• Speeds will increase from 15/2 MBPS to 25/3 for all new and existing customers, and will become the speed of the service going forward.
• New families who connect will get 60 days of Internet service for free.
• The Internet Essentials program is normally available to all qualified low-income households in Comcast’s service area for $9.95/month.

• Spring break will no longer be held April 6–12. Spring break is now March 16–22, during which time the college will be closed, with campus access only for authorized employees.
• For March 23–29, credit and noncredit classes will be canceled. More details about this week for students, faculty, and staff will be forthcoming.

• Governor Larry Hogan signed emergency legislation on 3/9/2020 that authorizes him to transfer by budget amendment up to $50.0 million from the State’s Rainy-Day Fund to fund costs associated with the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The Senate and the House of Delegates passed this legislation unanimously.

• Senate President Bill Ferguson and Senator Clarence K. Lam introduced the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Protection Act of 2020. Speaker Jones introduced the cross-file (HB1663) in the House of Delegates. This emergency bill authorizes the Governor to take certain actions that could facilitate access to health care and mitigate health care costs for individuals undergoing COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment, such as prohibiting cost-sharing for disease testing. During the state of emergency, the Governor can prohibit retailers from increasing the sale or essential price of essential goods and services. The Governor can also prohibit employers from terminating employees because they have been required to be isolated or quarantined.

• 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

• Child support: hoco.child_support@maryland.gov
• FIA: fia.hoco@maryland.gov

• 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

• 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.

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing

• 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

• 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.

• 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

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

• SpringFest | Ellicott City Partnership - postponed
• Kinky Boots | Toby's Diner - Cancelled
• All events at the Fairgrounds have been cancelled through March 29th
• Battle of the Books | Howard County Library System - Cancelled
• Youth Opportunity Fair | Workforce Development - Cancelled
• Columbia Flier Building Meetings - Postponed
• Community meeting on the Timbers at Troy and Troy Park Environmental Studies - Cancelled
• Wine in the Woods - Cancelled

• The Legislative Public Hearing scheduled for 7:00 pm this evening, March 16th, has been postponed. Notice will be sent out when it is rescheduled.
• The Monthly Meeting at 1:00pm today, March 16th, will be held and will be both streamed and broadcast on County Cable. 
• The public is asked to access either via County Cable, channel 99 (Comcast) and Channel 44 (Verizon) or to follow the livestream here and not to attend in person.
• The Board of License Commissioners will meet at 4:00pm today, March 16th, to consider a rule change
• The public is asked to access either via County Cable, channel 99 (Comcast) and Channel 44 (Verizon) or to follow the livestream here and not to attend in person.
• The Legislative Work Session scheduled at 9:30am on March 20th is postponed. It is tentatively rescheduled to March 30th at 9:30am. As the public health emergency is evolving, this may change.