April 14, 2020

Dear Friends, We’re working to provide transparent and detailed data for residents to better understand the scope of the outbreak. It’s important to recognize that we believe there are many more cases than currently reported because of a lack of testing. Starting today, COVID-19 cases will be broken down by zip code on our county dashboard . Cases broken down by age will also be available. Residents should not fall into a false sense of security if their specific area does not have a confirmed case. We must remain steadfast and continue social distancing. The data on the dashboard is preliminary and is subject to change as new information becomes available. The zip code data is provided by case count and case rate, which is the number of cases per 10,000 people. The case rate provides the most accurate representation of concentration but is highly influenced by the lack of testing.    Please note, the number of cases reported in Howard County are ever-changing. For the most updated information, please visit the Howard County Health Department's website here. Please continue to stay safe and take extra precautions as we flatten the curve. This is a challenging time, but I promise that we will get through this together.

Community Updates

HoCo Farm Support Howard County is known for our robust agricultural history and businesses. Today, I'm proud to launch HoCo Farms Connect, a resource to connect residents to our farms with fresh farm products. We understand how critical our food supply is to combating this virus and it's important we support our local farms during this challenging time. Farms provided their information to be included on this map. If you would like your farm to be included, please sign up online. Visit the map here.

Food Distribution Site(s) There are many different food resources throughout the county, through the Howard County government, community partners, including schools, local food bank, and generous residents who are working to ensure no one goes hungry during this time. Howard County Public School Systems Grab N Go meals are available Monday-Friday from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm for anyone under 18, no pre-registration needed. Locations include: 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 Oakland Mills Middle School, 9540 Kilimanjaro Road, Columbia Swansfield Elementary School, 5610 Cedar Lane, Columbia Talbott Springs Elementary School, 9550 Basket Ring Road, Columbia Wilde Lake Middle School, 10481 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia Community Locations: (Weekend meals not provided at community locations) Forest Ridge Apartments, 5890 Stevens Forest Rd, Columbia Monarch Mills Apartments, 7600 Monarch Mills Way, Columbia Bethel Christian Academy, Campus 1, 8455 Savage Guilford Rd., Savage Department of Community Resources and Services is currently offering Grab-N-Go food distribution for eligible older adults at the Ellicott City 50+ Center, located at 9401 Frederick Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21042. Distribution is held on Thursdays between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. for registered residents. Howard County Food Bank is open Tuesdays – Thursdays 1 – 4 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon at 9385 Gerwig Lane in Columbia. The Food Bank is providing pre-packaged bags of food to clients and new clients should bring identification and proof of Howard County residency for their first visit. IONHoCo Pop Up Food Pantry will operate daily beginning April 19 through May 3 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Long Reach Village Center, 8775 Cloudleap Court, Columbia. Call 410-340-0529 for information or to donate.  Columbia Community Cares is providing grab and go bags of food, and other essential supplies such as diapers, at the following locations, Monday – Friday, 11 a.m - 1:30 p.m: Cradlerock Elementary School/Lake Elkhorn Middle School, 6680 Cradlerock Way, Columbia Howard High School, 8700 Old Annapolis Road, Ellicott City Oakland Mills Middle School, 9540 Kilimanjaro Road, Columbia Swansfield Elementary School, 5610 Cedar Lane, Columbia Wilde Lake Middle School, 10481 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia Salvation Army hosting a monthly pop-up pantry, April 15, May 20, and June 17th, at 3267 Pine Orchard Lane, Ellicott City from 1 -3 p.m. They will have fresh produce along with canned goods, please bring proof of Howard County residency.

CDC Guidance on Face Masks The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued new guidance on cloth face coverings and now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain such as grocery stores and pharmacies. Since many people infected with the coronavirus have few or no symptoms, this is a step to help prevent those people from transmitting the virus to others. It is not a measure to protect you from catching the virus. Since the outbreak of this pandemic, many residents want to know how they can help, and this is an important action. Wearing a face-covering in public, along with continued social distancing, is how we can flatten the curve and slow the spread of the COVID-19. While the CDC recommendation is voluntary, the Howard County Health Department is strongly recommending that residents wear a face covering when around others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used. Click here to view instructions on how to make them at home and how to wear them. Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. If you are making cloth face coverings and have extras, it is encouraged that you to reach out and offer them to friends, relatives, co-workers and neighbors.

