to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines around COVID-19, which includes reducing group sizes and implementing new safety procedures.

Community Centers and Indoor Facilities begin to open DRP’s Gary J. Arthur , North Laurel and Roger Carter Community Centers, Meadowbrook Athletic Complex and Robinson Nature Center are now OPEN to the public. This includes the community centers’ gymnasiums and exercise rooms, and the pool at the Roger Carter Community Center. HOWEVER, while open, facility hours are limited to evenings and weekends as each facility is being used for camps and childcare during the weekdays. NOTE, the Robinson Nature Center is ONLY open on the weekends, with a reduced $2.00 admission rate. Guidelines on each facilities use can be found on the its respective website. Also, the Patapsco Female Institute (PFI) and Firehouse Museum are NOW OPEN Saturday and Sundays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. each day and the  Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum  has REOPENED, with operating hours: Wednesday’s and Thursday’s from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Fridays through Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Office of Transportation

In anticipation of 2020 Bike to Work Day – set to take place virtually this September, our Office of Transportation has partnered with the Baltimore Metropolitan Council to launch “Love to Ride” Howard County! Riding a bike has tremendous benefits for individuals, workplaces and communities and “Love to Ride” provides the tools and support you need to start riding or ride more often. “Love to Ride” offers a single platform where riders can keep track their riding, find answers and resources to help them ride more confidently, win prizes for riding and to encourage family, friends and coworkers to ride too. This month, “Love to Ride” highlights how to explore and celebrate the great spots you come across while out on a ride. To learn more about “Love to Ride” and how to participate, visit www.lovetoride.net/centralmd . You can also find helpful tips about biking safely during the COVID-19 era at www.ride-healthy.com .

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