Dear Friends,
As we begin a new year with renewed hope, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and not let our guards down. To date in Howard County, we have 11,665 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 6,470 active cases, 6,421 total recoveries, and 191 of our neighbors have sadly passed from this virus. As of 9:00 a.m. today and according to the Maryland Department of Health, our 7-day average positivity rate is at 6.86% and our 7-day average case rate per 100,000 of our population is at 32.55.
We are strong partners with the Howard County General Hospital and continue to monitor their staffing capacity. Currently, there are 33 staffed ICU beds (10 available), 193 acute care beds (38 available), and 14 ventilators in use (29 available). Today, there are 37 COVID-19 patients in both ICU and Acute Care unit.
The Howard County Health Department is actively working to ensure our healthcare workers and first responders receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. On December 23rd, Howard County received its first 100 doses of vaccine from the state, followed by 1,600 doses on December 28th, and 2,800 doses today. Currently, the Health Department has administered 1,406 vaccines to our local physicians, healthcare workers, and first responders under Phase 1A of the distribution process. As we continue to receive the vaccine, the Health Department has a goal of administering 2,500 doses this week and work through those who are designated under Phase 1A.
Howard County receives it’s vaccine dosages from the State, which receives it from the Federal Government. While the vaccine is currently in extremely limited supply and dosage administration ramps up, we appreciate patience while it becomes available based upon CDC and State guidance. This is a tremendous effort across our nation and we are all working to improve processes. Eligible residents will be notified by their healthcare provider and/or the Howard County Health Department when registration becomes available.
For more information on the vaccines, the phases for availability, and other COVID-19 information, please visit StayCOVIDSafe.howardcountymd.gov. If you are a physician and have questions about receiving the vaccine, please call (410) 313-6284.
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Happy New Year!
While the last year was marked by a global pandemic and a cascade of challenges and tragedy, we also found moments of joy in working together, supporting our family, friends, and neighbors, as well as rediscover hope for brighter days.
We know that if we keep working together into the new year - the possibilities and opportunities are endless. As Harriet Tubman said, “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”
As we turn the page, writing a new chapter and begin the new year, we hope for progress, health, opportunity, and prosperity for all. Happy New Year!
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Vaccine FAQs
Throughout this pandemic there has been a lot of disinformation making it difficult to differentiate between fact and fiction. This vaccine provides a lot of hope for our community, but there is still much work to do.
Residents should continue the preventative measures we’ve all grown accustomed to – wearing a mask, physically distancing, and washing our hands. For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit StayCOVIDSafe.howardcountymd.gov
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Who Gets the Vaccine...and When?
We want to ensure residents and families have reliable and accurate information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, understand the different phases of distribution and can make informed decisions. The vaccine will be distributed in three phases:
- First - Target priority groups, which include those at highest risk of exposure or developing complications, including healthcare workers, residents and staff of long-term health care facilities, and first responders.
- Second - People in critical infrastructure roles, including exposure in non-healthcare and transportation workers.
- Third - Wide scale Distribution of the vaccine to the general public will be available.
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State of Business
It has been a challenging year for many due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but most of all, for our local businesses. Join me and the Howard County Chamber on February 24th, 2021 for my annual State of Business address. Get your tickets today here!
During this speech, we want to ensure we’re hearing directly from businesses. Please take a moment to complete a brief survey, and items submitted may be incorporated into the Chamber’s questions. Take it now here. |
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Savage Remainder Property
Promoting green infrastructure and continuing park improvements are priorities of my administration. We listened to and heard the concerns from the Savage community, and will preserve the Savage Remainder property - a valuable green space that connects to Savage Park while contributing to the quality of life of all our residents. I'm proud to announce, Howard County Government has now officially taken ownership of the property and will preserve it as open space, maintained by Howard County Recreation and Parks for use by the public.
Moving forward we will continue to work with our partners to protect our green and open spaces. Thank you to our District 13 representatives and our State Delegation for prioritizing Program Open Space funding, and the expansion of parkland in Howard County, which helped us bring this project into fruition.
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Sending Condolences
Our continued thoughts and sympathies are with my friend Rep. Jamie Raskin and his wife, former Deputy Secretary of Treasury, Sarah Bloom Raskin, and the Raskin family over the loss of their son, brother, and beloved, Thomas Bloom Raskin.