COVID-19 Response Pay I’m incredibly grateful for the extraordinary efforts of our workforce to keep everyone in our community safe, ensure the welfare of our residents, and provide the essential services that our community relies upon. We recognize the dedication and commitment of our employees and appreciate their patience as we’ve navigated this uncertain time. I was honored to sign an Executive Order allowing one-time discretionary bonus payments to personnel who must report to work to perform mission critical work. We will continue to do what’s right, prioritize our worker's safety, and provide essential service to our community. To read the executive order, please visit our website here .

Stay at Home Order Maryland is currently under a stay-at-home order as proclaimed by Governor Hogan. At this time, no Maryland resident should leave their homes unless it’s for an essential job or reason, including food and medication pick-up, medical emergencies, and essential work. Governor Hogan made the smart decision to order us to shelter in place. It is okay to go outside to exercise, walk pets, and/or walk to essential services as long as it is not done in groups. We understand for some that exercising alone is difficult, but we need to do everything possible to avoid contact with others. There is no excuse for taking this directive lightly. In order to slow the spread, it is vital that we stay home and reduce contact with one another. I encourage us all to take extra precautions to keep everyone safe. I know that this uncertainty can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. This is a challenging time, but I promise that we will get through this together. Please visit our website for more resources and information on Howard County’s mitigation efforts. For questions regarding the governor's Executive Order, please visit his website here.

New Testing Site  There are a lot of questions, concerns, and anxiety surrounding testing, but we must make sure testing is prioritized for those who need it most and have a doctor’s referral. The Howard County Health Department, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Health, began offering drive-through COVID-19 testing at the Columbia Emissions Testing Center for residents who are displaying symptoms, have a referral from their healthcare provider, and an appointment for testing. Watch this video to see the first day in operation. At this time the site, located at 6340 Woodside Ct #1071 in Columbia, will be open for appointments from 10am to 2pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please do not show up at the drive-thru testing without an appointment. This is a step in the right direction to increase testing for residents and better track the spread of COVID-19. To qualify for testing, residents will need to get a referral from their healthcare provider and will then be given directions on how to register online and make an appointment at a test site. At the test sites, residents will remain in their vehicles with the windows rolled up until they receive their test. After receiving their test, residents will be given additional information about how to properly self-isolate at home. If symptoms worsen, residents should contact their healthcare provider, especially if they experience shortness of breath.

Business Relief Wizard In continued response to the impacts of Covid-19,   Howard County Economic Development Authority   collaborated with industry partners, business leaders, and statewide organizations to build an online tool for businesses to more easily identify state and federal relief resources they may be eligible for. The goal of the tool is to provide an updated one-stop destination for businesses as they seek navigate the myriad of financial relief programs.  By visiting the wizard and answering a short series of questions, businesses will be able to quickly identify which State and Federal programs they are eligible for and will be pointed to the respective resources with directions to apply. Special thank you to Howard County Economic Development Authority ,  Mindgrub ,  BTS Software Solutions, LLC ,  Maryland Department of Commerce ,  Howard County Chamber of Commerce ,  Maryland Tech Council ,  Maryland Chamber of Commerce ,  KatzAbosch , Capital Services , and  Offit | Kurman  Attorneys at Law. You can complete the Relief Program Eligibility Wizard here .

HoCo Food Go The coronavirus pandemic has been a disruption and challenge for all of us, but our restaurants and their employees are significantly impacted. I’m excited to launch ‘HoCo Food Go,’ a resource which lists delivery and carryout options, to promote our restaurants who may be struggling through these tough times. By looking out for our local businesses and their employees, we can assist many of our neighbors and friends in need. Restaurants provided their information to be included. If you would like your restaurant listed, please be sure to complete the online form. Visit the website here.

