Coronavirus Containment
Updates
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Greetings!
I hope everyone is staying healthy and that you have been able to avoid cabin fever. As you all know, the landscape is changing quickly during this period of pandemic, so we are trying to get you as much information as possible on a timely basis. If you need assistance or have a question, please feel free to get in touch with our office. While we are not physically there, we can pick up messages and are still reading our emails. Be well!
The following is current as of March 18, 2020.
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Closed
- 50+ Centers and Activities
- Bars
- Columbia Association facilities
- Columbia Mall
- County Government Buildings
- County Indoor Facilities & Activities
- Gatherings of 50 people or more
- Gyms
- Libraries
- Loan Closet
- HCPSS Schools
- Hospitals
- Movie Theaters
- Restaurants (except drive thrus & take out)
- Shops at Savage Mill
- Worthington Dog Park
Reduced Hours & Services
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Canceled
- Battle of the Books
- Wine in the Woods
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Postponed
- Columbia Flier Community Meeting
- County Council's March Public Hearing
- Zoning Board, Hearing Examiner, Board of Appeals, and Alcoholic Beverages Authority Cases (see below for details)
Rescheduled
- County Executive's Public Budget Hearing; click here for more.
- Primary Elections (rescheduled to June 2)
Per Governor's order, all evictions have been stayed and BGE will not issue any utility turn-offs.
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Open & Operational
Alpha Ridge Landfill
Emergency Services
Food Bank
County Parks (stay off playground equipment)
Gas Stations
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Grocery Stores
Some Retail & Service Stores
Pharmacies
Take Out & Delivery Services
Trash & Recycling Collection
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State & County Emergency Declarations
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Maryland State of Emergency
On March 17, Governor Hogan held a press conference announcing the postponement of April 28 primary election to June 2. The US 7th District Congressional election will be held by mail. Click
here
for more.
On March 16, Governor Hogan held a press conference announcing a State of Emergency order closing malls, movie theaters, gyms, and restaurants. Gatherings of 50 people have been canceled. Residential utilities cannot be shut off, no late fees. Meals provided three times a day. Click
here
for more.
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County State of Emergency
On March 15, 2020, the Howard County Health Department today announced the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Howard County. This triggered County Executive Calvin Ball's declaration of a
State of Emergency.
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The General Assembly announced that it would be adjourning (Sine Die) on March 18, 2020. All pending legislation will expire and can be resubmitted during a Special Session to be held later in the year.
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Howard County Council
At the March Monthly Meeting, the County Council scheduled an emergency session for
March 20 at 1 pm
to consider emergency legislation extending the County Executive's State of Emergency.
For legislation introduced in March, notice of the rescheduled public hearing will be provided at a later time. The County Council encourages the public to continue to submit testimony by
email
or letter.
The following hearings for March and April are postponed until abatement of the Covid-19 public health emergency:
- Zoning Board
- Board of Appeals
- Hearing Examiners
- Board of License Commissioner
- Alcohol Beverages Hearing Board
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Howard County Department of Planning & Zoning
Columbia Flier Building
The community meeting on the forthcoming sale of this building has been postponed and a new date has not yet been scheduled. Click
here
for more.
New North Columbia Fire Station
Planning Board Virtual Hearing
March 19, 7pm
Agenda includes New North Columbia Fire Station (Capital Project F5976)
Click
here
for instructions on viewing and participating remotely.
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Howard County Government Recap
The County Executive announced a State of Emergency after the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the County. County offices and facilities are closed starting March 18. Below are updates on various County Departments' services and programs. This information is subject to change.
Department of Community Resources & Services
- 50+ Centers : All group programs, events and activities are suspended; refunds will be issued. Starting March 16, all 50+ Centers will be closed.
- Meal Programs: On-site food services have been suspended. Contact MAP at 310-313-1234 or through email if you are in need of a meal.
- Essential Services: Available by appointment for residents who express need for consultation. Services will be provided by phone and via the web, wherever possible.
- Tax Preparation: Postponed until the end of March.