Like his mother and father, Tommy was dedicated to making our world a better place by lifting up the most vulnerable amongst us. From working on Middle East policy at the Friends Committee on National Legislation to the rigors of Harvard Law school, this young man was destined to do great things nationally and abroad.
Losing a child is an unthinkable tragedy and on behalf of Howard County residents, our prayers are with the Raskin family as we wish them strength over the days, weeks, and years ahead to overcome such a devastating loss. Read more about Tommy's life here. |
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Two Year Accomplishments
Over the past two years, we have been dedicated to fulfilling our mission of efficiently, effectively, and respectfully serve the residents, businesses, and visitors of Howard County. I could not be prouder of the progress the Howard County Government has made for our residents over the last two years.
Our administration has faced challenges that could not have been foreseen two years ago including the worst pandemic in the last century, the longest federal shutdown in our nation’s history, and the health and economic impacts that we have incurred. Despite dealing with adversity, we have continued to create successes while making history as our County maintains its reputation as one of best of the jurisdictions in this nation to live, work and play.
Read all our two year accomplishments here. |
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Mobile Harm Reduction RV
The mobile harm reduction RV is another bold step in the right direction to support substance misuse response throughout Howard County. This past year, we’ve seen our numbers of substance misuse overdoses and fatalities slip in the wrong direction, and we must work together to reduce the stigma and support our family, friends and loved ones in recovery. Read more here. |
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An Inclusive Community for All
Our community strives to be inclusive and innovative – a place where every resident, no matter their ability, can live their best lives. Recently, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded nearly $2.5 million dollars to our very own Patuxent Commons, a unique and innovative housing development proposed for Columbia that will provide housing for people with disabilities in an inclusive community setting.
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Thank you to Howard County Autism Society for spearheading this bold, innovative project! As we close out a challenging year of continued physical isolation and suffering mental health, it’s vital we embrace hope. We must continue to work together in creating a community that is connected and allows for a high quality of life for all. |
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Making Connections
The start of a new year often encourages some people to make resolutions and set new goals, with renewed hope for a fresh start and new opportunities. January is the perfect time to set a goal to live a more intentional and connected life. We all missed out on so many meaningful connections last year and there is no better time to re-engage with old friends and neighbors than in this new year.
This year, let us all resolve and recommit to asking one another more often, “ are you doing okay?” These might just be the words someone needs to hear.
Read more in the January edition of the 50+ Connection in The Beacon Newspapers here. |
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Meet the Primes
Are you a local Business? The Meet the Primes event is an opportunity for small, local, minority/women/disabled owned businesses and veteran owned businesses to meet prime contractors in the fields of Construction Services, Architectural and Engineering Services and Technology Services in a virtual networking environment.
Attendees can learn more about the types of work the primes perform, their subcontracting processes, which services they subcontract and doing business with Howard County entities including Howard County Government, Howard County Public School System and Howard Community College.
To register, email LocalOutreach@howardcountymd.gov and indicate which session you're interested in.
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Governor's COVID-19 Updates
Governor Hogan announced mitigation efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 across Maryland and our region. The Maryland Department of Health issued a public health advisory urging residents to refrain from attending any gatherings of more than 10 people in one location. Additionally, residents who travel to and from Maryland must quarantine for 10 days or obtain a negative test result.
To read more of the Governor’s announcement, please click here. |
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Rental Assistance and Eviction Prevention
The longer this pandemic stretches on, the more urgent rental and eviction relief becomes. With more than 23,000 renters in the county, and more than 46,000 residents who have filed for unemployment, we are doing all we can to keep people safely housed.
Beginning January 4th, residents may apply for additional housing assistance. As we continue to battle this virus, we must deliver the necessary relief and services to make sure no one falls through the cracks.
For more information, please click here. |
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Where to Get Tested
As we continue to see a rise in COVID-19 cases in Howard County, we are also seeing rise of residents who are getting tested or have questions about testing. The two drive-thru COVID-19 testing locations set up in the parking lots at the Elkridge and Savage fire stations are NOT being operated by the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, but are operated by Quality First Urgent Care.