Domestic Violence Information Domestic violence does not discriminate. It affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels. During this challenging time, if you, or someone you know, may be in a dangerous intimate partner violence situation, I encourage you to call one of our domestic violence hotlines. We are here to help and ensure every member of our community is safe. For more information on how you can help  Hopeworks , please see their Wishlist here.

Election Information In an effort to ensure social distancing and the safety of our residents, the Maryland Primary scheduled for April 28th will now be postponed to June 2nd. The special general election for the 7th Congressional District will still be held on April 28th and will only be conducted through a vote by mail system. Ballots have been mailed out for the April 28th Special General Election. We are working with our local board of elections to ensure that this process is smooth, protects public health, and preserves our democratic integrity. We will continue to provide updates as we receive more information.   For more information, please visit our local board of elections website here .

Unemployment Information We understand the uncertainty many are facing during this trying time and the confusion around filing for unemployment. In an effort to reduce wait times and provide claimants with an efficient and hassle-free filing process, the Maryland Department of Labor's Division of Unemployment Insurance has implemented a new system when it comes to filing for unemployment. To help residents better understand the process and what to expect when filing for unemployment, my office put together this informative guide. To learn more and/or for more information, visit mdunemployment.com.

Rent & Eviction Maryland has temporarily prohibited evictions of tenants suffering loss of income due to COVID-19 (coronavirus). I encourage all residents who are current renters to please hold on to any documentations which can serve as verification of income loss. For additional information, please call our Office of Consumer Protection at (410) 313-6420 or visit their website.

Alpha Ridge Landfill We recognize that residents are, understandably, trying to keep busy at home and some are spring cleaning, however now is not the time to unnecessarily put our workers or yourself at risk, so please stay home unless necessary. The Alpha Ridge Landfill is open, but should only be used by residents who do not have curbside collection service. The only items that should be brought to the Landfill are those that require immediate disposal, such as kitchen and bathroom trash. Residents should not bring items such as bulky furniture, construction debris or large amounts of trash generated through spring cleaning and home cleanouts. We thank you for your cooperation as we strive to flatten the curve. For details, visit their website here.

Support our Farms The spring season is here and our Howard County Farms are hard at work planting and raising livestock to meet our community needs. Many of our farms are still taking Community Sponsored Agriculture (CSA) memberships. CSA’s are subscriptions to share in a farms harvest. They are a great way to connect to our local farms and get fresh produce, meat, eggs, and breads. Howard County has seven farms offering CSA memberships. These farms have many different membership options to fit your needs and some even offer home delivery. I encourage you to support our farms by buying locally today! Learn more here.

Health Coverage The Maryland Health Connection issued a Coronavirus Emergency Special Enrollment open to uninsured Marylanders who need health coverage during the Governor’s State of Emergency. Uninsured Marylanders must enroll by April 15th for this special health coverage. Free help is available by calling 1-855-642-8572 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. I encourage you to share this with your family, friends, and neighbors who may be in need of this important information. Enroll here.

Senior Grocery Hours During these challenging times, it's important our community has access to beneficial information and resources. Across Howard County, many businesses that provide grocery and essential items are serving our senior population with dedicated hours. I encourage residents to share this information with others in our community. We have updated this important graphic with more stores who are participating in special hours for our senior population. See the whole graphic here.

Donation Request Howard County is a special community. We are connected by our history of resiliency in trying times, our generosity to one another, and our ability to unite around a common challenge. We have received numerous offers from community members over the last few weeks asking how they can help during this pandemic. Currently, we are asking for specific items that will help operations tremendously and keep our medical professionals safe. This is an essential service, therefore, donations will continue. Below is a list of the items we are requesting from our residents. We ask that you donate new items. N-95 Masks Surgical Masks Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) Impermeable Gowns Medical Gloves (Non-Latex) Hand Sanitizer (Not homemade) Eye Protection Flip down grinding/splash shields Cleaning Supplies/Disinfectants ‬Please drop off the items from 9:00am - 5:00pm, Monday - Friday to the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services at 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive OR at Howard County Recreation and Parks Headquarters at 7120 Oakland Mills Rd. This is a time for collective action and kindness. Together, we can save lives.

