The Governor has directed the Maryland Health Department to allocate vaccines through four entities: County Health Departments, hospitals/healthcare systems, private sector providers/pharmacies, and State Mass Vaccination sites. Each of these groups are responsible for administering the vaccine that is received through the phases set by the Governor.

The State has implemented four Mass Vaccine sites to administer vaccines to all residents who qualify under Phase 1A, 1B, and 1C. As there continues to be limited vaccine supply provided to the County, we encourage residents to register with one of these sites. Please note, these sites are managed by the State and County Departments do not have access to the ability to register residents.

For more information and to register, please visit COVIDVax.Maryland.gov or call 1 (855) 634-6829.

We are efficiently administering the vaccine with approximately 100% of received vaccines administered by the end of each week. Please note, the phases are determined by the Governor, and are subject to change based upon State guidance. For questions about specific phases and where you may qualify, please call the State's COVID line at 1-855-634-6829.

Residents who have preregistered will be notified by email to schedule an appointment, as supply becomes available. Appointments are required, and persons should arrive no sooner than 10 minutes prior to their appointment time.

Please note, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services' Mobile Integrated Community Health (MICH) team will focus on vaccinating specific homebound at-risk adults as identified by the Howard County Health Department. If you believe you are in need of MICH in-home COVID-19 vaccination accommodations, please complete one of the pre-registrations below marking the appropriate area for MICH consideration. The Howard County Health Department can provide further information at 410-313-6284.

Per the Governor’s direction, Maryland residents in Phase 1A, 1B and 1C are currently eligible to receive the vaccine. There are more than 220 provider locations including regional State-run mass vax clinics, retail pharmacies and hospital operating clinics. All residents are encouraged by the State to register for a vaccine at these sites by using the State vaccine locator.

Phase 1A includes all licensed healthcare providers, correctional officers, law enforcement agencies, and frontline judiciary staff. The Health Department estimates there are up to 15,000 people in this group. Healthcare providers can register here.

We are currently scheduling appointments and vaccinating those in this phase.

The Health Department estimates there are up to 55,000 people under this phase, and we are currently scheduling appointments and vaccinating those in this phase.

Ages 75+: Residents who are 75-years-old and older are now able to receive the vaccine. In order to receive an appointment, please register online or by calling (410) 313-6284.

Educators/Childcare providers: Any adult licensed childcare providers and non-public K-12 school educators who live and/or work in Howard County are able to register for their vaccine. HCPSS employees should NOT complete this survey. HCPSS will coordinate vaccinations for their K-12 educators and staff, and educators will be contacted by their administrators.

Individuals with Developmental Disabilities: Those who fall under this category may register to receive their vaccine online or by calling (410) 313-6284. The intent of this group is to vaccinate persons with significant disabilities requiring support to live outside a congregant facility. Please note that a letter from a medical provider may be requested at the time of appointment to verify the person’s diagnosis.

Continuity of Government: At this time, local health departments have not been allocated vaccine for essential federal government employees/contractors or those under Continuity of Government. Federal law enforcement agencies should coordinate with the Maryland State Police for vaccination needs. All federal non-law enforcement agencies should consider implementing their continuity of operations plans and request vaccine doses from FEMA through their leadership. Essential workers who may be eligible for vaccine should visit the State website for area clinics providing vaccine to those prioritized in Phase 1C.

We are currently pre-registering those who fall under this phase, and the Health Department estimates there are approximately 100,000 people in this phase.

Residents ages 65-74: Some residents under this group will be vaccinated as supply allows. Proof of residence in Howard County will be required to receive the vaccination.

All other groups under phase 1C can register here. This phase includes:

We are currently pre-registering those who fall under this phase. Completing this survey DOES NOT pre-register you for a vaccination clinic. This survey provides the Health Department with your information so that once vaccination clinics are available for this group, we can contact you. This phase includes:

We are currently pre-registering those who fall under this phase. Completing this survey DOES NOT pre-register you for a vaccination clinic. This survey provides the Health Department with your information so that once vaccination clinics are available for this group, we can contact you. This phase includes the general population, which is other Howard County residents or workers ages 16-64 years old, including healthy workers.

