April 24, 2020

Dear Friends, Howard County has already shown incredible resiliency during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are preparing with Howard County General Hospital, a part of Johns Hopkins Medicine, should there be an overwhelming surge in our cases. Today, we announced our coordinated surge plan with Howard County General Hospital (HCHG). The surge plan focuses on three major aspects of operation: adding physical capacity to the hospital; tracking streamlining and purchasing vital equipment; and identifying and deploying staff to the hospital. Currently, HCGH has used no more than 20 percent of their capacity for COVID-19 patients, and only used 15 percent of available ventilators.

To manage a surge of positive COVID-19 cases, the hospital is repurposing different spaces and units to create isolated areas for positive patients. During typical times, Howard County General Hospital is licensed to operate 255 beds, with 16 intensive care beds. Since the surge plan has been enacted, there are now 30 critical care beds, and there will be 40 by the end of the month.  Thank you to President Steve Snelgrove and his team, Howard County Health Department, and Howard County Office of Emergency Management for their commitment and strategic actions. To learn more about our surge plan, watch the video above. 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

VEIP Testing Information Governor Hogan announced significant additional testing kits available in Maryland from a partnership with South Korea. Thank you to Governor Larry Hogan and First Lady Yumi Hogan for your leadership and partnership to increase testing capacity for COVID-19 in our community. In Howard County, we are utilizing the State's Vehicle Emissions Inspecting Program (VEIP) site in Columbia to assist in providing our community with tests. Please see this infographic with more information on the process on how to get tested for COVID-19 at the VEIP station.

HoCo Donation Collection Howard County residents have an extraordinary ability to pull together for those in need. This week, we launched HoCo Donation Collection, an online tool for residents to find locations and organizations to drop-off product donations including groceries, toiletries, and cleaning products. COVID-19 is testing our resiliency, but as we have proven before, we are stronger together. I encourage you to visit the website today to find out how you can best help. Visit the page here. Please note, the listings represent the most current information provided to us and are subject to change without notice. The best way to know a donation center’s status is to know-before-you go by calling ahead. Organizations wishing to be listed and/or join as COAD members can email Katie Canady at kcanady@howardcountymd.gov. If individuals or groups have homemade masks to donate, please email Masks.HoCOAD@gmail.com and include quantity, date of availability, location for pick-up, contact information, and any other relevant details

Face Mask Guidance It's important that we continue mitigation measures to combat coronavirus and keep our community safe. Governor Hogan signed an Executive Order mandating residents to wear face coverings when visiting retail stores or riding public transportation. Everyone must wear face coverings on all public transportation and in all stores; All riders on any public transportation All persons over the age of nine Shoppers at retail stores, grocery stores, and convenience stores Homemade face coverings, like a bandana, scarf, t-shirt- or cloth mask, may be worn. For details on how to make your own mask, please click here. To read the Governor's Executive Order, click here. Individuals in need of assistance in acquiring a face covering, can submit a request to the Howard County Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) here. Local community groups, non-profits, business or faith-based organizations in need of face coverings for personnel, can submit to request to COAD at here. Please note, submission does NOT guarantee the availability and/or delivery of resources. If individuals or groups are looking to make face coverings to donate and share with the community, please email COAD at HoCOAD@gmail.com

Barber Shop and Hair Salon Guidance This week, the Governor released guidance on barber shops and hair salons who may only provide service to employees of essential businesses and organizations. Those most likely to take advantage of this updated guidance are military personnel, first responders, and other essential workers required to follow grooming standards as part of their profession, or where un-groomed hair could pose a safety risk. Read the Governor's guidance here.

Unemployment Data We understand the impact COVID-19 has on our residents. Although the number of residents who have filed for unemployment is going down, our residents may still be looking for financial help during this difficult time. The Howard County Office of Workforce Development is here to help connect residents to employers and jobs available in Howard County. Visit their new portal here.

Mortgage Information Maryland has temporarily prohibited evictions of homeowners who are suffering from a loss of income due to COVID-19. There are resources available to help homeowners pay their mortgages and understand their rights under the State of Emergency. Under the Governor’s Executive Order, homeowners will receive up to a 90-day forbearance period or deferral period for mortgage payments. I encourage residents to be safe and understand the current protections in place to help. For more information, please call the Office of Consumer Rights at (410) 313-6420.

Howard County Public School Closures Maryland State Superintendent Dr. Karen Salmon recently announced that all Maryland Public Schools will remain closed until May 15th. It's important that we continue to stand strong, stay safe, and flatten the curve of COVID-19. We understand that this is challenging time, but we will persevere and we stand with our students, educators, and parents as we navigate through the online learning. For more information, read this Baltimore Sun article.