Howard County General Hospital Donations Howard Hospital Foundation, which provides philanthropic support to Howard County General Hospital, is accepting donations to support their COVID-19 Response initiative. Care for Caregivers Through financial gifts from individuals and businesses, Howard Hospital Foundation is purchasing meals from local restaurants at approximately $9,000 per day for the hospital staff who are working around the clock to care for the community. The foundation cannot accept homemade food for infection control purposes. Donations can be made online . For more information, email HCGH-Foundation@jhmi.edu. Financial gifts Donations supporting Howard County General Hospital’s work addressing the COVID-19 crisis can be made online . Personal protective equipment and disinfecting supplies Howard Hospital Foundation is accepting unused N95 face masks, surgical masks, safety goggles, face shields, disposable gowns, nonlatex gloves, unopened bottles of hand sanitizer, unopened containers of disinfecting and bleach wipes and powered, air-purifying respirators (PAPR) to be used should shortages arise. Contact Howard Hospital Foundation Development Associate Diane Stulman at dstulma1@jhmi.edu or 410-913-7473 to coordinate delivery. Hand-sewn cloth masks Cotton fabric masks assembled following Johns Hopkins Medicine’s instructions can be used in nonpatient care settings to contain coughs and remind people not to touch their faces. The masks are not medical grade and cannot be used by health care providers as protection from COVID-19 during patient-provider interactions. Finished masks can be dropped off in a bin at the Medical Arts Building at 11085 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, adjacent to the hospital.

Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD)   Howard County REACT has launched a critical grocery and medication delivery service . This service is intended to assist Howard County citizens that cannot leave their homes during the COVID-19 crisis and are having trouble getting groceries delivered in a timely fashion. This service is a joint venture between Howard County REACT and Howard County COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster).       To get started   Place your order for PICKUP with any Howard County Safeway, Harris Teeter, or Walgreens (Medications only)  Please setup a pickup date and time at least 24 hours from now  Once you place your order, please fill out the form online  When form is completed, a representative from Howard County REACT will touch base with you shortly  If you are having trouble placing your request, please call 410.782.0432

2020 Census On Census Day last week, Howard County emerged as the leader for completion rates in the State of Maryland. However, as of April 12 only 61.7% of our residents had responded. For every person who doesn’t complete the census, we lose around $18,000 in funding for our schools, healthcare, public safety, and more. If you haven’t completed your census questionnaire, please do so online today. If you have already completed your census, please encourage five of your friends and family to do the same today. Together, we can ensure everyone is counted and Howard County receives our share of needed funding to invest in our community for the future.