Department of Finance
The Department of Finance is offering alternatives to in-person payment options for tax credits, water and sewer bills, recordation, lien certification, and tax sale notices.
Department of Planning and Zoning
Applications, related documents, forms, and plans can be submitted via
email
or by direct mail. Click
here
for additional contact information.
Department of Pubic Works
The Alpha Ridge landfill is open. Trash and recycling is continuing on its normal schedule.
Department of Recreations & Parks
- All large events, gatherings, programs, classes, and activities are cancelled.
- All parks will remain open.
Regional Transit Authority (RTA)
RTA fixed route will operate on an enhanced Sunday schedule during the week and weekend starting March 18. All fixed route and mobility fares will be temporarily suspended.
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Key County Deadlines
Extended
Deadlines for licenses, permits, registrations, and other authorizations issued by Howard County have been extended until 30 days after the Maryland State of Emergency by the Governor is terminated.
Click
here
for more.
The Board of Licensing Commissioners has suspended the April 1 deadline to submit renewal applications for alcoholic beverage licenses. The Commissioners also suspended the expiration date on current alcoholic beverage licenses for 30 days after the termination of the state of emergency.
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Federal Resources
The U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest loans to small businesses and non-profit organizations suffering economic injury due to the health and safety measures related to Coronavirus.
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State Resources
The State of Maryland's Department of Commerce has a
FAQ page
that covers issues and concerns faced by businesses during the closures of the State of Emergency. Highlights include extension of the business tax-filing deadline to June 1 and a 30-day extension on expiring State permits, license, and registrations.
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Support for the Community
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Community Action Council (CAC)
The CAC's Patuxent Woods building will be closed to the public effective March 18. Families needing energy and housing assistance, should contact CAC online or call (410-313-6440).
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Howard County Philanthropic Efforts
Four local philanthropies have announced new emergency funds and actions to support community members affected by COVID-19.
For those who need help and for those who want to help, contact the following organizations:
- Community Foundation of Howard County invites community members to donate to the Howard County Community Relief Fund to address ongoing emergencies in Howard County.
- United Way of Central Maryland encourages community members to call 211, which is open at all times, for help finding food or shelter, paying bills, getting care or finding tax assistance. Community members are invited to donate.
- Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is inviting donations through its Emergency Response Network that will go directly to the Community Action Council to assist in providing food supplies to Head Start families in Howard County.
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Keeping the Lights On
BGE has announced that they want to help customers through temporary or extended financial hardships. They are suspending service disconnections and waiving new late payment fees through at least May 1 and will be working with customers on a case-by-case basis to establish payment arrangements and identify energy assistance options. Click
here
for more.
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HCPSS
Maryland State Superintendent Dr. Karen Salmon directed that all Maryland schools through March 29.
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Keeping the Internet On
Comcast has announced free WiFi access at its hotspots, pausing limitations of data plans, and no disconnects or late fees during the Coronavirus response period. Click
here
for more.
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Howard Community College
Spring break will
no longer
be held April 6–12. Spring break is now March 15–22.
Howard County Library System
All branches will closed through March 29. All fines on items due during this period will be waived.
Battle of the Book is cancelled.
Check out online content including streaming TV, music, classes, e-books and audiobooks.
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As of March 16, Howard County has four reported cases. The circumstances of infection are still being investigated. Click
here
for more.
The County has a special phone line (410-313-6284), which is staffed by an infectious disease nurse if you have virus-related questions.
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Howard County Health Department
The Department is focused on protecting vulnerable groups, providing important health information in multiple languages, and providing coordination with relevant State Departments.
Reduce Your Risk of Infection:
- Stay home when sick
- Use good cough etiquette. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; or cough/sneeze into your elbow.
- Wash hands frequently or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Use social distancing when needed. Increase the distance (a six-foot buffer is recommended) between people in places where people commonly come into close contact. Avoid large gatherings, if possible.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces daily. Use soap and water or disinfectant with a label that says "EPA approved" for killing bacteria and viruses.
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