Our volunteer fire stations in Savage and Elkridge are being inundated with questions regarding testing. If you have any questions regarding testing at either location, please call the Howard County Health Department’s Coronavirus Information Line at (410) 313-6284. We all have a responsibility to do all we can to reverse our concerning trends. For more information, please visit HChealth.org.
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Recreation & Parks Updates
Recreation & Parks' three community center gymnasiums (Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel and Roger Carter) are CLOSED, EXCEPT for scheduled programs. Visitors may still access the community centers walking tracks, but by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, please contact the front desk of the community center you wish to visit. Visitors may also use the community center fitness rooms, but also by appointment only.
Additionally, Recreation & Parks’ indoor programs are limited to no more than 10 people per activity area and all outdoor sports facilities, athletic fields, playgrounds, courts and skate parks are now limited to 25 people or less.
For more information and/or questions, visit Recreation & Parks' website www.howardcountymd.gov/rap and/or please contact the department at 410-313-4700.
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Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) |
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REMINDER: If you are a family member of a veteran or active duty service member or are a veteran who is a member of a veteran organization and are interested in joining the County's Commission on Veterans and Military Families, TODAY is the LAST DAY to apply to join the Commission. To be eligible for consideration, you must be a Howard County resident, 18 years of age or older, have an interest in veteran and military family affairs, and be able to attend the Commission’s meetings on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m., which are currently being held virtually.
If interested, please send your resume and a brief letter explaining why you want to serve on the Commission to Kimberly Pruim either by email to kpruim@howardcountymd.gov or by mail to: Howard County Government, Office of the County Executive, Attn: Kimberly Pruim, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043.
Comprised of 13 members, the Commission strives to assure that the issues of Howard County veterans and military families are addressed effectively and efficiently. The Commission advises the County Executive and the County Council of the needs of veterans and military families and maintains a list of resources for both.
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January Virtual Offering Guide
Our Department of Community Resources and Services’ Office of Aging and Independence (OAI) January Virtual Offering Guide is now available online! Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, our Office of Aging and Independence has been working hard to provide older residents the resources they need to remain active and engaged during this time. From exercise, cooking, social engagement and lifelong learning classes, there is something to help get you moving, get cooking and stay social while at home. I invite you to check out OAI’s January Virtual Offering Guide or visit OAI’s website to learn more about this month’s activities and it services today. For questions, contact OAI at aging@howardcountymd.gov.
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Department of Fire and Rescue Services
Questions About COVID Testing Locations
PLEASE SHARE: Our Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) is seeking the public’s help to spread the word. HCDFRS’ Elkridge and Savage fire stations are being inundated with questions regarding COVID-19 testing. While the parking lots at these two stations are being utilized as drive-thru COVID-19 testing locations, these testing sites are NOT being operated by HCDFRS. These two locations are being operated by Quality First Urgent Care.
If you have any questions regarding testing at either location and/or to schedule an appointment, please contact Quality First Urgent Care at 301-421-1214 or visit https://quality1urgentcare.com/. Note, Quality First Urgent Care does not require a doctor’s order or insurance to be tested at either location and while appointments are available, they are not required. You can also contact the Howard County Health Department's Coronavirus Information Line at 410-313-6284 for testing questions.
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Health Department
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
The Howard County Health Department has begun distributing the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to Howard County healthcare providers and workers, as well as first responders, as part of Phase 1A of the vaccine distribution process. If you are a Howard County healthcare provider with direct patient care responsibilities and have not already completed the Health Departments short "Howard County Medical Facilities COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance" questionnaire, I implore you to do so today to assist the Health Department in its vaccination process. Providers will be notified about vaccination clinics one day to one week in advance. The Health Departments estimates all health care workers in Howard County will be offered the first dose of vaccine within the next couple of weeks. Again, this link is ONLY for healthcare providers. At this time, there is no pre-registration for the COVID-19 vaccine to the general public.
For all others, when the vaccine becomes more broadly available, anyone who wishes to get the vaccine will be able to register to do so. For updates and more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, I encourage you to visit and stay tuned to our “StayCOVIDSafe” website. You can also stay informed by signing up to receive the Health Department’s weekly email newsletter.
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact the Health Department’s Coronavirus Information Line at 410-313-6284 for further assistance.