Government Updates

Howard County Government Updates It is essential that we provide continuous operations throughout this pandemic. County government public services will be offered throughout this pandemic, but we are moving what we can online and via phone. I encourage all residents to check our website frequently for updates and continue to follow public guidance on gatherings, meetings, and events. Access to County buildings is restricted to only County employees. Further, County agencies and facilities will be changing their operating schedule or closing to help stop the spread of the virus. The following services and offices will remain operational: All emergency services including Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Services  Inspections of buildings, roads, traffic lights and other infrastructure  Trash and recycling collection Please see a list of all our closures below. Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) In accordance to the notice made earlier, DCRS headquarters are closed to the public. Services at the Multi-Service Center will be offered by phone conference call, webex, facetime, or other digital conferencing platforms. Limited in-person meetings will be available for significant or emergent need following health and safety screening. Phone appointments can be made via 410-313-6400. Multi-Service Center services will be conducted online or via phone at 41-313-0220. As a reminder, all DCRS group programs, events, and activities are suspended. All 50+ Centers are closed, and all home visit and consultation services for older adults, children and families are also suspended. Some training and certification classes may be made available online. Tax preparation programs will be postponed until the end of March and reassessed for new scheduling. The Loan Closet is closed for equipment donations. For equipment needs, please call 410-313-0363. The onsite lunch program at the 50+ Centers has been suspended. If you are in need of meal services or have concerns about food availability please contact MAP at (410-313-1234) or through map@howardcountymd.gov For more information on continuing services, please contact: The Maryland Access Point Line (MAP) 410-313-1234 or email map@howardcountymd.gov CARELINE – 410-313-CARE (2273) or email children@howardcountymd.gov DCRS Headquarters – 410-313-6400 For a comprehensive list of closures and cancellations please visit the DCRS website here. Department of Finance To help our customers, the County has suspended all water disconnections. The Department of Finance is moving all payment options online. You may still send checks in to the following address: Howard County Department of Finance Attention: Tax Credit 3430 Court House Drive Ellicott City, MD 21043 Please do not email sensitive personal information such as W-2s or tax information. If you have questions, please call 410-313-2058. Guidance on alternative payment options, tax credits, water and sewer questions, recordation, lien certification, and tax sale notices can be found here. Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) Last week, we put out an update about the cancellation of all public training and public education visits. We are now including fire inspections as well. All scheduled and unscheduled occupancy inspections have been placed on hold. However, the Office of the Fire Marshal will continue to respond to safety related code violations. To submit a life safety complaint, continue to use our inquiry-complaint form on www.hcdfrs.org. Full list of cancellations from HCDFRS: CPR/AED Narcan Crowd Manager Safety seminar Assisted Living Stop the Bleed Fire and Fall Prevention Safety House presentation Station and apparatus tours Home Safety visits Car seat assistance Fire Inspections Howard County Health Department (HCHD) HCHD will be open for only for essential services. Appointments must be scheduled in advance. Other programs and services are being offered elsewhere or remotely. Birth Certificate Services: No walk-In services available. You can obtain application forms and detailed information for ordering vital records or requesting amendments may be found at www.health.maryland.gov/vsa You can visit www.vitalcheck.com  You can order by mail by sending forms to:  Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 68760, Baltimore, MD 21215 You can call MDH Vital Records at 410-764-3038, push 1 Access to Healthcare: Medicaid – Use the online portal at www.marylandhealthconnection.gov or call 1-855-642-8572 MA Transportation Program – Contact Matransport@howardcountymd.gov. Emailed rides will be scheduled within 24 hours. If your appointment is able to be rescheduled to a later date, please do reschedule. Behavioral Health: Programs working virtually. Call 410-313-6202. In a crisis call 410-531-6677 (local) or 211 (statewide) Clinical Services: By Appointment Only – Appointments must be scheduled in advance by calling the program or 410-313-6300 Environmental Health: By Appointment Only  For Well & Septic call 410-313-1771 For Food Protection Call 410-313-1772 For Community Hygiene – 410-313-1773 Visit the Howard County Health Department website at www.hchealth.org. for more information and services. Department of Inspections, Licenses & Permits (DILP) DILP is operating remotely, delivering services online. Customers who are unable to use online services or who have service requests that cannot be conducted via mail, will be by appointment only. Please call (410) 313-2455, option #4 for more information and direction. The Department will continue to inspect construction projects and properties with modified processes to limit person to person contact. Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) DPZ will accept applications, related documents, forms, and plans via email to planning@howardcountymd.gov or through direct mail to Howard County Planning and Zoning 3430 Court House Drive Ellicott City, MD 21043 Checks can be sent through direct mail. For assistance from the DPZ Public Service Counter, including checking out or returning plan drawings for red-lining purposes, please contact 410-313-4395. For all other general inquiries related to development plans or projects, community planning, agricultural preservation, historic preservation, historic preservation applications, and demolition form contact 410-313-2350 or email planning@howardcountymd.gov. Contact information for individual programs can be found on the website, as well as applications, forms and fees. Plan review will continue through the electronic submission process (PDox). Howard County Police Department (HCPD) HCPD is encouraging residents to file reports online or by phone to limit officer’s exposure during this time. Online reports can be filed here. To make a report by phone call 410-313-2200. Animal Control Howard County Animal Control is currently closed to the public. Animal adoptions are being suspended until further notice. If you have an animal-related emergency, such as a cruelty in-progress, an animal bite or a sick or injured animal, please call Central Communications at 410-313-2200. If you have a lost pet, would like to report a dead deer or any other non-emergency animal related concern, please e-mail animalcontrol@howardcountymd.gov. The public should rest assured that the animals currently in our center are being well cared for. Thank you for your understanding as we strive to ensure the safety of our staff, volunteers, animals and the public. To learn more, please visit our website here. Department of Public Works (DPW) Residents with General DPW customer service inquiries can send their inquiries via e-mail at publicworks@howardcountymd.gov or by phone at 410-313-4400. Real Estate General Services (Developer Agreements, Capital Projects, Leasing Inquiries, ADO Agreements, Fire Protection Agreements, and Water & Sewer House Connections) can be conducted via phone and e-mail: RealEstate@howardcountymd.gov and 410.313.2330. Bureau of Environmental Services Alpha Ridge Landfill continues to operate, Monday through Saturday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, however some changes have been made to its daily operations: Cash, check and credit card sales have been discontinued. Businesses will be billed based on material type and tonnage to the address associated with its landfill permit. Residents with Construction/Demolition (C&D) material will not be charged and should use the Residents Convenience Center. Residents with trailers or box trucks of material should still proceed to the scales; however, all other residents should proceed through the Residents’ Convenience Center. Dropoff donations of reusable bikes, medical equipment and building materials are currently not being accepted. The Landfill is asking residents with items to donate to The Loading Dock, Bicycles for the World or The Loan Closet to please hold onto them until the need for social distancing ends. Sales of compost and topsoil will be limited to contractors with permits; however, the Landfill’s free shredded wood and chips program has expanded to include mulch as well. The County’s Bureau of Environmental Services is urging residents to avoid unnecessary trips to the Landfill. Curbside collection services, including bulk trash and scrap metal pick up, continue to operate as normal. If you have any questions about any of these services and/or the Landfill, give the Bureau a call at 410-313-6444. Department of Recreation and Parks (HCRP) The following are not running through April 24th, 2020 All programs & classes All events All rentals League play Worthington Dog Park All HC Recreation & Parks indoor facilities  All Sharp Shoot Operations have been suspended. Effective Wednesday, March 31st, we are closing the following recreational areas to encourage social distancing and discourage any gatherings at parks: All basketball courts Volleyball courts Tennis courts Pickleball courts Skate parks Disc golf course Playgrounds will remain closed. Parks gates will remain closed, but the parks will be available for people to walk, run, hike or bike as long as they are practicing social distancing. Howard County Recreation & Parks programs, leagues, and events have been canceled or postponed until April 24, 2020. We will reassess whether to resume programs and leagues in April. Enrollment for our 2020-2021 Recreational Licensed Child Care program that starts in August 2020 will still open as planned on April 1, 2020 at 8:00am. Our ability to take calls will be limited and therefore we recommend that you register online if possible. To register, visit our website or call 410-313-7275. We will continue to provide departmental updates at here. Office of Transportation RTA has modified their schedule, please view their website for their full updates. RTA fixed route will operate on an enhanced Sunday schedule during the week and weekend and run till further notice. Buses will run from 8:29 AM till 6:00 PM and provide one-hour headway on the following routes, 301, 302, 401, 403, 404, 405, 407, 408, 409, 501, 502 and 503. On vehicles with two doors, passengers are to board at the rear door unless a passenger requires a ramp. All fixed route and mobility fares will be temporarily suspended during the service modification. The Office of Transportation has taken measures to enhance our bus cleaning to include disinfection of each bus on a nightly basis and operators have been given supplies to make sure their work areas remain disinfected throughout the day. We encourage riders to practice safe social distancing while on transit and not travel via public transit if they do not feel well.

