Coronavirus Containment
Updates
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Stay Healthy and Be Counted
We are now in Week 2 of staying at home and social distancing and I doubt that it is getting any easier for most of us. My daughter arrived home recently after getting laid off from her job at a physical therapy center. She is experiencing what many in the service industry are dealing with: no job, no severance pay, and no unemployment benefits. The state where she lives has much more stringent unemployment benefits rules than Maryland. I can be thankful, however, that she is still healthy and, despite being the invincible age of 22, she is sticking to the social distancing constraints, which I hope is the case for all of us.
Just in case any of you are looking for something to do that is productive and will help the residents in our County, please fill out the Census questionnaire that we all received in the mail last week. Go to
my2020census.gov
and use your census ID to fill in the form online or call toll free at 1-844-330-2020 for assistance with filling out the form. Why does this matter? The census numbers determine how congressional seats are apportioned and how state and federal dollars are distributed for the many programs that serve lower-income families, such as Head Start, SNAP, and reduced price school lunches.
Hang in there,
Deb
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- All Maryland public schools (K-12) are closed through April 24.
- The County Council will be holding an emergency Council meeting on March 26 at 1pm. Click here for more.
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Tour the World
At your fingertips is access to far-away places, great works of art, and other adventures. Here are a few of my favorite online outings.
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Healthy at Home
Work off that anxiety and the stress eating with these at home exercises. Remember house cleaning is a workout too.
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Mind Workouts
Keep the grey matter in shape with these engaging activities.
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Kids
The most challenging group to keep entertained, engaged, and conflict free. Try these activities for education and escape.
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Feed the Front Lines
Interested in helping the community but you're stuck at home with a credit card and keyboard? Essential personnel with the Howard County Department of Fire & Rescue Services are kindly asking for donations of restaurant meals. Contact Jeff Shilling at 443-690-8873 or
email to coordinate.
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Neighbors Caring for Neighbors
Columbia Community Care is providing food and household items to people who need it. They are at a handful of school sites in Columbia. The group is in need of donations and volunteers. Click
here
for more.
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What's for Dinner?
Support our local businesses through carry-out and delivery food services. Click
here
for a list of restaurants that are open and waiting for business. Thanks to Jeremy Dommu at
The Merriweather Post
blog for his comprehensive list.
Councilmember Christiana Rigby's District 3 office put together a list of area grocery stores and delivery services. Click
here
for more.
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Be Kind to Our Drains
Howard County's Department of Public Works is asking residents not to dispose of their used gloves in toilets or drains. The gloves will form blockages in the sewer system and lead to overflows of sewage.
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Be Counted: 2020 Census
The U.S. Census is underway. Make sure that Howard County maintains its above average participation rate by filling out and returning the Census survey mailed to each residence. Or c
omplete your Census survey online
here
.
The data collected by the decennial census determines the number of seats Maryland has in the U.S. House of Representatives and is also used to distribute billions in federal funds to its local communities.
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Support for Businesses & Employees
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Employee Matters
Unemployment Insurance:
The Maryland Division of Unemployment Insurance is inundated with claims. Expect delays when calling their centers and consider completing an online application instead.
- Claim Center: 410-949-0022; call hours have been extended from 7:30am to 3:30pm.
- Online application: Click here.
Work Sharing:
This voluntary State program is an alternative to layoffs for employers faced with a temporary decline in business due to lower economic activity. The program allows an employer to cut costs by equally dividing available hours of work among employees. The affected employees are then eligible for partial Unemployment Insurance benefits based on their reduced hours.
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Food Safety Guidelines
FDA Recommendations:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a helpful online resource for food processors and retailers on keeping workers and consumers safe during the pandemic.
The FAQ section includes this reminder:
"
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or possibly eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. The coronavirus is mostly spread from one person to another through respiratory droplets."
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Business Matters
Business Express:
The State of Maryland now has a one-stop site for business-related issues during the State of Emergency. Click
here
for more.
COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Fund:
The Maryland Department of Labor has launched this fund to prevent or minimize the duration of unemployment resulting from pandemic-related layoffs.
Grant applications from small businesses are being accepted now.
Click
here
for more.
Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Fund:
This $50-million grant fund offers working capital to assist Maryland small businesses and nonprofits with disrupted operations due to COVID-19. Click
here
for more.
Howard County Economic Development Authority (EDA):
The EDA provides support for local businesses needing guidance through these uncertain times. Click
here
for more.
U.S. Small Business Administration:
Disaster assistance loans are available through this Federal program. Click
here
for more.
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Howard County Chamber of Commerce:
Sign up for the Chamber's e-newsletter for business-related resources and webinars on applying for Federal disaster assistance loans and other helpful topics. Click
here
for more.
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County Permits:
Deadlines for County licenses, permits, and other authorizations have been extended.
Click
here
for more.
Alcoholic Beverage Licenses:
The April 1 deadline is suspended. Click
here
for more.
Taxes:
State of Maryland's business and individual income taxes are due July 15.