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Department of Planning and Zoning
Planning Board
Our Department of Planning and Zoning’s (DPZ) Planning Board will be holding a VIRTUAL meeting this Thursday, January 7th at 7:00 p.m. to hear the following items:
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FDP-2-A-X John Rynn – Owner of the Child Development Center located at 10453 Green Mountain Circle would like the Final Development Plan (FDP) to reflect the existing use of the site as a private daycare, which requires a correction of the current recorded property boundaries, current lot number and the permitted uses as identified by lot number within the FDP criteria (attachments).
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ZB 1124M—A.R. Levering, LLC – Request to rezone subject parcel from R-ED (Residential: Environmental Development) to M-2 (Manufacturing-Heavy) for a 3,380 square foot office (petition).
Special Subject:
- Discussion regarding further revisions to the Rules of Procedure
The Board recently revised its Rules of Procedures with changes in accordance with the new Virtual Public Meeting setting. Please note, significant changes in registration and document submission deadlines in the Board's Revised Rules of Procedure.
To register to testify at this meeting and/or to watch, visit DPZ’s Planning Board website.
A five-member board, the Planning Board makes recommendations to the Zoning Board or County Council on matters related to planning and zoning and renders a final decision on selected development proposals. Before recommendations or decisions are made, the Board holds a public meeting or hearing to provide interested persons the opportunity to provide comment. For details about procedures for testifying at a Planning Board meeting, click HERE. To learn more about Howard County’s Planning Board and upcoming meeting dates, click HERE.
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Department of Public Works Construction Report
Below are details regarding new, upcoming, completed and/or delayed Capital Projects and/or maintenance project(s) that have been announced.
Ellicott City
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Old Frederick Road Sewer Extension (Capital Project S-6699) – Project to connect 8379 and 8369 Old Frederick Road to the County’s public sewer main. Set to begin on or about this Thursday, January 7th, signs will be posted and flagging operations will be in place to direct traffic, as eastbound traffic along Old Frederick Road at the work site will shift to the westbound lane during construction hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Weather permitting, the project is expected to be completed by late March.
Past Project Updates – Completed
Ellicott City
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Old Mill Road Sewer Extension (Capital Project S-6699) – Project to connect 9934 Old Mill Road to the County’s public sewer main.
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Valley Road Storm Drain Improvement (Capital Project D-1158) – Project to improve a storm drain system near 3605-3621 Valley Road. The project involved the addition of new storm drain inlets and the replacement of several smaller inlets with larger ones. In addition, the existing storm drainpipe was replaced with a larger drainpipe to help improve the efficiency of the storm drain system.
Past Project Updates – Completion Date Change
Ellicott City
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Gwynn Park Drive Outfall Stabilization (Capital Project D-1178) – Project to restore and stabilize a heavily eroded storm drain outfall channel behind 9676, 9680 and 9690 Gwynn Park Drive and 9696 and 9700 Riverside Circle in an effort to reduce instream erosion and improve downstream water quality in the Little Patuxent River. Originally expected to be completed by late December, weather permitting, the project is now expected to be completed by mid-January.
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Warfield’s Range Pond Improvements (Capital Project D-1159) – Project to improve a stormwater management detention pond near 10544 Hunters Way. Originally expected to be completed by mid-October, weather permitting, the project is now expected to be completed by mid-January.
To learn 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 (SHA) website and search by “County” to learn more about State road projects in Howard County.
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Department of Public Works – Bureau of Environmental Services
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"Merry Mulch" Your Holiday Tree
As you begin to take down those holiday decorations, remember to recycle your holiday tree! Through our Merry Mulch program, we offer residents a variety of FREE holiday tree recycling options. Now through Saturday, January 16th, residents can place their holiday tree out for recycling on their curbside yard trim collection day or recycle their tree at one of the drop-off sites we’ve set up throughout the county. For more information and/or to find a drop-off site near you, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/MerryMulch.
Since 1993, the Merry Mulch program has kept thousands of trees out of the landfill, helping to save money and the environment. All collected trees are delivered to the Composting Facility at Alpha Ridge Landfill and recycled into compost and mulch.
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Alpha Ridge Landfill Modifications
DPW’s Bureau of Environmental Services is REMINDING residents, when visiting our Alpha Ridge Landfill, face coverings MUST BE worn at ALL TIMES and physical distancing of at least six feet maintained when possible. Also, the Landfill is only accepting credit card payments at this time; no cash, check or debit cards.
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