Washing your hands frequently (and correctly) is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (and other respiratory disease). Let your hands with clean, running water and apply soap. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. You can count to 20 to be sure you have scrubbed for the right amount of time. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water. WATCH NOW

Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) Many businesses and organizations are preparing for a possible suspension of operations as people are encouraged to maintain social distance to curb the spread of the virus.   With that, there are potential impacts to our customers’ incomes and their ability to meet their financial obligations; to include paying their utility bills.   To that end, BGE has announced that service disconnections related to non-payment will be suspended and we will be waiving new late payment charges until at least May 1st   BGE will also be working with customers on a case-by-case basis to establish payment arrangements and identify energy assistance options   BGE hopes this step provides some measure of relief to our customers as we all manage through this emerging event.

Columbia Association Columbia Association is taking a number of actions to promote the social distancing policies and cleaning guidelines advocated by public health officials. Due to new local COVID-19 developments, all Columbia Association facilities will remain closed until further notice. This includes all sport and fitness facilities (fitness clubs, Haven on the Lake, pools, tennis, ice skating, golf, Columbia SportsPark, etc.); all Community Services facilities including Columbia Art Center, Youth and Teen Center, and Columbia Archives; and Columbia DogPark, CA Headquarters and the Customer and Member Service Center. Additionally, all CA public programs, classes and events are canceled effective until further notice. Please visit Community Association’s website here for more information.

Comcast Comcast recognizes that their company plays an important role in helping customers stay connected – to their families, their workplaces, their schools, and the latest information about the virus – through the Internet. Comcast is taking steps to implement the following new policies for the next 60 days: Xfinity WiFi Free For Everyone: Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi. Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots, and then launch a browser. No Disconnects or Late Fees: We will not disconnect a customer’s internet service or assess late fees if they contact us and let us know that they can’t pay their bills during this period. Our care teams will be available to offer flexible payment options and can help find other solutions. Internet Essentials Free to New Customers: It’s now easier for low-income families who live in a Comcast service area to sign-up for Internet Essentials, the nation’s largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program. New customers will receive 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service, which is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month. Increasing the Speed of Internet Essentials: Additionally, for all new and existing Internet Essentials customers, the speed of the program’s Internet service was increased to 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream. That increase will go into effect for no additional fee and it will become the new base speed for the program going forward. For more information, please visit Comcast's website here.

Economic Developm ent Authority (EDA) EDA has created an information portal for the business community impacted by the coronavirus outbreak that is  a vailable online.  It includes information from partners such as Howard Chamber, Tourism, and Maryland Department of Commerce. Howard County, Maryland has been declared as a disaster area and is now open for SBA Disaster Loan applications. For more information on SBA Disaster loans, please visit EDA's portal here. To keep up with business updates, I encourage you to visit EDA's website here.

Howard Community College Howard Community College has been closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), now classified as a global pandemic. The health and safety of all faculty, staff, and students is paramount. Effective March 30, 2020, the college will move to remote (online) delivery of instruction and services for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester. The college's annual commencement ceremony has been postponed. A new date will be announced later.  All college events are canceled until May 31.  For more information about HCC's academic calendar and class schedule, please visit their website here.

Howard County Library System Due to the confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Howard County and around Maryland, along with the recommendations from Governor Hogan to practice social distancing, avoid gathering in large groups, and cancel large events, Howard County Library System is closed until further notice.  HCLS has significant  eContent  available online, including  e-books and e-audiobooks ;  streaming TV, movies, and music ;  online classes ; and digital subscriptions to  newspapers  and   magazines . All you need is your library card and PIN. If you don’t yet have a library card, apply online and use your temporary number. HCLS will waive fines for materials that will become due during the time we are closed. Additionally, the period of time in which you can pick up requested items will be extended so you don’t lose your items on hold. For more information please visit HCLS' website here.