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Closed
Non-Essential Businesses (per Governor's March 23 Order)
- Howard County Government Buildings & Centers
- Bars
- Casinos, Racetracks, & Betting Facilities
- Columbia Association Facilities
- Columbia Mall
- Community Action Council
- Gatherings of 10 people or More
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- Libraries
- Loan Closet
- HCPSS Schools
- Movie Theaters
- Restaurants (except drive throughs & 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
- GreenFest
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Postponed
- Columbia Flier Community Meeting
- County Council's March Public Hearing
- Howard Community College 2020 Commencement
- 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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Alpha Ridge Landfill
Emergency Services
Food Bank
County Parks (entrances closed to vehicles; playgrounds closed)
Gas Stations
Grocery Stores
Hospitals
Liquor 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 25, Governor Hogan held a press conference announcing the following:
- Anyone in Maryland who has recently visited New York State must self-quarantine for 14 days.
- Students in health fields can apply to work in COVID-19 field hospitals. Click here for more.
- $4 million will be provided for at-home meals for older adults.
- Telephone check-in services are available for seniors. Click here for more.
- All public K-12 schools will be closed for an additional four weeks through April 24.
- Referrals for child care for essential workers is available. Click here for more.
On March 23, Governor Hogan held a press conference announcing the closure of all non-essential businesses, facilities, and organizations. Click
here
for more.
Essential businesses include those in the federally defined "essential critical infrastructure industries." A full list can be found
here
.
Liquor stores and day cares also remain open.
Previous press conferences and Executive Orders
can be found
here
. On March 19, the Governor limited gatherings to 10 people or fewer.
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Virtual Town Hall on Coronavirus Response
The County Executive will be holding a Virtual Town Hall to update residents on the Coronavirus response efforts. Click
here
to register.
County State of Emergency
On March 19, the Howard County Executive announced the following:
- County parks are closed to vehicle traffic due to over-congregation of people and to discourage the use of playground equipment, as their cleanliness cannot be guaranteed.
- Businesses impacted by closures should contact the Howard County Economic Development Authority. Click here for more.
Click
here
for the press conference.
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Howard County Council
Hearings & Legislative Sessions:
The County Council is scheduled to hold an Emergency meeting on March 26 at 1pm.
For pending legislation, the County Council encourages the public to submit testimony by
email
or letter. The public can view legislative sessions by
streaming
and TV broadcasting on Channel 99 (Comcast) and Channel 44 (Verizon).
March and April hearings are postponed for
- Zoning Board
- Board of Appeals
- Hearing Examiners
- Board of License Commissioner
- Alcohol Beverages Hearing Board.
Legislation Recap:
Extension of the County Executive's State of Emergency (
CR41
).
Alcoholic Beverages Regulations:
Alcoholic beverage delivery and carry-out services are now temporarily allowed from restaurants, bars, and other entities holding a local license to sell alcoholic beverages. Click
here
for more.
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General Assembly
The General Assembly adjourned on March 18. The last time the General Assembly ended its session early was during the Civil War. The following are bills dealing with COVID-19 containment and response efforts.
COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Protection Act
of 2020
(
HB1663
/SB1080)
- Extends unemployment benefits to workers who are either quarantined or whose employers temporarily close.
- Authorizes the Governor to facilitate access to health care and mitigate health care costs for individuals undergoing COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment
- Authorizes the Governor to prohibit retailers from increasing the sale or price of essential goods and services.
- Authorizes the Governor to prohibit employers from terminating employees due to quarantine.
State Budget- Revenue Stabilization Account Transfers- Coronavirus (HB1661/
SB1079
)
- Authorizes the Governor to transfer up to $50 million from the State’s Rainy Day Fund for costs associated with the COVID-19 response.
COVID-19 Response Legislative Workgroup
- A 24-member, bipartisan workgroup that will monitor the State’s public health crisis and act as liaisons between constituents and the Governor’s office.
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Support for the Community
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Medical Supplies Needed
The
Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services is asking for donations of the following 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 items at the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services, 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive in the bins to the left of the main entrance.
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Blood Donations Needed
The American Red Cross is facing a severe shortage of donated blood supplies. Click
here
to schedule an appointment.
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Pen Pals Needed
Calling all students: the senior residents at Winter Growth are looking for virtual pen pals. Write notes about a vacation or about an all-time favorite toy. Send your notes to the following Winter Growth facilities:
penpal.olney@wintergrowthinc.org
penpal.columbia@wintergrowthinc.org
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Raising Emergency Funds
HoCo Respond:
Howard County charities are working together to raise funds for local nonprofits with the goal of raising $100,000 in the next 10 days. Click
here
for more.
Community Resources
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Keeping the Lights On
Click
here
for BGE's customer hardship services.
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Keeping the Internet On
Click
here
for Comcast's disaster support services .
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Howard County Government Recap
County offices and facilities are closed to the public and employees are teleworking when possible. Below are updates on various County Departments' services and programs. This information is subject to change.
- Meal Programs: Contact MAP at 310-313-1234 or email if you are in need of a meal.
- Essential Services: Available by appointment for residents who express need for consultation. Click here for more.
Department of Finance
The Department of Finance is offering alternatives to in-person payment options.
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 but has restricted/altered services and procedures; click
here
for more. 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 are closed to vehicle traffic.
Regional Transit Authority (RTA)
RTA fixed route will operate on restricted schedule. Click
here
for more.
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As of March 23, the State of Maryland has 288 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 21 out of 24 of the State's jurisdictions reporting confirmed infections; there have been three deaths associated with Coronavirus. Here are helpful health resources:
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, except for essential business
- 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 an outing is necessary. Observe a six-foot buffer between individuals.
- 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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