May 20, 2020
Dear Friends,

Last week, I was proud to announce our framework for reopening, HoCo RISE, Reopening Innovatively, Safely, and Effectively . HoCo RISE provides additional data points that are specific to Howard County, our hospital, and our infrastructure to combat COVID-19. We’re a data-informed, people-driven community and this framework will allow us to make thoughtful decisions about how to carefully reopen.

At this point, we have made progress and are on track to continue increasing contact tracing and testing. However, there are still concerns about our proximity to counties with much higher case rates, our ability to access testing reagents, and whether we will be able to sustain this progress.

For a full list of our openings, please read my Executive Order here.
Visit our Howard County COVID-19 Dashboard to see a break down of cases by age, race, zipcode and more here. Please continue to stay safe and take extra precautions during this challenging time. I promise that we will get through this together.
Community Updates
What's Open in Howard County?

We understand there’s a lot of concern and confusion regarding reopening in Howard County and across the State. We are still working towards many of the building blocks needed for additional reopening, but, in consultation with our  Howard County Health Department , we feel as though some limited retail and outdoor activities can resume safely at this time.

Here is a list of services and locations open following the Governor's announcements last week:
  • Religious Services; Limited to 10 persons or less
  • ALL Retail, restricted to curbside or pick up only (the following list is non-exhaustive):
  • Art Galleries, bookstores, clothing and shoe stores, florists, furniture stores, jewelers, lawn and garden stores, pawn shop, sporting good stores, tobacco and vape shops
  • Manufacturing; May open according to State guidelines
  • Barber Shops/Beauty salons; May open by appointment only with one customer allowed in a location at a time
  • Outdoor facilities; May open with appropriate physical distancing

For more information, please visit  https://bit.ly/2LGP34V
Connected Howard County

We understand that this is a challenging time for many as we continue to navigate through this difficult time. As many events have been moved online to practice safe physical distancing, it's important that our residents are connected.

Please note, residents who visit these locations to connect to the internet are highly encouraged to maintain and practice physical distancing, wear a face covering, and continue to follow the CDC guidelines.
Contract Tracing Information

Our Health Department is working around the clock to increase contact tracing operation, but we need our community support and cooperation to track the stop the spread of COVID-19. This effort started with just two staff members before the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to ramp up to more than 20 times that amount over the coming weeks to manage the work ahead.

Please be sure to be forthcoming with vital information and follow Howard County Health Department guidelines. For more information, watch this informative video below.
COVID-19 and Children

Recently, a number of children have developed significant systematic inflammatory response that has appeared during the COVID-19 Pandemic. This may have been compared to other rare childhood conditions such as Kawasaki disease or Toxic Shock Syndrome, but at this time, it's considered a separate condition.

It's important for parents to be aware of these symptoms. If you have any questions or concerns, contact that Health Department at (410) 313-6284.
COVID-19 Symptoms

During this time of uncertainty, it's important that our residents are aware of the symptoms of COVID-19 (coronavirus). The Center of Disease Control recently recognized six additional symptoms of this virus.

If you think you may have COVID-19, please contact your health provider immediately or call Howard County Health Department at (410) 313-6284.
Who Can Get Tested?

We understand there is confusion about who can get tested for COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated their guidance on who can get tested. Please see this informative infographic to learn more about who can get tested in Maryland.

Now, residents are not required to receive referral from a medical provider to get tested and pharmacists have the ability to order and conduct COVID-19 tests. 
 
In addition to the Columbia VEIP testing site, two urgent care sites in Howard County also conduct COVID-19 testing. For more information how to get tested at these sites, see below. 
 
First Call Urgent Care Center 
10981 Johns Hopkins Rd, Laurel , MD 20723 
410-730-3399
Hours are 8 am - 9 pm on Monday-Friday for Covid testing.
Walk-Ins accepted.  

All Care Urgent Care
9396 Baltimore Nat'l Pk, Ellicott City, MD, 21042
410-480-9110 
Monday-Friday: 8am - 8pm
Saturday: 8am - 4pm, Sunday: 9am - 4pm
Walk-Ins accepted.  
 
Please note, appointments and referrals are still required for testing at the VEIP site in Columbia. 

For more information on testing, please contact the  Howard County Health Department  at their coronavirus information line at (410) 313-6284 or by visiting  HCHealth.org
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.
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 from 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. for registered residents. If you wish to register, please call (410) 313-1234.

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.

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.
2020 Census

As of May 19th, we’ve seen 73.5% of Howard County residents complete their census since its launch in March, and we’re optimistic about ensuring all our residents are counted. I encourage residents to visit our HoCoCounts 2020 Census Dashboard, an innovative online tool providing real-time statistics on census completion in Howard County. Now, residents can see how they’re performing compared to their neighbors.

This year is the first time the Census questionnaire can be completed online, making it even easier than ever for residents to respond. Information from the census impacts the federal funding that supports critical services and personnel in healthcare, education, emergency management, workforce development and more. If you have not taken your census yet, I encourage you to do so today. If you have completed your census, encourage five of your neighbors to do the same. It takes only five minutes to complete.

Visit the dashboard here.
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)

The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) 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.

The HCDFRS Community Outreach programs remain canceled but for assistance please email outreach@hcdfrs.org or call 410-313-2016
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)

As we continue to follow state, county and CDC guidelines, Howard County Recreation & Parks is cancelling all camps through June 14. Decisions on this summer's camps will continue to be made throughout the summer at least two weeks prior to a camp's starting date. We have also cancelled weddings at all County-owned facilities through July 1.

Beginning Monday, May 18, the equestrian rings at Schooley Mill Park and the Skills Park at Rockburn Branch Park are now reopen to the public.

The Advisory Board will host an online, live meeting on Wednesday, May 20 at 7 pm. Participants must preregister by 9am on May 20. Click here for more information.

Beginning this month, Howard County Recreation and Parks is now offering online versions of some of our popular classes and programs! A full list of these programs can be found at https://www.howardcountymd.gov/athomewithhocorec, with new classes added each week.

Howard County Recreation & Parks is working closely with county administration, the Howard County Health Department, and other local agencies as we continue to monitor and take protective measures against the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
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.
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.
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

All Maryland public schools will be closed for the rest of the school year. For information regarding the operations of the Howard County Public School System, please visit their website here.
Graduation Update: Each school will hold a virtual senior awards ceremony to highlight their seniors many accomplishments. Yard signs honoring seniors will soon be displayed across the county, and schools are considering additional celebrations to honor and give graduates an opportunity to share their future plans. Virtual graduation ceremony schedule is as follows:

June 4, 2020
  • Mt. Hebron High School — 10 a.m.
  • River Hill High School — 2 p.m.
  • Centennial High School (Howard County, Maryland) — 6 p.m.

June 5, 2020
  • Oakland Mills High School — 9 a.m.
  • Wilde Lake High School — noon
  • Marriotts Ridge High School — 3 p.m.

June 8, 2020
  • Cedar Lane School — 9 a.m.
  • Reservoir High School — noon
  • Hammond High School — 3 p.m.
  • Atholton High School — 6 p.m.

June 9, 2020
  • Glenelg High School — 10 a.m.
  • Long Reach High School — 2 p.m.
  • Howard High School — 6 p.m.

Holding a virtual graduation celebration does not preclude also holding an in-person celebration in the future. Every school is beginning to plan an in-person celebration to be scheduled at a later date once social distancing mandates are lifted. Schools are also considering additional ways to honor their graduates. More details about graduation plans will be solidified by early next week.
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.