As residents begin registering and receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, it's important to be cautious of any scams. Receiving unsolicited offers for a vaccine can raise several red flags that should not go unnoticed. To stay safe, please know these warning signs of a possible scam and only follow trusted sources for vaccine information.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, please contact the Office of Consumer Protection at (410) 313-6420

Bilingual staff is available to assist those with limited English proficiency who may need support signing up for vaccination or to answer questions. Translated documents are available on the Department of Community Resources and Services website in Korean, Chinese, Hindi, and Spanish, and there are resources available to assist those who are visually or hearing impaired.

For residents without access to the internet or who may not be comfortable with using technology, please call the State's Vaccine call center at 1 (855) 634-6829.

March is Women’s History Month – a time for us to unite and honor the significant impact made by women in our county, state, country, and world. Learning about stories of struggles, perseverance, trailblazing and innovation, we have much to gain from observing Women's History Month. 

It is an opportunity to put a spotlight on the strength, determination, and motivation all women hold to achieve their goals and push our world forward each and every day.

We’re facing a challenging economic outlook amid the ongoing pandemic, with a $64 million operating budget shortfall and growing debt service payments that constrain our ability to absorb new debt or fund other operating needs. I encourage all our residents to read the SAAC report to fully understand Howard County’s limitations as we prepare our FY 2022 budget.

I appreciate the time and effort of all the members of the Spending Affordability Advisory Committee and the important insight they provide to our budget process. We have tough fiscal choices ahead of us, and we are going to need to decide on our priorities as a community.

Read more here.

Maryland is home to so many incredible leaders who, especially over the past year, have worked to make our community better. It is an honor to be recognized by The Daily Record on the inaugural Power 100 list among so many colleagues and friends who have my great admiration and respect, and speaks to the valued work of our County employees and their dedication to our residents and businesses.

Read more here.

Increasing safe, reliable and accessible infrastructure is a priority as we work towards a more multi-modal society, so our residents can spend less valuable time in their car. There are many projects to pursue, and we're seeking input so there is a collaborative and transparent process with our residents, county council and state legislative delegation to help create the best transportation experience for everyone in Howard County.

Residents can find information about this year’s Priority Letter, projects, copies of previous priority letters and more online, and submit their comments and input to David Cookson with the Office of Transportation by email to transportation@howardcountymd.gov or by mail to: Howard County Office of Transportation, c/o David Cookson, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043. 

The deadline to submit public comment and input is this Wednesday, March 3rd, at 5:00 p.m.

I was honored to deliver my 2nd Annual Howard County “State of Business” address virtually to the Howard County Chamber of Commerce. We know that the road to recovery from this pandemic will be a long process, but there is much we can do to reignite our economy and get people back to work. 

With business relief grants, our local business initiative, and innovative tools to make owning and operating a business in Howard County easier, we’re working together to make sure Howard County continues to have a strong and prosperous business community. Watch the whole address here.

The Howard County Police Department is warning residents to be aware of a possible crime. While we have not received any reports in Howard County, neighboring jurisdictions are reporting an increase in distraction burglaries and attempts. In these attempts, a suspect is typically posing as a utility worker and gains access to a home by saying they need to check a resident’s circuit breaker, HVAC, etc.

While they have the resident distracted in the basement, a second suspect burglarizes the home. These individuals will often wear an “official-looking” safety vest, uniform and/or a fraudulent employee badge. Reports of scams and deception burglaries are expected to increase as the weather gets warmer. I strongly encourage residents to remain safe and vigilant, and please share this information with friends and neighbors.

If someone seems eager to look inside your home, or seems to be trying to distract you, close and lock the door and call 911. Non-emergency solicitor complaints should be directed to 410-313-2200.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Recreation Bureau Chief Laura Wetherald. She was passionate and experienced in her career, but she also brought a healthy dose of enthusiasm and warmth to everything she touched. Laura's laugh and joyous personality was known throughout this county government and her dedicated work ethic was embodied by all those who worked for her and with her.

