March 31, 2020

Dear Friends, Yesterday, Governor Hogan signed an Executive Order placing Maryland under a stay-at-home order which went into effect as of 8:00pm last night. Moving forward, 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.    Over the past few weeks, our residents have heard guidance and suggestions from both the State of Maryland and the Howard County governments. The order from the Governor is extraordinary and it also comes with legal consequences. It stresses the seriousness of this virus as well as the penalties that can be enforced for those who do not comply.     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.

I want our Howard County community to know that our government is working tirelessly to keep our public safe and informed. Please note, the number of cases reported in Howard County are ever-changing. For the most up to date information, please visit the Howard County Health Department's website here . For a directory of non-medical coronavirus questions, please see this  directory which breaks down the various offices and how we can best serve you. 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

Unfortunate News We were saddened to report the first deaths in Howard County due to coronavirus over the weekend. The victims, both males, 90 and 75 years old, had underlying health conditions. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and friends of the departed. We wish them peace in the midst of their grief. With the passing of these residents, the impact of coronavirus on our community has become deadly. We must refocus and reinforce our efforts to stop the spread by staying at home, social distancing, and limiting interactions with others. Howard County Government , our partners at the State and federal levels, as well as our community stakeholders are united to fight this virus and provide support and resources to all our residents during this difficult time. We will get through this with collective action, compassion, and kindness.

Howard County Park Closures The order from the Governor stresses the seriousness of this virus as well as the penalties that can be enforced for those who do not comply. Effective as of tomorrow, March 31st, Howard County Recreation and Parks is closing the following recreational areas to encourage social distancing and discourage any gatherings at our parks: All basketball courts Volleyball courts Tennis courts Pickleball courts Skate parks Disc golf course To slow the spread, it is vital that we stay home and reduce contact with one another. These precautions taken by Recreation & Parks are to further limit the unintentional spreading of this virus, while still allowing outdoor recreation. For more information, please visit out website here.

Alpha Ridge Landfill Although the County’s Alpha Ridge Landfill continues to operate, we encourage residents to please avoid any unnecessary trips. If you need to visit the Landfill, note, there are some changes to its daily operations. For details, visit their website 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.

Non-Essential Business Closure Governor Hogan enacted an executive order closing all non-essential businesses, organizations, establishments, and facilities in Maryland effective as of 5 p.m. on March 23rd. Together, we must all do what we can to stop the spread. To read the full guidance from the governor, please click here .

2020 Census The 2020 Census is currently underway. You can take your census  online, by phone, or through the mail. It's important, easy, and safe. The census helps ensure we receive important federal funding to support our schools, infrastructure, and other important resources for our community to thrive. Encourage your family and friends to take it with you! Together, we can ensure #HoCoCounts.

Staying Safe

What is the Coronavirus? Symptoms of Infection with COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) This virus can cause either mild illness like a cold or can make people very sick with pneumonia. Fever Cough Shortness of breath Difficulty breathing Prevention There are currently no vaccines available to protect against COVID-19 infection. To help prevent illness from this or other viruses you should:   Wash hands often with soap and warm water or use alcohol-based sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. Cough or sneeze into your elbow or into a tissue. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, stay home from school or work. Get a flu shot Treatment There is no specific treatment available for COVID-19. However, if you have traveled or been in close contact with someone who has traveled to affected areas and now have a fever and cough or shortness of breath, you should: Seek medical care. Call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room and tell them about your recent travel or contact and your symptoms. Stay home except for seeking medical care and avoid contact with others. Preparation Plan ahead in the case you should have to stay home because you are sick or to care for a loved one who is sick.   Have an adequate supply of nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, which could include pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluid with electrolytes and vitamins Check your regular prescription drugs to make sure you have an adequate supply; refill your prescriptions if needed Have a thermometer, tissues and hand sanitizer Have a two-week supply of food available at home

Frequently Asked Questions What should I do if I have flu-like symptoms?  Mildly symptomatic patients (like fever or mild cough) who are otherwise healthy can self -quarantine, monitoring temperature and symptoms and check in with your medical provider as needed.  Individuals who have severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, should seek care immediately. Always call ahead to your medical provider or emergency department.  Older patients and individuals who have underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised should contact their physician early in the course of even mild illness. In most situations, those patients will need to be evaluated in an emergency department. Always call ahead to your medical provider or emergency department.  I don't have symptoms, but was recently in contact with someone who was tested positive.  At this time, due to limited resources, if you are not having symptoms (asymptomatic) you will not be tested. Please stay home and self-quarantine for 14 days.  I was tested and confirmed positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).  If you are confirmed positive, and are otherwise considered healthy, you may be sent home to self-isolate.  If you are still waiting for test results, you should continue to self-isolate until otherwise instructed.  If you have any questions about COVID-19, please contact the Coronavirus Information Line at  410-313-6284 , 7-days a week from 8:00am - 5:00pm.

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. Howard County Council Howard County Council Offices are closed to the public until further notice, but services are still being provided. Read the Council’s   complete statement.  Fore more information, please contact your Council representative at 410-313-2001.  Please  check online for the latest information  regarding changes to schedules, deadlines, and Council operation. March and April hearings before the Zoning board, Board of Appeals, Council Hearing Examiners, and the Alcohol Beverages Hearing Board are postponed and will be rescheduled. 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) Resources and Referrals – HCHD Behavioral Health Community Services Directories page or Network of Care Directory of Services (searchable) 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.

‌ ‌ ‌