Howard County Public Schools Effective through Friday, April 24th, all Maryland public schools will be closed for students. For information regarding the operations of the Howard County Public School System, please visit their website here. The Howard County Public School System will continue to provide free Grab-N-Go meals to anyone age 18 and under and/or any HCPSS student, regardless of age, throughout state-mandated school closures, extended through April 24. There will be no meal service Friday, April 10 or Monday, April 13. Participants will be given a Grab-N-Go snack, lunch and dinner for that day, as well as a Grab-N-Go breakfast for the following day. Participants are encouraged to bring a bag to carry home meals each day. HCPSS is pleased to announce the following expansions of our meal distribution program: Locations: Howard High School, 8700 Old Annapolis Road Oakland Mills Middle School, 9540 Kilimanjaro Road Swansfield Elementary School, 5610 Cedar Lane Cradlerock Elementary School/Lake Elkhorn Middle School, 6680 Cradlerock Way Talbott Springs Elementary School, 9550 Basket Ring Road Beginning March 30 Wilde Lake Middle School, 10481 Cross Fox Lane Beginning March 30 Laurel Woods Elementary School Parking Lot, 9250 North Laurel Road Ducketts Lane Elementary School Parking Lot, 6501 Ducketts Lane Bushy Park Elementary School Parking Lot, 14601 Carrs Mill Road Monarch Mills Apartments, 7600 Monarch Mills Way Forest Ridge Apartments, 5890 Stevens Forest Rd Bethel Christian Academy, Campus 1, 8455 Savage Guilford Rd. Beginning March 30

Self-quarantining? Here are some tips to help you shelter in place safely if you must undergo a 14-day quarantine due to illness. 1. Stay at home 2. Stay in a separated ventilated room 3. Wash your hands frequently 4. Use tissue and throw away after each use 5. Regularly wipe down common areas 6. No visitors READ MORE

Howard County Sheriff's Office The Howard County Sheriff’s Office announced all eviction orders in Howard County will be stayed until further notice.

Howard County State's Attorney At this time, all Maryland Courthouses are closed to the public through April 3rd. Additionally, the Circuit Court and State’s Attorney’s Office will not conduct any business that requires a jury or grand jury, respectively through April 6th.

Maryland Department of Social Services The Department of Social Services (DSS) in an effort to protect you and your family from the spread of Coronavirus is asking for residents to utilize the below tools for accessing benefits. To apply for benefits with DSS: You can apply online here for SNAP (Food Stamps) and cash Assistance programs. Works on mobile devices. Here for medical assistance and health insurance And here for Long Term Care Call 1-800-332-6347 to request a paper application and mail, email or fax to local office. Email: Howco.dss@maryland.gov. Fax 410-872-4231 Residents can submit any required documentation via the MYDHR portal or via email: Child support: hoco.child_support@maryland.gov FIA: fia.hoco@maryland.gov To check status or have questions: Check MYDHR account for case updates Contact the call center at 1-800-332-6347 Monday-Friday 8:30- 5:00, call 410-872-8700, or Email Howco.dss@maryland.gov To report abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult, please call child protective services at 410-872-4203 or adult protective services at 410-872-8823.

Verizon Verizon continues to closely monitor developments related to the current outbreak of the Coronavirus known as COVID-19. They remain committed to ensuring customers have access to the most reliable networks and global solutions—now and in the days and weeks to come. As the situation evolves, they're working closely with our employees, partners and suppliers to support ongoing business operations and serve our customers’ needs. Below are the updates from Verizon: Due to economic circumstances related to the coronavirus and to keep customers connected during this economic and global crisis; Verizon waives late fees for those impacted by COVID-19 We are Investing in our economy by increasing our capital guidance range from $17 - $18 billion to $17.5 - $18.5 billion in 2020 Expanding work from home policy to include reduction of some retail locations across the country We are tripling our data allowance for Verizon Innovative Learning schools; $10 million to nonprofits directed at supporting students and first responders. For more information, please visit their website here.

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