On behalf of all of the hundreds of co-workers who loved her, the tens of thousands of residents who enjoy one of the best park systems in this nation she helped create, and Howard County Government who lost an irreplaceable soul, we send our thoughts, prayers, sympathies, and condolences to her family, friends, and Howard County Recreation and Parks.

In lieu of flowers, the Wetherald family encourages donations in Laura’s name to Buddy Cruise, Inc.

The Interagency Commission on School Construction (IAC) increased its state funding recommendation for Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) priority construction projects by nearly $8 million dollars, bringing the total state funding recommendation to $28.6 million out of a requested $40.3 million.

Ensuring the completion of critical school construction projects - Hammond High School, Talbott Springs Elementary School, and High School #13 - is a top priority of my administration. While I am encouraged that the IAC increased its recommendation of State support for our school construction efforts, fully funding the requests for High School #13 and Talbott Springs, there is work left to do to secure the remaining state requested funding for the Hammond High School project.

Read more here.

Over the past 11 months, we’ve seen our business community adapt, shift on a dime, and work through the challenges of this pandemic. But amid nearly a year of uncertainty, and an unpredictable future, our business community has been through the wringer.

Since July, we have provided more than $13.5 million in CARES Act Funding to our restaurants, small-retailers, farms, hotels, live venues, and childcare providers - but we’re not stopping there. Last week, we announced more than $5 million in additional grants to support our small businesses, hotels, and restaurants.

Grants for small businesses and restaurants are targeted towards those who have not received a HoCo RISE grant before. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. on March 5th. Learn more about these grants and apply here.

February is recognized as Black History Month. As we continue to work towards a more perfect union, and a consciously more inclusive future, we honor the contributions that Black communities have made and continue to make in society.

In Howard County, we are grateful for have local pioneers who helped paved the way for the future generation. In our final Black History Month segment, we honor Howard County Government Chief Administrative Officer Lonnie Robbins.

Howard County has seen a consistent decline in our key metrics over the past two weeks, and we’re very grateful to our residents and businesses who have taken precautions throughout this winter surge to slow the spread the virus. Last week, we announced capacity restrictions on recreational sports and programs, wedding receptions, and social and fraternal organizations will be relaxed to match current State standards, as of February 19, 2021.

The decision to relax restrictions on events follows significant decreases in Howard County’s positivity rate and case rate per 100,000 residents, currently at 3.8% and 13.2 cases, respectively. In February, Howard County’s 7-day average positivity rate fell below 4% for the first time since November 8th.

Please note, gathering limits are still in effect for other social gatherings such as family gatherings, parties, cookouts, parades, festivals, conventions, fundraisers, other gatherings not associated with operating or patronizing a business that sells merchandise.

This is a step in the right direction and we must stay vigilant to keep our data trending downward. After nearly a year with this pandemic, we all know the mitigation measures we must continue, wearing our masks, keeping our distance, washing our hands, and when it becomes available to you, getting a vaccine.

For more information, please click here.

We are laser-focused on ensuring that our most vulnerable residents do not fall through the cracks this winter, as we continue to combat this virus in our community. Please share this information with friends and neighbors who may be in need.

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.

Residents may now 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.

During a challenging year, it's important that residents in our community have access to available tax resources. I strongly encourage our older adults to apply for vital senior tax credits, some of which will become available on February 26th. These tax credits provide financial incentives to allow residents to stay in their homes while offering more affordable aging in place.

Homeowners can use the county's Credit Eligibility Calculator to explore all available tax credits and relevant information regarding the application and screening processes. The Credit Eligibility Calculator can be found here.

Please, share this information with an older adult in your life. For more information, you can also call the Department of Finance at (410) 313-2195.

The moratorium on evictions and foreclosures has been extended!

President Biden has issued an executive order extending the moratorium on evictions for renters and foreclosures for homeowners with mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which was originally set to expire at the end of this month, through March 31, 2021. This means that if you have a federally backed mortgage, you can’t be foreclosed on or evicted for not paying.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email the Howard County Department of Housing and Community Development at housing@howardcountymd.gov

Please remember to get tested for COVID-19 if you think you may have been exposed. 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.