Victim Advocacy, Court Orders, and More During this COVID-19 pandemic, it's important to ensure our residents remain informed and our community needs are met. Here is some helpful information from the  Howard County Sheriff's Office  on victim advocacy, court orders and available resources. Sheriff Harris and his team are dedicated to ensuring every member of our community is safe. We are here to help and we will get through this challenging time together.

Coronavirus Data We are working tirelessly to keep our public safe and informed during this pandemic. Last month, we launched our Howard County COVID-19 Case Dashboard and last week began conveying Howard County cases by demographic data, including age and zip code. As of 9:00am on April 24th, we currently have 661 confirmed cases in Howard County. Of those cases, 460 cases are currently active and 20 are patients who have passed from the virus. We continue to keep those who have lost a loved one and those who are battling COVID-19 in our thoughts. We are grateful that 164 residents have recovered since their initial diagnosis of COVID-19. It’s important to recognize that we believe there are many more cases than currently reported because of a lack of testing. We must remain vigilant and hopeful that this virus will pass. By practicing social distancing, we are slowing the spread and flattening the curve. 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.

HoCo Farm Support Howard County is known for our robust agricultural history and businesses. 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 operates daily 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, 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.

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 The State Board of elections is providing three ways to vote in the special election on April 28th, including vote by mail, which is strongly recommended. Vote by Mail To slow the spread of COVID-19, all voters in the 7th Congressional District are strongly encouraged to vote by mail. The process is secure and the most effective way to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. To ensure everyone has an opportunity to vote, all voters in the 7th Congressional District will receive a mail-in ballot and can return it by mail. To vote by mail: Ballots were mailed on April 8, 2020. Vote your ballot, fill in the oval to the left of your candidate choice. Sign and date the oath on the envelope using black ink. Return your voted ballot by mail or deliver it to a secure drop box location. No stamp is required. Make sure your ballot is postmarked on or before April 28, 2020 or delivered to a drop box location by 8 pm on Tuesday, April 28th. Drop box locations will be finalized by Monday, April 20th. If you did not receive a ballot, please contact your local board of elections. In-Person Voting To ensure that all voters have an opportunity to vote, there will be three in-person voting locations on April 28, 2020 for voters to cast their ballots. These locations will be open from 7 am to 8 pm. For Howard County voters who live in the 7th Congressional District, the polling location is at the Howard County Fairgrounds, 2210 Fairgrounds Road, West Friendship 21794.   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.

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. 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.

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.

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 23 only 65.5% 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. Department of Recreation and Parks (HCRP) The April Recreation & Parks Advisory Board Meeting has been cancelled. Ways to find the most up-to-date information on HC Recreation & Parks Closures Visit our main Recreation & Parks webpage Follow us on Facebook (HoCoRec) or Twitter (@HoCoRec)  Call our information line at 410-313-4700 Call our status lines about programs, classes, events, community centers, and parks: www.howardcountymd.gov/inclementweatherlines The following recreational areas are closed to encourage social distancing and discourage any gatherings at parks. Basketball courts Disc golf courses Pickleball courts Playgrounds  Recreational Boating at Centennial Lake Rockburn Skills Park Skate parks Tennis courts Volleyball courts Worthington Dog Park Park gates are closed. (Please see https://bit.ly/2IYCxfs for clarification.) 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. The following are not running/are not open through May 15, 2020. All Programs, Classes & Events Spring Break Camps Leagues Rentals Howard County Recreation & Parks (HCRP) indoor facilities are not open to the public. (This includes HCRP headquarters, Roger Carter Community Center, Gary J. Arthur Community Center, North Laurel Community Center, Robinson Nature Center, Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, Firehouse Museum, Meadowbrook Athletic Complex, Kiwanis-Wallas Hall, Belmont Manor & Historic Park and more.) The following are cancelled through May 15, 2020. Large events, gatherings, and pavilion rentals Programs that include 50 or more people  Weddings are cancelled until June 1, 2020. Timbers at Troy is currently closed. This includes golf operations, clubhouse, golf course and driving range. They will continue to maintain the golf course; however it is not be open for play until further notice. Wine In The Woods (was to be held on May 16-17, 2020) is cancelled. Ticket holders can expect a refund within 7-10 business days. Thank you for your patience and understanding. All Sharp Shoot Operations were suspended. This affected the remaining five operations that were scheduled for March 17, 18, 19, 24, & 25. 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 June 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. For more information on federal and state coronavirus programs, 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 the end of June.  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, May 15th, 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. 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.

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 June 5th. 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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