Second Resident’s Budget Hearing for the Fiscal Year 2022 Set for March 9^th

Next Tuesday, March 9^th, I invite you to join members of my administration and I at 6:00 p.m. for my second Resident’s Budget Hearing for the Fiscal Year 2022 budget cycle. As we confront the economic challenges and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is vital that we hear from our community on what matters most and the projects that will make a difference and provide a positive impact on life in Howard County. This year’s budget hearing will be held virtually and can be watched live from the County Council’s streaming website; the hearing will be listed under “Upcoming Events.”

Residents interested in speaking at the hearing can sign-up ONLINE by going to www.howardcountymd.gov/budgettestimony. Please keep in mind, speakers must sign-up individually, and one person may not sign-up for several testifiers. Additionally, individual testimony is limited to three minutes and group testimony is limited to five. Speakers who have a document or record they wish to submit with their testimony are asked to email the file to budgettestimony@howardcountymd.gov, with “BUDGET TESTIMONY” in the subject line.

From the same link, residents will also have the option to provide online budget testimony; however, residents are reminded that internet testimony is considered public information and, as such, is subject to the Maryland Public Information Act.

It is vital that residents of all abilities be provided with opportunities for self-determination and independence, whether pursuing a higher education or starting a career. If you are a member of our business community and would like to play an integral role in ensuring all students are ready and successful in life, I encourage you to apply today for our Commission for Transitioning Students with Disabilities. Comprised of 28 members, the Commission’s responsibilities include:

To learn more about the Commission and how to apply, click HERE today. NOTE, the deadline to apply is Friday, March 26^th.

Howard County adults, if you suffer from type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, I encourage you to check out our upcoming six-week “Living Well Diabetes Self-Management” virtual community workshop. Held Wednesdays, March 24^th through April 28^th, and presented by our Department of Community Resources and Services’ Office on Aging and Independence (OAI), Howard County Health Department and Howard County General Hospital, participants learn all about diabetes, the appropriate exercises, hypoglycemia/hyperglycemia, how to deal with stress, relaxation techniques and healthy eating and menu planning. As this is a participatory course, a tablet, laptop or desktop computer (with a built-in or external webcam) is needed. If your device does not have a microphone, the use of a dial-in option from a phone is available. While this workshop is FREE, registration is required. To register for this workshop series, visit hcgh.org/events today. For questions and/or more information, contact Jennifer Lee at 410-313-5940.

Howard County older residents, if you are looking for something to keep you active and engaged, check out our OAI’s monthly Virtual Offering Guides! Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, OAI has been working hard to provide older residents with various activities, from exercise and cooking classes to social engagement and lifelong learning classes, to help keep you moving, cooking and staying social while at home. To learn about the virtual offerings OAI has going on this month, check out its the March Virtual Offering Guide, available online now. for a list of this month’s offerings. For questions, contact OAI at aging@howardcountymd.gov.

REMEMBER, as HCPD and HCPSS announced last week, school buses serving HCPSS have been outfitted with external cameras. These cameras have been put in place to discourage motorists from passing buses illegally and to ensure that students who are entering and departing school buses are able to do so in a safe manner. The cameras are able to capture 180-degrees and up to eight lanes of traffic with high definition and full color images.

Starting today, March 1^st, the cameras will begin capturing the license plates of vehicles that pass a bus illegally. During the initial month, violators will be issued a warning, with paid citations to be issued beginning on April 1, 2021 by HCPD. State courts have set the fine for illegally passing a school bus at $250, with no points. All fines collected will go back into the costs of operating the external bus camera program. Any remaining funds over the cost of the program must be designated for Howard County public safety projects.

Tomorrow, March 2^nd, our Department of Public Works (DPW) will be hosting a virtual public meeting at 6:00 p.m., to discuss plans to improve a stormwater pond along Montgomery Run Road behind 8495 Falls Run Road in Ellicott City. As part of its improvement project, DPW’s Bureau of Environmental Services plans to install a reinforced concrete riser and spillway pipe, as well as grade and stabilize approximately 150 feet of the pond outfall channel. In addition, plantings will be also installed at the pond’s perimeter to improve water quality. The project is expected to begin in August 2021.

The informal meeting tomorrow will include an overview of the design followed by an open discussion. County staff and the project’s design consultant will be on hand to answer any questions and gather public comments. To participate in the meeting by computer, go to www.webex.com and click “join;” the meeting number is 126 380 2196 and “Stormwater” is the password. To participate by phone, call 1-650-479-3207 (note, fees may apply) and enter the access code 126 719 7053.

Those unable to participate in the virtual meeting who would like to view the plans and/or have questions, should contact Mr. Avinash Dewani with DPW’s Stormwater Management Division at 410-313-6417 or email adewani@howardcountymd.gov.

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.

Starting this spring, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is scheduled to begin an improvement project to enhance safety and traffic operations at the intersection of MD 108 (Clarksville Pike) and Centennial Lane/Beaverbrook Road in Columbia. Utility relocations are already underway.

Department of Public Works – Bureau of Environmental Services

Final Special Winter Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on March 6^th 

REMINDER: Our Bureau of Environmental Service’s Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) will host its final SPECIAL HHW winter collection day this Saturday, March 6^th before it resumes its regular HHW Saturday season in April. On the 6^th, county residents may properly dispose of HHW items at the Landfill. For more information on this program and what is accepted/not accepted, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/HHW.

Applications are NOW being accepted for Recreation & Parks 2021 “Community Sports Hall of Fame.” Nomination forms are available on line at www.hcrpsports.org/halloffame or by calling the Department of Recreation & Parks at 410-313-1691. Deadline for nominations is Thursday, April 15th.

The DEADLINE to submit your nomination is Thursday, April 15^th. For more information about Howard County’s Community Sports Hall of Fame, including a list of past Hall of Fame inductees, visit www.hcrpsports.org/halloffame.

Calling all Howard County students who will be enrolled in high school for the 2021-2022 academic year, if you have an interest in the County’s recreational programs and parks and would like to share your voice and perspective on how we can make it better, I encourage you to apply today for our Recreation & Parks Advisory Board student member position. Comprised of eight members, including one student, the Board provides recommendations relating to plans, policies and programs for public recreation, and reviews plans for and holds hearings on the acquisition and development of land for public recreation and open space.

Applicants should send a resume and a brief letter explaining why they want to serve on the Board 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.The names of eligible applicants will be submitted to the County Executive for approval and the nominee will be submitted to the County Council for confirmation. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 19th. 

Beginning today, March 1^st, the tennis courts at Centennial Park West will be closed weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to allow for crews to replace the light poles, fixtures and wiring. The courts will however be open from 5:00 p.m. until sunset on weekdays and operating normal hours on weekends during this time. Weather permitting, the work is expected to be completed by early April.

Removal of Dead Tree Closes Portion of Dorsey Hall Pathway

REMINDER: The section of the Dorsey Hall pathway system along Columbia Road between Rams Horn Row and Broken Lute Way in Ellicott City is now CLOSED to the public in order to allow crews the ability to safely remove dead ash trees positioned along the pathway. The trees have destroyed by invasive emerald ash borer beetles and pose a potential danger to pedestrians and cyclists. The resulting wood and debris from the project will remain on site to allow for nutrient recycling and local wildlife habitat.

Weather permitting, the work is expected to be completed by mid-March.

Looking for an outdoor camp for your youth this summer? Then be sure to check out our Department of Recreation & Parks’ 2021 Summer Sports & Outdoor Camps guide. This year’s summer camp guide has been split into two. In this first guide, residents will find outdoor camps, sports camps and select online camps, ranging from adventure and outdoor, nature and history and archaeology to numerous sports programs. Parents and prospective campers can choose from full- or half-day camp options or bring the fun home with Recreation & Parks’ exciting take-home kits and online camps. Recreation & Parks will send out a second summer camp guide later this year focused on indoor camps. Registration for the guide is NOW open for Howard County and non-county residents

Like our other Recreation & Parks programs, our 2021 summer camps will follow strict COVID-19 safety guidelines that prioritize daily health checks, small group sizes, physical distancing and face mask use in our ongoing efforts to keep our participants and staff safe and healthy. To secure your camp spot today, visit Recreation & Parks registration page today.